DiNapoli Criticizes Transit Authority’s Plans for Fare Hike
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The state’s comptroller criticized the Metropolitan Transit Authority on yesterday for its plan to raise fares for subway and bus riders.
Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said the MTA should hold off on any fare hike before knowing how much money will be allocated to mass transit in the state budget.
He also said the agency should wait until state and city officials have reviewed the recommendations of the recently established congestion pricing commission. Mayor Bloomberg’s congestion pricing plan would charge extra fees for driving into the busiest parts of Manhattan.
“The MTA should put New York’s commuters first,” Mr. DiNapoli said. “Before the MTA asks for more money from straphangers, it should develop a coordinated strategy with the state and city to balance its operating budget and to finance the next five-year capital program.”
The MTA has proposed raising fares and tolls by 6.5% in 2008 and another 5% in 2010. A vote is scheduled in December.
