The New York Times (online edition) has just reported that a budget deal in Albany will fund the MTA and hold the fare increase on single bus and subway rides to $2.25. Monthly MetroCards will sell for $89 (up from $81). The deal, expected to pass in both the Assembly and the Senate on Wednesday, has no Republican support. It involves a payroll tax (3.4%), a surcharge on taxi rides and increases in vehicle-registration and license fees and the auto-rental tax.
It is never good news when the price of basic services increases, but as May 31 is rapidly approaching, I am relieved that we will not be facing a 25% fare increase and drastic service cuts. From these early reports, it looks as if service cuts will be averted.
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