The T negotiated a 13% wage increase with the Boston Carmen's Union without budgeting the funds for the increased expenses. The agency is now struggling with how to cover a $150 million tab from the salary increase. The T has already spent its rainy day fund when it faced a $75 million budget shortfall this year. This, while ridership continues to climb due to gas prices. The Carmen's Union points out that the salary increase is not the root of the T's problems; years of budget shortfalls, expansion, and debt mismanagement have left the agency in dire straights. Here's the question: Are MBTA fares too low? Or could the budget be supplemented by a gasoline tax that gets more drivers off the road and onto the T, especially during off-peak hours?

[Globe]