2008_10_tamacat.jpgEarlier 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!