The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board unanimously approved fare and toll increases yesterday that would raise the basic cost of a subway and bus ride to $2 from $1.50, make commuter rail tickets 25percentt more expensive and make tolls 50 cents higher at some bridges and tunnels.
PAGE A20 New York M.T.A. SET TO APPROVE Fare Increases and Service Cuts The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is expected to raise subway and bus fares in New York City, as well as those on commuter rail lines, in response to what officials said had been a delay of a transit rescue package from Albany.
(Unfortunately, while the governor will not tax mass transit, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority approved a fare increase this week).
Saying that New York City taxi drivers are underpaid, the Taxi and Limousine Commission approved a fare increase yesterday of more than 26percentthethe first in eight years.
The Taxi and Limousine Commission yesterday unanimously approved a fare increase that will double the amount a passenger pays while a cab is stopped or stuck in slow traffic.
When the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority approved the fare increase in early March, few signs of protest appeared on the subway platforms.
If the city approves the fare increase, however, Mr. Tam said he would probably walk or take the subway more often.
Mr. Lhota's next public appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, when the authority is expected to approve a fare increase that would raise the cost of a subway ride to $2.50.
Mr. Hevesi said he would compel the M.T.A. to submit its budget in an open, timely and reasonable manner, and that he would also propose legislation that would give him authority to make sure that the M.T.A. budget is accurate and reasonable before the authority can approve a fare increase.
The board had long been expected to approve the fare increase, but drivers in the audience, many of them speaking up about their rising expenses and low pay during the public comment period, cheered and applauded when the board unexpectedly voted to preserve the 50-cent night surcharge.
