After an outcry from elected officials and the public, the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has voted unanimously to forgo perks such as E-ZPass tags and free access to commuter railroads, subways, and buses.

The board members yesterday voted 12-0 to end the long-standing practice after meeting for more than an hour behind closed doors at the agency’s Madison Avenue headquarters. One board member, James Sedore of Dutchess County, abstained.

With the vote, former board members and spouses of current board members will no longer receive free travel privileges. Current board members will still be allowed to use the agency’s railroads, subways, and buses for free, as well as E-ZPass tags, provided they are on official MTA business.

A few hours after the vote, former board members also were asked to turn in parking placards issued by the MTA Police Department. A spokesman from the MTA called the move “an administrative action,” as there was no formal vote on it.

Current board members can continue to use the placards when on official business.

Some board members had initially threatened to take the matter to court or simply vote against giving up their free perks. Last week, a vice chairman of the board, David Mack, said he would not use any MTA service if he were not given free passes.

Governor Paterson responded with a strongly worded statement that said board members who wanted to hold on to the free perks showed “an utter contempt for average New Yorkers.”

Mr. Mack retreated from his remarks and voted in favor of the proposal yesterday.

Attorney General Cuomo has called the free travel benefits a violation of state law, under which all board members must serve without compensation.