Although the MBTA is discussing increasing fares or ending commuter rail service after 10 p.m. weekdays and entirely on weekends, it's "doubtful that either one of these scenarios will go through in the shape that it is," Sharon's MBTA Advisory Board representative says.

"But what it looks like, no one knows," David Strauss told selectmen Tuesday night.

Strauss said he based his comments on "interactions" and "conversations" he has had on this matter.

The MBTA has proposed both options to close a $160 million budget gap for fiscal year 2013, Strauss said.

The potential nearly 30 to 40 percent fare hike would increase a Sharon resident's monthly pass cost, currently $186, to $235 to $258, he said.

The potential service cuts would have "a drastic impact on residents of the town who rely on the T to get in and out of work, as well as go into the city on weekends for events," Strauss said. Sharon's MBTA commuter rail station is at 1 Upland Road.

The weeknight and weekend service cuts would mean "26 less trains a week serving the area," if one counts Stoughton trains that stop at the Canton Junction commuter rail station, which "I know a lot of folks in town travel to to catch the train," Strauss said.

Strauss called fare increases "a necessity, and should go up over time."

"But, a 30 to 40 percent increase at one time is a bit unpalatable for most people to handle," he said.

"Putting in a system of sensible, staggered fare increases that people know are happening is something the state needs to look at implementing."