MTA outlines fare, toll hike proposals - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

MTA outlines fare, toll hike proposals

Posted: Updated:
NEW YORK (AP) -

New York City's transit authority unveiled its latest fare and toll proposals for rails, bridges and subways on Monday, including one that would raise the 30-day unlimited subway MetroCard from $104 to $125.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROPOSALS

The Metropolitan Transit Authority has said the 2013 hike would bring in $450 million a year to support the nation's largest transit system. The MTA will hold public hearings on the proposals in November, and the board will vote on a final budget in December.

The proposals include a hike in cash tolls for cars crossing the city's bridges from $6.50 to $7.50. Tickets on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North could rise by about 8 percent.

But the city's subway and bus riders would be hit the hardest under the potential options, which include a 20 percent jump in the unlimited monthly Metrocard.

Base subway and bus fare could go up from $2.50 to $2.75. And the seven-day unlimited pass could jump from $29 to $34. One proposal calls for eliminating the 7 percent MetroCard bonus customers receive for putting at least $10 on a pay-per-ride card.

Legislators issued statements on Monday calling for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to help avert the need for a fare hike by increasing state funds for public transit. The state comptroller's office has said fare and toll hikes continue to outpace inflation, placing a burden on commuters across the metropolitan region.

"Tolls and taxes should not be the go-to solution for every debt-stricken government authority," said Rep. Michael Grimm, who represents Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn. "Just as every working family or business must learn to live within a budget, so should the MTA."

MTA ridership was 1.64 million last year, the highest level since 1950, and is expected to grow.

---

The MTA will be holding several public hearings:

Wednesday, November 7

  • Brooklyn – Brooklyn Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY
  • Long Island – Farmingdale State College, Roosevelt Hall, Little Theater, 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY

Tuesday, November 13

  • The Bronx – Hostos Community College, Center for the Arts and Culture, 450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY
  • Manhattan – Baruch College Performing Arts Center, Mason Hall, 17 Lexington Avenue at 23rd Street, New York, NY

Wednesday, November 14

  • Orange County – Hilton Garden Inn Newburgh/Stewart Airport, Vanderbilt/Astor Rooms, 15 Crossroads Court, Newburgh, NY
  • Staten Island – College of Staten Island, Center for the Arts, Springer Concert Hall, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY

Thursday, November 15

  • Queens – Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel, 135-20 39th Avenue, Flushing, NY
  • Westchester County – Yonkers Public Library, Riverfront Library Auditorium, One Larkin Center, Yonkers, NY
Powered by WorldNow

WTTG FOX 5 & myfoxdc
5151 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20016
Main Number: (202) 244-5151
Newsroom: (202) 895-3000
fox5tips@wttg.com

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices