Keller @ Large: Anger Won't Fix MBTA Money Problems

BOSTON (CBS) - If you're on a tight budget and rely on the MBTA to get to work, it's terrible news – fares are going up, big-time.

One woman who spoke out at the MBTA board meeting Monday where the fare hikes were approved said "how dare the MBTA raise fares when we have to pay more and more for worse and worse service?" And according to the Globe, some of the protesters who heckled the board called them "corrupt."

I understand why this is an emotional topic. But anger at the current board is completely misplaced.

First of all, they are not "corrupt." They are, for once, telling the truth about the system's financial problems and the limited range of legal options they have to fix them.

Folks have every right to be angry over the longstanding neglect of the MBTA infrastructure, the payroll and pension-padding that have diverted funds needed to fix it, and other examples of T mismanagement, but this board is trying to repair all that, and should be supported rather than reviled.

The protesters' energy would be better directed at persuading taxpayers and their representatives from communities that don't use the T why they ought to chip in to help. And Beacon Hill pols who want to side with them should detail what they've done in the past to stop the red ink tidal wave.

All the screaming in the world won't change the reality – the T needs money and raising fares is one of the only viable options.

The goal now should be a long-term cure for the pain, not numbing it temporarily with anger.

Listen to Jon's commentary: