Mass. lawmakers advance MBTA rescue bill

BOSTON (AP) -- House lawmakers have advanced an MBTA bailout bill aimed at heading off further service cuts on the cash-strapped Boston-area transit system.

The measure would transfer from the state to the MBTA the bulk of surplus snow removal funds and $49 million from a motor vehicle inspection trust fund.

The bill also provides $3.5 million to smaller regional transit systems.

The latest version of the legislation drops a plan to immediately transfer operation of commuter boats from the MBTA to Massport, but requires a study of the feasibility of such a move in the future.

The measure was given preliminary approval during an informal House session Monday and could be debated later this week.

The T has warned of deeper service cuts if the Legislature doesn't act on the bill by July 1.