Local MBTA commuters are outraged at a proposed 19.5 percent increase in train fares.

Norton resident Tim Long said the fare increase is a bad idea — even if the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority needs the revenue now — because there’s little chance ticket prices will go back down.

“They should leave the ticket prices alone and raise the gas price on cars to help fund the MBTA,” he said.

Cody Lightfoot of Attleboro commutes to Boston daily for work.

“This absolutely sucks. They can raise gas prices, but that wouldn’t affect me. It’s not OK at all.” Dwayne Johnson of Attleboro commutes to Tufts Medical Center. He said he moved to Attleboro from Boston because the cost of living is cheaper here.

“I thought they were making enough money. What can you do?” he said of the proposed increase. “Everything’s going up. We’re still in a recession, and work isn’t giving anyone raises.”

Johnson said he is grateful to be employed and prays the economy will improve.

 If the increase is approved, a ticket from Attleboro to Boston would cost $8.25, up $1 increase. The MBTA said it needs the added revenue to pay off massive debt.

Robyn Gimler, a student at UMass Boston and a North Attleboro resident, said she doesn’t want to pay more, but added it would be a small increase.

“So many people rely on the service on the weekends and to and from work,” she said. “They have to figure out another way not to inconvenience customers.”

A Rhode Island commuter, who asked not to be identified, said he rides a motorcycle to the train station because parking for numbered spaces at the lot recently doubled from $2 to $4.

“I’m really concerned that my work isn’t going to match the same amount,” he said, “They need to effectively manage, rather than grab into riders’ wallets.”

Tara Vocino is a Wheaton College student who is interning at The Sun Chronicle this summer and she can be reached at vocino_tara@wheatonma.edu.