More MTA Fare Hikes?

By Jill Wagner

Yikes!  Just when the economy is tanking ... it could cost more for people to get to work!  And for that matter, to get around, period. 

The MTA has released it's so-called "worst case scenario" budget for 2009.  It aims to close a 1.2 billion dollar deficit.  To do that - some pretty dramatic changes could be headed our way. 

Bus riders in Nassau County could be hit the hardest.  The MTA says fares could climb by up to 75%.  In addition, some routes could be eliminated entirely.  Potentially on the chopping block: The N51 - 53 - 65 - 67 - 80 - 87 and 93 lines.

And if you don't use public transportation to get around, that doesn't mean you'll be immune to the potential changes.  The MTA says it could increase bridge and tunnel crossing tolls by as  much as 7 dollars in each direction. 

If you travel to New York City for work or play, subway rides could also cost more.  Possibly, three dollars a ride. 

Want more information, or the opportunity to let your voice be heard about these potential hikes?  There are public hearings scheduled in January.  For exact times and places, check out the MTA website at www.mta.info or call 212-878-7483.  

But before you panic, remember these are WORST CASE SCENARIO numbers, it depends what the state does about funding.

  

Comments

[John]

What happened to the "no, just kidding" story a week or two ago? Didn't the MTA decide to pass on Doomsday over Thanksgiving? Thirty percent increases became "only" eight percent or something.

So now we're back. Across most of the Island, it costs about thirty cents per mile to get into the City by LIRR. This is far more expensive, slower, and inconvenient than taking a car. So, with everybody having money problems, they want to RAISE the fares?

Except, wait, they want to make it harder to drive, too. Perhaps it'd be easier for them if they went from door to door demanding money personally.

And as I point out as often as possible, the "leadership" of the MTA makes six-figure salaries as state employees. Seems to me that firing them all would help both the MTA and State budgets out. Or maybe if they didn't run the trains using electricity from LIPA.

Nah. It's easier to cut bus service. That only really hurts the poor, and who cares about them, right?