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ATTLEBORO – The MBTA will hold a hearing on proposed fare hikes for commuters, but have scheduled the hearing while most commuters are busy commuting.
The Jan. 24 hearing at Attleboro High School has been scheduled during the rush-hour commute, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The timing has angered local legislators, who say the schedule was impossible for the people most affected by the proposed fare hikes.
“This really disappoints me. It’s just not acceptable,” said state Rep. Betty Poirier, R-North Attleboro. “People are on the train at that time. They can’t get to the meeting.”
She said the hearing hours should either be extended or changed to later in the evening. She suggested 6 to 8 p.m.
Poirier said she would write to the MBTA asking for the time change.
Joe Pesaturo, a spokesman for the MBTA, said he would look into the complaint. He also said commuters might find it easier to attend a hearing in Boston.
The Boston hearings are scheduled for Jan. 23 at the state transportation building from 1 to 3 p.m. and again from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 13 at the Boston Public Library from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Boston events are part of a series of hearings throughout Greater Boston, but the rush-hour hearing is the only one scheduled for the Attleboro area.
The hearings are aimed at taking comment from commuters on the transit authority’s two plans to reduce its budget deficit.
The first plan involves a 43 percent fare hike and reductions in train service. The second idea calls for a 35 percent fare increase, a cutback in train service and more bus service reductions.
Both plans come with increases in parking fees at MBTA lots.
Area lawmakers have said the would-be increases are outrageous and wondered if they are scare tactics to get the Legislature to approve a gasoline tax increase.
They contend the MBTA has neglected to take steps to reduce operating costs.
JIM HAND covers politics for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0399 or at jhand@thesunchronicle.com.
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