Nov 20, 2007 8:04 pm US/Eastern
Spitzer Steps In, Stomps Out MTA Fare Hike Talk
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
-
-
All's fair in the battle over fare hikes, as Gov. Spitzer said he would nix the proposed fare hike for now. (File photo)
CBS
It was music to the ears of New York City transit riders after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced Tuesday there would be no subway or bus fare hike, putting an end to the heated debate that angered passengers and politicians alike.
The announcement comes after Gov. Eliot Spitzer, whose public support waned following his recent failed attempt to allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses, said the MTA's year-end revenue balance sheets actually showed an additional $220 million after it updated its budget forecasts.
"Based on the current economic climate that has so many New Yorkers feeling squeezed, it seemed only proper that this amount be returned to the riders," Spitzer said in a statement. "I am therefore calling on the MTA to use these funds to reduce the proposed fare and toll increase."
Riders will continue to pay $2 per a trip for at least the next two years.
Lawmakers, straphangers and transit advocates alike were vocal in their protests to take a proposed fare hike in New York City off the table.
In recent weeks, state senators urged the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to scrap the plan to raise fares and tolls next year.
The MTA was scheduled to consider the proposal at meetings in December.
The MTA had said it was looking at raising fares from $2 to $2.25. It is unclear what will become of a proposal for an off-peak fare of $1.50 as well as the proposed hikes on area bridges and tunnels.
Spitzer said with the surplus in the budget, the MTA can now venture down other avenues before turning to its passengers' wallets for funding.
"So as the MTA considered a fare hike, my chief concern was making sure that fiscal responsibility was observed and that all avenues were explored before imposing an added burden on the public," he said.
Stay with CBS 2 HD and wcbstv.com for the latest on this developing story.
Full Statement By Gov. Spitzer "I have been closely following the public hearings on the potential fare hike by the MTA and I've listened to the public's serious concerns about paying more, especially while times are tight. At the same time, I am acutely aware of the need for state agencies and authorities to be fiscally responsible, pay down debt and plan for the future. So as the MTA considered a fare hike, my chief concern was making sure that fiscal responsibility was observed and that all avenues were explored before imposing an added burden on the public.
"As the MTA updated its budget forecasts, their balance sheet yielded an additional $220 million. Based on the current economic climate that has so many New Yorkers feeling squeezed, it seemed only proper that this amount be returned to the riders. I am therefore calling on the MTA to use these funds to reduce the proposed fare and toll increase. This reduction will ease the burden for the millions of New Yorkers who use the MTA's transportation network every day and will allow the MTA to hold the base fare for subways and buses to $2.00.
"I continue to support the MTA's efforts to bring its budget in line with implementing important customer service improvements and moving forward with critical infrastructure projects like the Second Avenue Subway, the #7 train expansion and East Side Access."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
