MTA Approves Latest Round of Fare Hikes

For the third time in as many years, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board has approved a series of fare hikes Thursday. The increases are scheduled to take effect Dec. 30.

The changes are expected to yield a 7.5 percent increase in fare revenue for the MTA.

"Last winter, after the passage of the rescue legislation, the MTA learned of a $900 million funding gap," a statement on the MTA website reads. "It was caused by shortfalls in State tax revenue as well as cuts to State aid. Despite a shortfall of this magnitude, the MTA was able to hold to the 7.5 percent revenue increase by undertaking the largest and most comprehensive cost cutting initiative in the MTA's history."

Another fare hike is already scheduled for 2013 as part of a correction plan to make the MTA a cost-neutral service.

Thousands of Long Island commuters and politicians voiced opposition against the hikes at an MTA hearing. State Sen. Charles Fuschillo, R-Merrick, collected 3,100 signatures through an online petition.

"With their decision, the MTA Board has ignored the voices of the thousands of Long Islanders who told them 'we can't afford to pay more,'" he said. "We are already paying over $341 million a year more in higher fees, fares, and taxes to fund the MTA. This includes the job killing MTA payroll tax which was imposed on every Long Island employer, including small businesses, municipalities, non-profits, and school districts. These taxes and fees, all of which I strongly opposed, were supposed to be enough to avert the need for another fare increase."

A monthly train ticket from Bellmore, Merrick, Hicksville or Westbury to Penn Station, a Zone Seven trip, will jump from $232 to $254. Fare for a one-way peak trip will increase from $10.75 to $11.50.