BOSTON — Republican Gov. Charlie Baker is finding out the MBTA's troubles go beyond the occasional delayed train.
The latest headache is a $42 million budget gap and a proposal to stop commuter rail service on the weekends for a year to help close the hole.
When the proposal surfaced Monday, Baker said it was part of a "menu of options" for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's fiscal management control board to consider.
By Thursday, Baker said, "Service cuts should be a last resort to deal with budget issues."
Democrats, hoping to unseat Baker next year, were quick to pounce, saying the plan - and a second proposal to end thousands of door-to-door rides for disabled passengers - targets the vulnerable and could end up driving away riders in the future.
[ Massachusetts member of Congress oppose commuter rail cuts ]