Here We Go Again: MTA Board To Vote On Potential Fare Hikes On Jan. 22
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Is the Metropolitan Transportation Authority about to hit riders with another fare hike?
The board will vote next week, CBS2's Diane Macedo reported Wednesday.
Whether you travel by road or rail, your commute in and around New York City could soon get more expensive.
"This is part of their package to raise fares every two years and they've been debating two different proposals," transit blogger Benjamin Kabak said.
One would increase the base fare for a subway or bus ride by 25 cents, but gives a bigger discount for buying multiple rides, raising it from 5 percent to 11 percent. The second leaves the base fare unchanged, but eliminates the discount.
Both would increase the price of a 30-day unlimited MetroCard by $4.50 and a seven-day unlimited MetroCard by $1.
Riders that spoke to CBS2 drew little distinction between the plans, but had mixed opinions on an increase.
"We're already paying enough," said Hillary Reyna of Yonkers.
"It would make it hard for me," added Theresa Burns of New Jersey.
"I think the city subway system is great. What is it, $2.50 right now? I don't think that's a lot of money," said Cey Adams of Brooklyn.
"If they're gonna take the money and put it towards improvements or make the ride a more tolerable thing for the customers, I can justify it, perhaps," another New Yorker said.
The vote could also affect pricing on Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road. That's not sitting well with commuters, especially those who use those trains every day.
"The fees are already expensive as it is. If they do this it will be inconvenient for all of us," said James Markakis of Astoria.
"Close to $300 with the subway and whatever, it's very tough for middle class people to manage," added Gary Babad of Belrose, Queens.
John Raskin of the Riders Alliance said the best alternative is to give the MTA more tax money.
"When the subways and buses don't run the city's entire economy falls apart. That's why we need funding, but riders shouldn't be the only ones who are paying for it," Raskin said.
Still, some riders said they hope the MTA will find another way.
"There's waste; there's always waste," one man said.
You can see all the different proposals on the MTA website. The board votes on Jan. 22. The board will also vote on proposals to increase tolls on several of the bridges and tunnels. The MTA offered no comment, Macedo reported.
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