Mar 3, 2008 2:40 pm US/Eastern
MTA Hits New Yorkers With Latest Fare Increase
Commuters Unhappy With Hike
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Costly changes are affecting every commuter. Sunday, fares and tolls went up on subways, buses, bridges and tunnels throughout the tri-state area.
Transit hikes are always hard to take, but this one may be even harder considering the current inflationary environment.
"Food is going up. I'm paying more for bread because the cost of wheat is up. So it's just another thing. It's gonna be hard on New Yorkers," straphanger Chloe Williams said.
"It's not helping us any," added Paulie Kunz. "My pocketbook is not going up. They are not giving me a raise in my job but the Port Authority is raising fares into the city."
At 3.85 percent, the MTA's hike is technically a modest one. The base subway and bus fare will remain unchanged at $2, but some commuters will be hit harder.
You'll no longer get a free ride for a $10 metrocard. The bonus, formerly $2, is now only $1.74. A seven-day pass now costs $1 more, and a monthly metrocard's price rises by $5.
City Councilman Simcha Felder says this is no deal at all for commuters who ride only during weekdays.
"You're actually paying more money for a 30-day unlimited than you'd be paying if you just bought a months worth of fares, 21 fares, for $73," said Felder.
On the Metro-North, a one-way trip from New Rochelle to Grand Central costs 25¢ more at peak times, and $6 more for a monthly pass.
Bridge tolls are also on the rise. The cash fare on the Verrazano is up $1. The EZ-Pass toll on that bridge is up 30¢.
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