Hard Times for the New York MTA (and its millions of daily commuters)

[marmar]

from the NY Post:



By TOM NAMAKO, DAVID HASTIE and BRENDAN SCOTT

Last updated: 3:29 pm
March 25, 2009


The cash-strapped MTA today raised a single bus and subway ride to a whopping $2.50 in a bid to close a $1.2 billion budget gap after Albany lawmakers failed to come up with a bailout plan.

And it's going to get worse.

Just minutes after approving the drastic fare hikes and service cuts, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said they could return next month to once again demand even higher fares from straphangers next year unless the state Legislature can agree on a rescue plan.

A one-year financial Band-Aid from Albany lawmakers won't stop the agency from bleeding more money in the coming years and riders will have to make up the difference, MTA Executive Director and CEO Elliot "Lee" Sander said. ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.nypost.com/seven/03252009/news/regionalnews/mta_set_to_hike_fares_to_2_50_a_ride_161263.htm

[LSparkle]

1. Wow -- when I lived in NYC 10 years ago, a 30-day MetroCard was $60

With this increase, it's up to $103 -- OUCH! (It's still
cheaper than driving a car here in L.A., though ... )

[FarCenter]

2. The MTA should stop pouring money into the rebuilding of the World Trade Center

There is no demand for more office space in Manhattan anyway.