MTA Continues to Debate Whether to Increase Fares and Tolls

By Yehudit Garmaise

   Although the current $1.4 billion debt of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), makes its debate of whether to increase the costs of fares and tolls more urgent, for the past 10 years, the agency has increased fares and tolls every other year.

   The MTA board will not finalize its financial plans and possible reductions in service for a few weeks, however, today, MTA officials proposed increasing some fares about 4% and increase some tolls by as much as 8%.

   The agency will make its final decisions about fares and tolls and January, and those changes usually take effect in March.

   Other recent cost-cutting proposals by MTA officials have included: cutting subway service in half, eliminating 9,000 MTA jobs, getting rid of unlimited rides, and maintaining the single ride cost at $2.75.

   Yet, other politicians and MTA officials have argued for lowering the prices of fares and tolls to increase ridership, and therefore, help to get the beleaguered agency to get out of debt.

   Union workers have argued that instead of cutting jobs, the MTA should, instead look for additional sources of revenue and innovative ways to cut costs.

   Mayor Bill de Blasio at told BoroPark24 last week that whatever budget cuts and fare and toll increases the MTA makes will not be enough to recover the lost income from decreased ridership throughout the pandemic.

  Only a government stimulus: a $12 billion federal bailout, can begin to cover the MTA’s budget that has been decimated by the decreased ridership due to the COVID pandemic, while allowing the agency to continue the same level of service and jobs that it always has, the mayor said.

   The MTA welcomes New Yorkers’ comments and suggestions, which can be submitted online or on the phone.

   In addition, the MTA will continue to hold virtual hearings at which riders have the chance to provide feedback and opinions at question-and-answer sessions MTA officials.

(Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit)