MTA Votes on Fare Hikes

The MTA will vote on Thursday to raise fares and tolls.

The board has two possible routes for raising fares for subways and buses.  One possibility is a $3 base fare with a 10 percent bonus.  A second option is keeping the fare at $2.75 fare with no bonus.

Monthly MetroCards would also increase, while Long Island Rail Road and Metro North fares would jump as well.  There would also be toll increases at the agency’s bridges and tunnels.

Governor Andrew Cuomo is urging the MTA not to raise fares.  He said the agency should have to meet specific performance goals before being allowed to charge riders more.  However, it’s unclear if that will be seriously considered by the MTA board.

Governor Cuomo has pushed for a congestion pricing plan to provide the MTA with more funding.  That would charge drivers for entering busy parts of Manhattan during peak travel times.  Cuomo also wants to shake up the management structure of the MTA.

Mayor Bill de Blasio opposes the congestion pricing plan and is pushing for a millionaire’s tax to get the MTA additional funding.

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