ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
A Blue Line train arrives at Wonderland Station in Revere.

BY GABE MARTINEZ

REVERE — Local commuter reactions to the proposed fare hikes by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) are mixed.

The MBTA voted Monday to increase fares, with a 9.22 percent average increase for riders coming.

Some residents were not phased by the increased fares, like Marblehead resident Brian Joyce, who was taking the Blue Line at Wonderland Station in Revere.

“It’s still cheaper than Washington, D.C.,” Joyce said. “Someone has to pay for it.”

The increased fares’ negative impact on the elderly, students and people with lower incomes is an argument being raised by those against the fare hikes.

The new hikes will increase the cost of monthly bus passes from $50 to $55. Student passes will increase from $26 to $30.

Joyce said he wishes there was a way for people with higher incomes to help pay for the fare increases for those with lower incomes.

Monday’s control board hearing was a raucous one, with protesters shutting down the meeting for about half an hour.

Protesters even drowned out the vote with their chanting, according to the Associated Press.

The new increased fares will begin July 1.

One Swampscott resident, Scott, who declined to give his last name, was not pleased with the proposed increases.

“No one likes to pay more,” Scott said. “I’m reimbursed by my company, but it is not a significant impact.”

Scott also said that despite the fare increases, his overall experience with the “T” has been OK.

“Last winter was a tough one with delays and cancellations,” he said. “I ride everyday to and from work and it runs smoothly.”

Adel Alanazi, a student from Saudi Arabia, said he believes that subway fares should be significantly lower.

“It is too much to ride now,” Alanazi said. “It should cost less than $2.”

Gabe Martinez can be reached at [email protected] follow him on Twitter @gemartinez92.