MBTA Officials Cut Deficit Forecasts, Cite Lower Expenses

BOSTON (AP) — MBTA officials are forecasting less red ink as they tout savings in operating expenses at the Boston-area transit system.

Brian Shortsleeve, chief administrator of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, said Monday that the T's estimated structural deficit for the current fiscal year has been cut by $75 million, to $95 million.

Shortsleeve planned to tell the T's control board that the agency has managed to shave expenses in several areas, including employee overtime, health care and energy costs.

He also said the projected budget deficit for the fiscal year starting July 1 would be "dramatically lower" than the current $242 million estimate, though he said it was too early to give a figure.

The board is scheduled to vote March 7 on proposals to raise fares throughout the system.