New York City's transit authority unveiled its latest fare and toll proposals for rails, bridges and subways on Monday, including one that would raise the 30-day unlimited subway MetroCard from $104 to $125.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority has said the 2013 hike would bring in $450 million a year to support the nation's largest transit system. The MTA will hold public hearings on the proposals in November, and the board will vote on a final budget in December.
The proposals include a hike in cash tolls for cars crossing the city's bridges from $6.50 to $7.50. Tickets on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North could rise by about 8 percent.
But the city's subway and bus riders would be hit the hardest under the potential options, which include a 20 percent jump in the unlimited monthly Metrocard.
Base subway and bus fare could go up from $2.50 to $2.75. And the seven-day unlimited pass could jump from $29 to $34. One proposal calls for eliminating the 7 percent MetroCard bonus customers receive for putting at least $10 on a pay-per-ride card.
Legislators issued statements on Monday calling for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to help avert the need for a fare hike by increasing state funds for public transit. The state comptroller's office has said fare and toll hikes continue to outpace inflation, placing a burden on commuters across the metropolitan region.
"Tolls and taxes should not be the go-to solution for every debt-stricken government authority," said Rep. Michael Grimm, who represents Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn. "Just as every working family or business must learn to live within a budget, so should the MTA."
MTA ridership was 1.64 million last year, the highest level since 1950, and is expected to grow.
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The MTA will be holding several public hearings:
Wednesday, November 7
Brooklyn – Brooklyn Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY
Long Island – Farmingdale State College, Roosevelt Hall, Little Theater, 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY
Tuesday, November 13
The Bronx – Hostos Community College, Center for the Arts and Culture, 450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY
Manhattan – Baruch College Performing Arts Center, Mason Hall, 17 Lexington Avenue at 23rd Street, New York, NY
Wednesday, November 14
Orange County – Hilton Garden Inn Newburgh/Stewart Airport, Vanderbilt/Astor Rooms, 15 Crossroads Court, Newburgh, NY
Staten Island – College of Staten Island, Center for the Arts, Springer Concert Hall, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY
Thursday, November 15
Queens – Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel, 135-20 39th Avenue, Flushing, NY
Westchester County – Yonkers Public Library, Riverfront Library Auditorium, One Larkin Center, Yonkers, NY
Monday, May 20 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-05-20 14:36:21 GMT
Connecticut commuters endured slow trips to work Monday following last week's train collision that that injured 72 people and disrupted rail service into New York City.
Connecticut commuters endured slow trips to work Monday following last week's train collision that that injured 72 people and disrupted rail service into New York City.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:58 AM EDT2013-05-20 09:58:10 GMT
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:05:54 GMT
Amtrak announced Sunday night that service remains suspended between New York and New Haven, with limited Amtrak service available between Boston and New Haven.
Amtrak announced Sunday night that service remains suspended between New York and New Haven, with limited Amtrak service available between Boston and New Haven.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:42:18 GMT
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced a new legislation to reduce debt on federal loans. Gillibrand is proposing the "Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act"
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced a new legislation to reduce debt on federal loans. Gillibrand is proposing the "Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act"
Friday, May 17 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:28:27 GMT
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:06 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:06:34 GMT
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
Thursday, May 16 2013 2:49 PM EDT2013-05-16 18:49:22 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-05-20 14:36:21 GMT
Connecticut commuters endured slow trips to work Monday following last week's train collision that that injured 72 people and disrupted rail service into New York City.
Connecticut commuters endured slow trips to work Monday following last week's train collision that that injured 72 people and disrupted rail service into New York City.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:58 AM EDT2013-05-20 09:58:10 GMT
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:05:54 GMT
Amtrak announced Sunday night that service remains suspended between New York and New Haven, with limited Amtrak service available between Boston and New Haven.
Amtrak announced Sunday night that service remains suspended between New York and New Haven, with limited Amtrak service available between Boston and New Haven.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:24 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:24:33 GMT
Officials in Connecticut say it was amazing that there were no fatalities or more injuries after two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield Friday evening.
Officials in Connecticut say it was amazing that there were no fatalities or more injuries after two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield Friday evening.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:35 AM EDT2013-05-17 13:35:33 GMT
Danbury's police chief says four officers have violated the city's police rules governing rudeness and civility during a routine traffic stop and that the matter has been referred to state prosecutors.
Danbury's police chief says four officers have violated the city's police rules governing rudeness and civility during a routine traffic stop and that the matter has been referred to state prosecutors.
Thursday, May 16 2013 2:49 PM EDT2013-05-16 18:49:22 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to $550 Million dollars for Saturday's drawing after none of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Wednesday evening matched all six numbers drawn.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:39 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:39:19 GMT
Britain's Prince Harry wrapped up a weeklong visit to the U.S. in Greenwich, Conn., where he played in a polo match at a club with a history of hosting royal visitors.
Britain's Prince Harry wrapped up a weeklong visit to the U.S. in Greenwich, Conn., where he played in a polo match at a club with a history of hosting royal visitors.
