MBTA cuts concern officials

Arlington officials are encouraging residents to send comments to the MBTA about proposed fare hikes and possible cuts to the number of bus routes serving the town. The T is proposing a fare increase of 50 cents for bus rides and 70 cents for train service under one scenario designed to help offset a budget deficit. In that scenario, weekend service would be cut from the Route 78 bus serving Arlington and Harvard Square in Cambridge. A second scenario includes smaller fare increases - 25 cents for bus rides and 55 cents per train ride, but more chopping of routes. Of the 10 bus routes serving Arlington, under the second proposal service would be cut on seven - Routes 62, 67, 76, 78, 79, 80, and 350. Written comments can be submitted to the MBTA by e-mail to fareproposal@mbta.com or by mail to: Fare Proposal, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3910, Boston MA 02116. - Brock Parker