Patrick suspends public hearings on fare increase

By Andrea Estes, Globe Staff

Governor Deval Patrick said today that he has directed his transportation secretary to suspend the 12 remaining hearings on the proposed MBTA fare hike, including one tonight in Revere.

Governor Deval Patrick

He said he does not want to move forward until former John Hancock chief executive David D'Alessandro completes his review of the MBTA's finances, due by Nov. 1.

At the first hearing held at the State House on Monday, more than 150 riders and lawmakers showed up to debate the possible 20 percent fare hike, but only one of the eight members of the MBTA's board of directors attended.

Transportation Secretary James Aloisi, who also chairs the MBTA board, did not attend, saying through a spokesman that he didn't need to be there because staff people would report back to him on what took place.

The fare increase would raise bus and subway fares by 50 cents.

Ousted MBTA General Manager Daniel Grabauskas said Monday that he did not believe an immediate fare increase is necessary and would have said that at yesterday's hearing were he still on the job.