MTA Approves Unpopular Fare Hike
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority yesterday voted to approve a fare hike and toll increase that many commuters, and more than 100 elected officials, have urged it to stave off at least until next spring. Under the plan, approved by 12 out of 14 board members, the base fare for subways and buses will remain at $2. About 86% of straphangers who purchase discounted passes, however, will pay more at the turnstile beginning March 2.
The cost of monthly, unlimited ride MetroCards will rise to $81 from $76. The cost of a weekly pass will jump to $25 from $24, and a new 14-day card will be available for $47. Cars entering the city will pay about 3.8% more in tolls effective March 16, and monthly passes on the commuter railroads will also increase between 3.76% and 4.25%.
The fare and toll increase is expected to generate a 3.85% rise in revenue for the MTA. Opponents of the fare hike, including city and state lawmakers, have called on the MTA to hold off until April, when the state Legislature is expected to evaluate recommendations from a commission studying Mayor Bloomberg's congestion pricing proposal.
"It is a big political mistake for Governor Spitzer and the MTA to give the back of their hand to 100 legislators who have said they want to help," the chief attorney for the Straphangers Campaign, Gene Russianoff, said in a statement. MTA officials acknowledged that the move would be unpopular, but that it was necessary to help close a looming billion dollar deficit.
