It's official: Beginning July 1, Somerville riders will be paying more to ride the T.

After all of the talk, public hearings, and protests over the past three months, the MBTA Board voted Wednesday afternoon to boost fares 23 percent and cut back service in an attempt to close a projected $161 million deficit in the next fiscal year.

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. 

Meanwhile, some cuts in service—mainly involving bus routes, The Ride, and the commuter rail—were also approved.

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.

A recent Boston Globe poll showed that 40 percent of Massachusetts voters supported a state bailout for the MBTA. 

More on the MBTA's service and fare changes

Somervillians Join 24-Hour Vigil at State House to Urge MBTA Funding

Somerville Youth Join Rally in Boston Against MBTA Fare Increases

POLL: MBTA's Fare and Service Changes in Somerville

Somerville Sees no Cuts to Bus Service in Changes Recommended by MBTA

Hundreds Expected To Protest MBTA Board Meeting Wednesday

MBTA, MassDOT's Open Letter to Customers

MBTA Service Cuts Would Hurt Boston Economy, Says Report

Residents Express Anger, Offer Solutions to MBTA Officials

New Proposal Would Avoid Service Cuts on MBTA

Somerville Protesters Sing 'M.T.A.' Before Occupy Boston Rally [VIDEO]

Provost on MBTA: 'We Will Have Another Crisis Next Year'

Poll: Fix the MBTA with Fare Hikes, Cuts or Taxes?

Patch Readers Unhappy with MBTA Situation

Your Thoughts: Fare Hikes, Maybe Bus Eliminations Coming to Somerville