Service Cuts and Fare Hikes: Take it to the Street

It's a bad day for transit riders.  The MTA board voted 12-1 in favor of fare hikes ($2.50 a ride, effective May 31) and massive service cuts, including the elimination of 35 bus routes and the W and Z trains.  Fare increases on commuter trains will take effect on June 1 and increases on the MTA's bridges tolls will follow in mid-July.  According to the New York Times, two-thirds of the mass transit riders in the U.S. are going to be affected.

H. Dale Hemmerdinger, the chairman of MTA's board, remarked that in 9 public hearings, the Board heard 595 speakers (including the Fair Sharer) give 44 hours of verbal testimony.  In addition, they read through 20,995 letters and emails.  They were moved by the reaction to the proposed fare hikes and service cuts, but nonetheless felt that without support from the State, there was no alternative but to enact their plan.

According to the New York Times, if Albany passes a rescue package for the MTA, there may still be time to stop the changes before they take effect.  I expect outrage and action.  Keep the heat on your elected officials in Albany.  

Come out and march on Wall Street on Friday, April 3.