Dec 30, 2008 12:48 pm US/Eastern
MTA Turns Up The Heat On NYS Lawmakers
If Legislature Doesn't Approve Ravitch Plan, Massive Fare Hikes Could Follow
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Like a train barreling down the track, higher fares are coming for New York commuter railroads, buses and subways.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is turning up the heat on New York State lawmakers by outlining just how high some fares could rise.
"It's horrible, we're already struggling with a recession and you're going to raise the fares?" said Metro North rider Devon Bean, "it's not a good look at all."
The MTA Board must close a billion dollar budget gap, and its preferred method is the so called Ravitch Plan, which calls for modest fare hikes coupled with a small payroll tax on every worker in the MTA region and tolls on 13 bridges that are currently free.
If the legislature doesn't approve the Ravitch Plan, the MTA says to expect massive fare hikes outlined in a new memorandum.
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-A current single bus or subway fare at $2 rises to $2.25 under the Ravitch Plan, but jumps to $3 under the so called, 'worst case scenario.'
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-A 30 day MetroCard goes up $7 under Ravitch, but a whopping $22 under the 'worst case plan.'
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-Express bus fares jump $6 under Ravitch or $10 otherwise.
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-Commuter railroad fares rise between 4 and 9 percent under Ravitch, as much as 29 percent if the Ravitch plan is not approved.
While lower fares are certainly popular with straphangers, the thought of a payroll tax to keep fares low is not.
"I don't think they should do a payroll tax. People who ride the train should absorb the cost. I don't think other people should be responsible," said Linda Gionfriddo, a Metro North rider.
Starting in January, the MTA will hold a series of public hearings, hoping straphangers support the Ravitch Plan, and the legislature acts accordingly.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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