New York, New York: The third major MTA fare hike in as many years is looming as major MTA officials as well as New York State legislators purpose significant fare increases slated to start in January 2011. A September 13th press conference between NYPIRG members and MTA spokesmen reveals that the increases will likely be between 7% and 17%.
It is widely known that the New York State Legislator as well as Governor Patterson have been facing challenges on how to close revenue gaps in many of the states major public services. It appears that the state is trying to compensate a 2009 decision to cut over 143 million dollars in taxes dedicated to the MTA by raising fares and increasing there yearly revenue by 7.5%.
A spokesperson for the MTA stated "The goal is to increase revenues from fares and tolls by 7.5%, and the hearings are designed to elicit input on the best way to achieve that increase."
As the MTA continues to listen to a variety of activist groups as well as frequent subway riders the possibility that fare increases could be as much as a 41$ increase on monthly tickets, 29$ for weekly tickets and 25 cents per a ride increase is discouraging for many New York City residents.
“I am going to have to make some hard decisions” Rocco Anthony Rada a New York City resident said, “ as a student I am already cutting corners left and right. The fact that I may have to pay an extra 41 dollars a month just to ride the subway means I wont be able to eat some days, the MTA must find a different solution”
The MTA fare hikes are likely to affect a wide variety of people; from students and residents to commuters and tourist what was once a cheap alternative to walking is now turning into an expensive habit.
The fare hikes have sparked a variety of debate from many different groups. NYPIRG New York States largest non-profit advocacy group is at the forefront of the deliberation for fare hike alternatives.
Elena Conte of NYPIRG states in a press release, “We are here to speak on behalf of the millions of beleaguered New York City subway and bus riders. Riders are unfairly being asked to pay more for less, with a fare hike close on the heels of the worst service cuts in many decades. These include the loss of two subway lines, reduced service on a dozen more and the elimination of 36 bus routes and 570 bus stops. The cuts mean longer waits, more crowding, extra transfers and lengthier commuting times for literally millions of transit riders.”
It is the possibility of change for the worst that is raising so much concern. Many New York City residents have no other option other then taking the subway of the buss on a daily basis. What this fare hike would do for them is make it only make it more expensive to travel from place to place, but also make it less practical.
With all this said, and the real possibility of one of the MTA ‘s largest increases ever. The organization is still open to other alternatives as long as the states goal of a 7.5% yearly revenue increase is still likely to be met.
As speculation continues to grow, Jay H, Walder the chairman and chief executive for the MTA released a statement earlier this morning about the current state of the fare hikes. He stated in the release that the board of executives for the MTA will convene on October 7th and vote on the possible ways to reach the revenue goal of 7.5%.
Walder states later in his letter to costumers “This fare and toll increase is an important part of achieving a balanced 2011-2014 Financial Plan, generating over $400 million in 2011. Even with this additional revenue the Financial Plan requires that we remain diligent in implementing the additional cost cutting measures that are included in the Plan. I look forward to continuing to work with this Board to improve our service while ensuring that we make every dollar count. “
The MTA is looking at a variety of possible options to reach their annual revenue goal. In Jay H, Walder’s statement to the public it appears inevitable that an increase in fares will indeed happen. Regardless of what exactly the increase is, New York City buss and subway riders should prepare for what the increase may cost them.
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