State lawmakers must do more to address the MBTA’s severe workforce shortage, a problem that will likely extend service cuts through the remainder of the year, as the agency needs far more manpower to safely operate its current system, a new report found.

The report, released Monday by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, raises doubts over the MBTA’s ability to increase its headcount by roughly 2,000 workers, as stated in its fiscal year 2024 budget plans, pointing to a challenging labor market and a slew of anticipated retirements at the T.

“Even with a larger pipeline, sufficient resources, and faster hiring processes, solving labor force challenges are likely beyond the MBTA’s or any other single institution’s abilities,” the report states. “Ensuring that the MBTA can safely and effectively operate its current system must be the top priority of lawmakers.”