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Fare hike likely done deal

By Marlene Naanes, amNewYork Staff Writer and amNY.com
More stories | MNaanes@am-ny.com

December 11, 2007

The proposed transit fare hike unveiled Monday, is likely all but a done deal with elected officials responsible for the appointment of the majority of voting MTA board members coming out in favor of the plan for the first time.

The mayor, who appoints four voting members to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board; the governor, who is responsible for six appointments, and the Westchester County Executive, who appoints one, all spoke favorably of the proposed increase yesterday. In total, there are 16 voting board members.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg went on to support the MTA's decision to postpone some service improvements until early next year, when the agency's finances are more certain.

"While I hope that those service increases will be able to proceed, it is prudent to insure that funds are available to support these new initiatives," Bloomberg said. MTA officials said specifics on postponed improvements will be released later this week.

Meanwhile, straphanger advocates blasted the MTA's decision.

"It's a big political blunder for the governor and the MTA to introduce themselves to the 7 ½ million subway and bus riders by hiking their fare before improving service," said Gene Russianoff, staff attorney for the Straphangers' Campaign.

The MTA board is scheduled to vote on the fare hike on Dec. 19. If approved, increases will take effect by early March.