Commuter Costs Set To Rise Under Revised MTA Plan
Commuters who purchase monthly and weekly MetroCards, more than 85% of the riding public, are likely to be hit with a fare hike next year, even after Governor Spitzer stepped in last month and ordered the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to hold the base fare at $2.
A new MTA proposal would increase the cost of a 30-day MetroCard to $81 from $76, and raise the cost of a weekly pass to $25 from $24. The cost of a one-day Fun Pass would rise to $7.50 from $7, and riders would have the option for the first time of purchasing a 14-day, $47 MetroCard.
A bonus, which gives riders 20% more value for every $10 increment purchased, would be reduced to 15% for any purchase over $7.
RELATED: MTA Press Release on Fare Hike Plan
An earlier fare hike proposal dismissed by Mr. Spitzer would have hiked the monthly fare by only 4%, to about $79. Overall, the new plan would mark a 3.85% hike, less than earlier proposals, the MTA said in a statement.
Mayor Bloomberg today lent his support to the idea of a fare hike for the first time, and said he would instruct his MTA board members to vote in favor of the new proposal.
"I agree with Governor Spitzer that this fare increase is necessary to maintain an adequate level of service," Mr. Bloomberg said in a statement. "Although it is always hard to ask riders to pay more, I will now urge the city's representatives to support the proposed fare plan that calls for preserving the $2 fare and holding the overall fare increase to less than 4%."
The MTA board will vote on the proposed increased on December 19.
