Nov 7, 2007 7:50 pm US/Eastern
MTA Exec: Congestion Pricing May Stop Hike
High Emotions Expected At Wednesday Night Hearing
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
There were revealing words from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's chief official Wednesday about what may have to happen in order to avoid a fare hike.
The agency will hold public hearings on its proposal Wednesday night.
CBS 2 HD was there when executive director Elliot Sander got a strong reaction from a straphanger.
The message was simple: Keep transit fares low.
It was faster than a speeding subway, but that comment made MTA head Sander lose his train of thought.
"Slightly distracted by ... its not uncommon," Sander said. "I certainly don't expect New Yorkers to say thank you for increasing fares and tolls."
Sander knows he'll be on the hot seat Wednesday night when the public gets to express its opinions about proposed increases on subways, buses, commuter rails and tolls.
Some think the MTA board doesn't pay attention.
"During the hearings some members were called out by the public for chatting away to each other and doodling," said Gene Russianoff of the Straphangers Campaign.
Sander says he's listening and has an open mind.
"The straphanger in my judgment will have to play a role, but if Wall Street turns around and congestion pricing is passed then maybe we can give the straphanger a break," Sander said. "We'll see."
Councilman John Liu, D-Queens, will be testifying Wednesday night.
"I will implore as all New Yorkers are imploring the MTA to hold off on the fare hike until it's absolutely necessary," Liu said.
Here's what some MTA customers think:
"I think it's horrible," said Joanne Morgan of Little Neck. "There's so many hurting people for money and they live pay check to pay check so with them imposing hike it's not fair and they're walking around in $5,000 suits."
Stevie Gonzalez of Little Neck echoed what so many New Yorkers are feeling right now.
"It's just I can't afford it right now," Gonzalez said.
Added Jerry Feliciano of Jamaica: "We're paying for so much. To raise it 25 cents, that's ridiculous."
The MTA board is scheduled to vote on the fare hike right before Christmas.
With the governor and mayor naming the majority of the MTA board, Sander says that their opinions will weight heavily in the fare decision.
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