Results tagged “farehike”

When one Upper East Side subway station was not prepared for the final transition over to the newly-priced unlimited Metrocards post-fare hike, straphangers freaked the fudge out. The Post describes the scene at the 86th Street station for the 4, 5, 6 where commuters were "banging the station agent booth window, crying, and forming lines that were 30-people deep at the card vending machines — until one broke down." Since yesterday was the end of the grace period for monthly cards purchased at the pre-fare hike rates, many were forced to exchange their $81 cards when they wouldn't swipe. The station had a mere 50 pre-paid envelopes to give to riders to mail their not fully-used MetroCards back to the MTA for a pro-rated reimbursement that were quickly snatched up, adding to the chaos. The Post says there wasn't even a sign up letting riders know that their old cards wouldn't work. While a NYCT spokesman has already apologized to riders, one commuter told the paper, "I'm hot, frustrated, and they should have honored the old cards. This is bull." No word on if he was crying while quoted.

Today's the first day back to work since the MTA's fare hikes went into effect over the weekend, and the city's news outlets are closely monitoring the public's response. While many experts expected commuters to greet the fare hikes with flowers and dancing on the subway platforms, it looks like they just don't appreciate the MTA's noble attempt to liberate their wallets. Many, in fact, expressed a shocking degree of contempt for the Authority: discontented subway rider Emmanuel Louis (no relation to the Webster star) tells the Daily News, "You shouldn't raise the fare if you're not going to increase service. It's just not fair."

It's fare hike time! On Sunday, June 28, the fare hikes for NYC Transit subway and bus —plus MTA Bus, Long Island Bus, and Staten Island Railway—commuters go up to the not-doomsday new fares. Above are the new prices; the MTA will automatically deduct the higher fare from pay-per-ride MetroCards starting at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday. As for the unlimited MetroCards, it's a little more complicated—here's what the MTA says:

The MTA's non-doomsday fare hikes start today, with higher fares on the Long Island Rail Road (fare table here) and Metro-North (table here). WCBS 2's Lou Young spoke to commuters at Grand Central and Penn Station. One woman, who travels from Yonkers into the city, said, "It's a big deal considering nobody has any money. Money is very scarce right now"; she faces an increase of $1.50 per roundtrip—about $30/month (and she rarely has the cash available to buy a monthly). A pair of brothers who commute from Babylon into Manhattan will have to pay another $21/month each on their monthly passes. Another commuter from White Plains was resigned, "It adds up. It adds up, especially when the fares go up all the time. They got a deficit. Wadda ya gonna do?"

The MTA board will be meeting today to discuss the State Legislature-approved $2.26 billion bailout plan that provides some relief to the agency while raising fares 10% for commuters (this year, plus additional fare hikes in 2011 and 2013) and imposing a payroll tax for employers in 12 counties. On the upside, there are no major service cuts. During this meeting, the board is expected to reduce the doomsday fare hikes and service cuts it approved in March (we expect the Post to keep tabs on whether Nancy "I'm dating Macca" Shevell attends). The other big news is MTA CEO Lee Sander's resignation. Sander told WCBS 2, "I think it's fair to say I'm leaving because the governor wants me to. It's his prerogative choose who he wants to be chair and CEO of the MTA and I've made it clear that it's his choice... I would prefer to stay. For me, it was a dream job. I am very proud of the progress we had made in the two and a half years."

Governor Paterson said that he and the State Legislature have come to an agreement about the MTA bailout and the State Senate will vote on the plan tomorrow. Here's an overview: The fare increase will not be a doomsday-sized 23-25% but a 10 percent hike now, followed by "7.5 percent in 2011 and 7.5 percent in 2013," according to the AP. At the end of the month, the base fare will rise to $2.25 from $2 (a monthly unlimited Metrocard will go up to $89 from $81) and there will not be major service cuts. Previously, the Senate Democrats' plan included an 8% hike for 2009, but now the additional 2% will go towards capital projects. The plan is expected to raise $2.26 billion for the MTA, with $1.5 billion coming from a payroll tax. Paterson said, "Today's agreement will allow commuters to avoid the painful service reductions approved by the MTA Board earlier this year, and dramatically reduces the proposed fare and toll increases. This legislation will also allow the MTA's critical infrastructure rebuilding program to continue unimpeded at least through the end of 2011."

The Senate Democrats' agreement on a plan to bailout the MTA is a small bit of relief because it proves that Albany can sometimes get things done after weeks of kicking and screaming. Sure, the Dems' plan isn't great (no bridge tolls on East or Harlem River bridges), and it's unclear whether capital projects will be funded, but at least the fare hike would only be 8%—and not 23-25%—and there would be few or no service cuts. A single ride would cost $2.25 (up from $2) while a monthly card would cost $88 (not $81).

According to reports, the State Senate Democrats have reached a tentative agreement on a plan to bailout the MTA. Originally, the plan floated by Senate Majority Malcolm Smith included a taxi dropoff surcharge, an additional motor vehicle registration fee and a payroll tax (the payroll tax would fund the bulk of the plan), all while raising fares by a more moderate 8%; it appears that the tentative plan has a 50-cent (not a $1) taxi surcharge and the already-reported payroll tax reimbursement to school districts. Next up, getting the plan approved by the rest of the State Senate, and if it passes, then the Assembly and Governor. Governor Paterson doesn't think it's a great plan, but signaled he was open to any plan over no plan-and-a doomsday fare hike.

Governor Paterson wants the State Legislature to vote on the State Senate's MTA bailout plan tomorrow and have it passed by Wednesday. This in spite of the fact that the Senate plan (which includes a payroll tax, taxi dropoff surcharges and Paterson's addition of reimbursing school districts for the payroll tax with state money) might not have the 32 votes it needs in the Senate—and some skepticism from Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver. Paterson told the NY Times, "What I’m saying is, this is not a plan that I think is going to get a blue ribbon. But what it does is it solves the huge immediate problem of the anxiety and fear that commuters have over the shocking increase in fares and the prospect of widespread service cuts." The Senate plan would include an 8% fare hike, vs. the proposed 25% hike in the doomsday plan. He also said he would, if the plan passed, look for ways to fund the MTA's capital program over the summer, but of course, there's also the additional deficit the MTA faces...

With news of another $621 million shortfall beyond an expected $1.2 billion deficit, the MTA is considering ways to deal with its troubled financial situation since the State Legislature (really, the State Senate) has been slow to agree on any sort of rescue plan. There may very well be another fare hike after the doomsday fare hike and service cuts that go into effect on May 31. It's so bad that MTA CEO and Executive Director Elliot Sander said he might even consider shutting down overnight subway service to save money: "I would not take anything off the table. [However] There have been reasons historically why that was not done and it may be that those reasons still exist."

Yesterday the MTA revealed that its finances are in even worse shape than originally believed, with declining property tax revenue resulting in an additional $621 million budget gap—even after planned fare and toll increases of up to 30% and service cuts go into effect. With those dreaded changes just weeks away, the authority is still hoping the state will pass some sort of bailout package to help avoid the worst of the cuts. Sadly, the MTA's hopes rest on the Albany legislature, where hopes go to die.

After a week in which any bailout plans out of Albany flopped and the MTA finally made official its proposal for a fare hike and service cuts, legislators are finally sounding like they are close to a deal that will alleviate the strain put on straphangers. The long-discussed raising of driver registration fees and MTA payroll tax are likely to be central to any plan to avoid the proposed $103 monthly Metrocard. Senate Leader Malcolm Smith says that "all options are on the table."

As the reality of the MTA's approval of a severe fare hike (around 23-25% for subway and bus riders) and service cut (bus lines eliminated, subway lines cut or limited) set in, riders got angry at the MTA, at the State Legislature, at the overall mess. In fact, we thought we could hear our readers gathering their pitchforks...or at least getting their bikes ready. MTA Chairman H. Dale Hemmerdinger and CEO Elliot Sander gave remarks (full remarks after the jump) pointing out that years of the MTA's borrowing have contributed to the current predicament; Hemmerdinger said, "Our customers may not be 100% happy with us, but this time many clearly understood there are other - external - players who have helped cause our dilemma," and held out hope that Albany will act, "It can only be undone by actions that they will take, so we sure hope the pressure will build."

The MTA board is about to vote on a series of severe fare hikes and service cuts for subway, bus and rail commuters, as the State Legislature hasn't agreed on a plan to help out the MTA. Mayor Bloomberg said, "I would suggest, when you see what's going to happen to your commuting costs, you should call your state legislators and say, 'I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore.'" (Here's how you find your State Senator and Assembly member.) Update: The MTA voted to approve the fare hikes. MTA executive director Elliot Sander said, "This is an extremely difficult day for everyone. Believe me, neither the board nor the senior staff of the MTA would be advancing these measures if we had any other choice."

The NY Times found some mass transit commuters who are against tolling bridges, even if it means they would pay higher fares. A woman waiting for a bus near Brooklyn College said, "I think it’s unfair to tax drivers to pay for those using public transportation. Why should the bridge commuters pay for the subway commuters in Brooklyn?" There are warring plans in Albany right now and the Times reports most mass transit commuters support bridge tolls, adding, "Few of those interviewed could identify their state senator or what his stance was on the tolls. Many directed their anger over rising fares at the authority or Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who has no direct control over fares." The MTA is set to vote on its budget, Albany bailout or not, this week; will it come to having an MTA telethon to save the agency?

Word is that a bailout plan for the MTA could begin making its way through state legislatures in the week ahead. This past week was one that only seemed to present stalling for any potential alternatives to the looming threat of a $100 monthly Metrocard. Despite a push from Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, any serious talk of bringing tolls to the East River crossings has hit a snag with the Democratic bloc in the State Senate known as the Three Amigos demanding the MTA "go back to the drawing board" and calling for an audit for the agency. The new bailout plan would come with some potential reorganization for the MTA, a new position would combine the roles of the full time executive director (picture, current executive director Elliot Sander) and the part-time, unpaid chairman (currently Dale Hemmerdinger). The legislature could also see a revenue driven proposal from Governor Paterson that would substantially raise DMV registration fees.

      

Last night, hundreds people crowded a ballroom at the Hilton for the MTA's first public hearing on the proposed fare hikes and service cuts. Leona Adams, an 86-year-old, spoke out against raising Access-a-Ride fares 250% (or higher): "The medical field has extended our lives to whatever age we are...yet if we are not able to continue our active lives that Access-A-Ride allows, then we will become burdens to our family, the city, the state and the nation."

  

The MTA is dangling an option for commuters to (strap)hang onto fares closer to what they pay now: switch over to MetroCards or pay more. Yesterday they laid out four potential proposals for fare hikes come June: a pair of options if the state adopts the Ravitch Commission suggestions and enacts a payroll tax that would only force a slight increase and another pair of alternatives that includes the Doomsday showdown of a $3 base fare (for one-way trips) versus the $103 unlimited monthly.

In the future, subway travel will be the exclusive domain of the moneyed class, a decadent indulgence enjoyed by only the most privileged New Yorkers. And the future starts now! Today the MTA confirmed that next year the cost of a subway or bus ride could reach $3 for a one-way trip. The MTA faces a serious budget deficit of $1.2 billion next year and wants to increase the overall revenue from fares and tolls by 23 percent.

The MTA's board will be voting on the so-called Doomsday budget this morning. Since the MTA faces billion-dollar deficits with no help in sight (aside from the State approving the Ravitch Commission recommendations), the board is expected to pass the plan that includes big fare hikes and drastic service cuts.

There's nothing like "nightmare scenarios" to make the MTA's financial crisis seem even more grave. The Daily News explains,"Riders at some 150 subway stations will see service cuts," like fewer staffers, if the MTA does not get a bailout. The Straphangers Campaign worries, "In many cases, the cuts would force riders to enter through scary, unstaffed stations entrances." Plus some stations, like those along the N line, will be shut down over night.

Yesterday, the Ravitch Commission released its recommendations for closing the MTA's budget gap. You can read the report here (PDF) or take a look at the highlights, which include: An 8% bus, subway and commuter train fare hike; adding tolls to the now-free Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges as well as the Harlem RIver bridges (no toll booths, just EZ Pass or bills sent to drivers); and a "mobility tax" for employers in 12 counties "equal to one-third of one percent of wages ($330 per each $100,000 in payroll)," according to the Daily News.

After much speculation and the local papers preparing commuters for what was to come, the MTA made their official budget proposal today and as expected, the cutbacks were dramatic. In addition to the slashing of the W and the Z lines among other cuts listed Tuesday, today's 2009 budget also included the following:

The MTA is meeting today to discuss its $1.2 billion budget gap. While the agency refuses to comment on any specific measures until next month, big fare hikes and service cuts are expected. Today, the Daily News reports that the M8 bus, which travels across the East Village and West Village is eliminated, according to a budget proposal, as well as some express bus routes (the QM22, X25, and X32). One thing that could help the MTA is state intervention, but the state has its own budget crisis. And while some City Council members want to bring back the commuter tax-- Michael Nelson said, "In Brooklynese, basically, we was robbed about nine years ago" (the tax was repealed in 1999)--naturally suburban legislators hate the idea.

While the MTA doesn't want to comment yet on how they might close the $1.2 billion budget gap, the speculation continues. The Daily News thinks the "base fare will likely rise into the $2.50-to-$3 range," adding, "Officials haven't set new target prices for the unlimited-ride MetroCards." Yesterday, the News details how service would be cut, like eliminating the Z, cutting G and M service in half, and running trains less frequently over night.

With the MTA's budget deficit now being projected at 1.2 billion (after an original prognosis of 900 million), the Daily News has learned that a report to be released Thursday will include what some are calling "Doomsday" cuts. The big one for many commuters is the elimination of the W line.

Last week, WCBS 2 first mentioned that the MTA might consider adding tolls to the free East River bridges--the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg and 59th Street--as a way to raise much-needed revenue. Now, Governor Paterson confirmed to the news station, "I think that very accurately we may have to look at tolls on the bridges right in the city... The MTA itself which has a deficit, a debt, which is higher than 46 states, now has an $11-14 billion deficit, so I'm not surprised that they're suggesting drastic remedies." Projected revenue, if the bridges were to be tolled, could be $1 billion...that is, if people, who are freaked out by the prospect, keep driving. And the MTA might also have to sock it to subway and bus riders, by raising the base fare (this week's speculation: up to $3 to close the budget gap!).