Next Subway and Bus Fare Hike Could Be Higher Than Thought

Earlier this week, the MTA said that the proposed 8% subway and bus fare hike for next year might actually be higher. Why? Because the fare hike was discussed before the more recent economic downturn, credit problems, etc. (the MTA said, "Usually it doesn't change that much because our projections are pretty good. This year, because of the crisis, the changes are more significant."). It might be time to seriously consider alternative revenue streams like putting cats at the entrances of subway stations. In Japan, Tama the calico cat, mascot of the Wakayama Electric Railway, has helped put $10 million into the local economy!

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By Jen Chung in News on October 29, 2008 4:42 PM

Comments [rss]

kearnj

We pay more, make less or the same, and keep getting laid off. Where's the profit?

darealest1

#1

It's okay, Obama will soon turn the US into a socialist state and then everything will be free.

JacqueMehoff

Tama makes me want to go to Japan just to visit her and their rail system. I love cats and trains.

bagelman

bail-out for public transport! just toss 'em one billion. that'd be pocket change next to 750b for the clowns downtown.

Steven

There should be a day of protest where people don't pay the fare at the MTA own properties; Bridges and Tunnels, Long Island and Metro North Railroad, Buses, Subways.

Splicer

I want to know how many $150,000 shopping sprees the executives at the MTA are going on. Hell, I want to know if they are expensing $15 rather than paying out of their own pockets. Until every penny they spend is accounted for, including every penny of compensation these freeloaders get, then I say no fare hike. If there is one, then there should be systemwide disobedience on the part of riders. Do not pay. Let's see how many New Yorkers the police can sodomize for the price of a subway ride.

miz coaster

#7 - yes.

Shinobi Shaw

#1 Once again you have used yet another unrelated topic towards your political bias? What does this have to do with Obama? The man is not even president yet and you're blaming him for this?

Kevin Walsh

MTA: higher fares

Patterson: raising taxes

Bloomy/Quinn: raising taxes

Obama: raising taxes (for some, he says)

So where are going to get all this money everybody wants?

www.forgotten-ny.com

tblake

My cat is available, as long as he gets a cut. Please email him for details. He's very reasonable.

Novanglus

Tehy have it backwards. They up the fares as if they are the only ones affected by the economic downturn. How much do these guys try to cut costs? Maybe a pay-cut for execs or something, in stead of stickin it to the average Joe.

GaryK

i would be happy to pay an increased fare if they could keep the train system running during a rain storm. maybe bloompig should buy the MTA! the rich would get a cushy seat up front and the rest of us would get thrown under the train. problem solved.

kel

In a city where any given person is willing to kick another person down the stairs to make their train, I'm not so sure that a cat with a jaunty conductor's hat will be "the answer".

The MTA needs to start renting out more space in Subway stations to vendors. If people will pay 10 bucks for a damned cocktail at 9pm, they'll easily pay 8 for a nice big Starbucks at 9am. Come on MTA. Get with the program.