New Yorkers will be given the chance to lash out at the MTA over the latest round of proposed fare hikes and even though it won’t affect their decision, does make for an interesting spectacle. You can watch it live on NY1 or attend the hearings in person at Cooper Union. Show starts at 6pm sharp! |NY1|
The latest incarnation of the MTA bailout plan exempts drivers on certain business and medical trips from paying a $2 toll on East River and Harlem River bridges. To offset these exemptions, the plan also includes a 50-cent surcharge on cab rides and an increased tax on Manhattan garage parking. But despite the compromise, Senators Carl Kruger, Pedro Espada and Ruben Diaz continue to oppose any tolls, preferring that a small of number of drivers pay nothing while millions of subway and bus riders pay more and get less or no service at all. Still, unless the MTA gets to the real root of the problem, its insurmountable debt, no amount of tolls are going to drive them out of this fiscal hole. |NYT|
Photo by ajagendorf25
It’s official! The M.T.A. board members voted 12 to 1 for: “fare hikes, toll increases and service cutbacks.” Effective May 31st, the price of subway and bus fare will increase from $2 to $2.50. |City Room|
In a move that is likely to piss off straphangers, drivers, and Long Island Railroad commuters alike, the M.T.A. will likely approve an across the boards increase on fares and tolls. Riding the subway will cost $2.50 a pop and if that alone isn’t enough to unsettle you, they’ve also announced huge cuts in service. So you’ll basically be paying more for less in this tragic transit comedy. Where’s the populist outrage? Someone needs to bus in those pissed off people fuming at the A.I.G. bonus thing and get them to start scare mobbing the M.T.A. |NYT|
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