Board members approved a plan in a 4-1 vote that would raise most subway fares by 30 cents, bus fares by 25 cents, and commuter rail fares by at least $1.25.

The plan also calls to eliminate two bus routes that serve Medford: The 355, and the 710. The 710 route -- operated by Joseph's Transportation -- includes North Medford, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and Wellington Station. The 355 is an express bus that runs from Woburn to Boston with a stop in Medford Square.

Two other MBTA bus routes cuts, along with service changes The Ride, and the commuter rail were also approved. Previous proposals raised the possibility that far more significant cuts to bus service could be made.

Many people showed up at today's hearing and were given a chance to talk during a one-hour "public speaking" session before the vote. They also chanted a chorus of "Shame on You!" after the vote was taken.

The plan that was approved was the third budget proposal after the MBTA floated two previous ideas that would have made more drastic cuts. Those plans were presented in dozens of public hearings across the state where they faced strong opposition from the public.

Meanwhile, several groups continued to protest this latest budget plan, including an overnight vigil that was held at the Statehouse Tuesday into Wednesday morning.

An "Occupy" group was also planning to hold a "people's hearing" outside the State House today at 3 p.m., followed by a 5 p.m. rally and 8 p.m. vigil.

Today's vote takes care of the projected deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1 but does not get rid of billions of dollars in debt the agency was given in 2000. Critics have said the state should bail out the troubled transportation department.