BOSTON (WHDH) - BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is hoping to use a voluntary retirement program and other incentives to reduce its staffing level by 300 workers — a move aimed at saving the public transit agency about $25 million.

MBTA officials say the savings will be used to help close an estimated $80 million budget deficit.

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One of the programs is targeted at the more than 1,100 transit workers already eligible for retirement as of the end of the year.

The agency is offering a one-time cash incentive to encourage workers to take the retirement offer.

The T also is hoping to encourage the departure of workers not yet eligible for retirement, but who may be interested in leaving the agency.

The MBTA is trying to erase a structural deficit.

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