There’s no question about it, the Metropolitan Transit Authority is facing hard times. In the face of a multi-million dollar budget deficit, the MTA is seeking to hike fares again in order to close the gap.
The MTA announced on Tuesday plans to increase transit fares, and bridge and tunnel tolls starting next year. Although the precise amount has yet to be determined, the MTA expects to increase transit fares from its current price by eight percent.
If approved, the proposed fare increase will take effect July 2009. Following an increase early this March, the MTA’s proposal will mark the second time in history that the authority has increased fares in two consecutive years. The first time was in 1980 and 1981.
In its 2009 budget report, the MTA reported a $900 million deficit. In an early prediction six months ago, the gap was only at an expected $200 million.
The proposed fare hike is expected to generate at least $200 million extra in revenue. The MTA is also seeking financial aid from both the city and state, which could amount to over $300 million.
However, even before the proposal is scheduled to take place, the MTA is already facing a skeptical audience.
For Angel Romero, a teacher from the Bronx, plans to increase fares did not come as welcomed news.
“I think it is terrible,” said Romero who rides the subway everyday. “People aren’t getting an increase in salary and now they’re going to pay more and more for transportation.”
Governor Paterson issued sharp criticism on the proposed fare hike and called on MTA authorities to take a second look at its finances before implementing it. However he did not say whether or not the state would support the MTA’s pleas for financial aid.
A dismal report on increased subway delays from last year released by the New York City Transit on Monday also did not help to alleviate public sentiment
In the report, system wide subway delays had increased by 24 percent since May of 2007. Delays were especially prominent on the Lexington Avenue lines. The percentage of lines arriving within five minutes of scheduled time decreased in 10 different lines, the 4 line having the worst delays.
According to the report, the leading cause of delays is construction work, followed closely by customers holding open doors.
The MTA announced on Tuesday plans to increase transit fares, and bridge and tunnel tolls starting next year. Although the precise amount has yet to be determined, the MTA expects to increase transit fares from its current price by eight percent.
If approved, the proposed fare increase will take effect July 2009. Following an increase early this March, the MTA’s proposal will mark the second time in history that the authority has increased fares in two consecutive years. The first time was in 1980 and 1981.
In its 2009 budget report, the MTA reported a $900 million deficit. In an early prediction six months ago, the gap was only at an expected $200 million.
The proposed fare hike is expected to generate at least $200 million extra in revenue. The MTA is also seeking financial aid from both the city and state, which could amount to over $300 million.
However, even before the proposal is scheduled to take place, the MTA is already facing a skeptical audience.
For Angel Romero, a teacher from the Bronx, plans to increase fares did not come as welcomed news.
“I think it is terrible,” said Romero who rides the subway everyday. “People aren’t getting an increase in salary and now they’re going to pay more and more for transportation.”
Governor Paterson issued sharp criticism on the proposed fare hike and called on MTA authorities to take a second look at its finances before implementing it. However he did not say whether or not the state would support the MTA’s pleas for financial aid.
A dismal report on increased subway delays from last year released by the New York City Transit on Monday also did not help to alleviate public sentiment
In the report, system wide subway delays had increased by 24 percent since May of 2007. Delays were especially prominent on the Lexington Avenue lines. The percentage of lines arriving within five minutes of scheduled time decreased in 10 different lines, the 4 line having the worst delays.
According to the report, the leading cause of delays is construction work, followed closely by customers holding open doors.
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