Dec 31, 2008 6:39 am US/Eastern
Lawmaker: 'Ravitch Plan' Way To Go For MTA
If Legislature Doesn't Approve Plan, Massive Fare Hikes Could Follow
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
The new year will bring new and higher transit fares from the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Whether fares rise a little or a lot will depend on the state Legislature. The MTA is outlining the stark choice facing lawmakers and straphangers.
From the Metro-North platform in White Plains to the Long Island Rail Road station in Hicksville, no one wants higher transit fares.
"It's horrible," says Metro-North rider Devon Bean. "We're already in a recession and they want to raise fares?"
But they're coming as the MTA works to close a billion dollar hole in its budget.
The MTA's preferred solution is the "Ravitch plan," which means modest fare hikes for riders, a small payroll tax on the city and suburban workers, and tolls on 13 city bridges that currently are free.
Under the Ravitch plan, millions who seldom or never take mass transit would end up paying more.
"I don't think they should do a payroll tax. People who ride the train should absorb the cost," said Metro-North rider Linda Gionfriddo.
The MTA says if the Ravitch plan is not approved by the Legislature, you can expect massive fare hikes as outlined in a memorandum. It has example after example of worst-case scenario fare hikes.
A single bus or subway ride up 25 cents under the Ravitch plan rises a full dollar under the worst-case scenario plan. A weekly express bus pass rises $6 under a Ravitch plan, and $10 under the other.
Commuter rail road fares increase a maximum 9.5 percent under Ravitch; a whopping 29 percent if the Ravitch plan is not approved.
Assemblyman Richard Brodsky (D-Westchester) says the Ravitch plan or something like it is the way to go. "We're gonna have to find that money. I think we can. It will involve taxes, it will involve fare increases," he says.
How high will fares rise and who will pay – it's a debate that starts in earnest in the new year. In January, the MTA will hold a series of public hearings on its budget plan. You can find all the dates and times by clicking here.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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