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MBTA to raise parking prices at 32 lots

BOSTON — Taking the T could now end up costing you more, not for the onboard fare but to park at a station.

The MBTA announced on Tuesday they've voted to approve raising parking rates at 32 more popular lots across the system.

In North Quincy, the parking rate is slated to jump from $5 to $7 a day.

“I feel like every few years they raise the rates and it’s tough for some people," said Kathy Boyce, who parks in North Quincy. “Well of course I’m not happy about it, that’s a big jump. It’s not like it went to $5.50 or $6.00.”

The surge pricing will affect stations such as Alewife, Qunicy Adams and Braintree, where the daily parking rates on weekdays will escalate from $7 to $10, but on weekends, the price will drop from $7 to $3.

At the Forest Hills, Oak Grove, Waban and Wellington, the price to park on a weekday will raise from $6 to $9, but on weekends it'll drop to $3 as well.

The new parking prices are set to go in effect on August 1st.

The MBTA's goal is to raise $8 and a half million a year with these new prices.

Kevin Chase takes the Red Line every day, but says that a 50 percent increase in parking prices will drive him to swap taking the train to going back behind the wheel.

“I think it’s a lot to ask to go up to that rate," said Chase. "I remember when they went from 2 to 5 dollars and half the lot disappeared and I think the same thing is going to happen again.”

However, for others, it's a positive thing.

For people like Susan Bunbury, who parks in Dedham, the price will drop from $4 to $2 a day.

“For me this works out because I’m not too far from here," said Bunbury. "This would be a place I would put my car and use the commuter rail.”

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