Bloomberg Expresses Concern Over Fare Hike During Weekly Address
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In his weekly radio address Sunday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg voiced his concern about the possible fare hike on express buses.
The MTA has proposed raising the fare on an express bus ride from $5 to $6.25 -- a slight decrease from the $7.50 originally proposed.
The mayor said the hike is disproportionate to the increases other transit riders may face. The agency's budget plan also calls for night and weekend service cuts. This is all to raise fare and toll revenues by 23 percent.
Unless Albany comes in with a rescue plan, overall service cuts will take effect this spring and fare hikes will take effect in June.
"I believe that going ahead with this plan would be a big mistake. Instead, state leaders need to help balance the MTA's operating budget without resorting to these draconian steps, and also create a funding stream that will allow the MTA to keep the existing system in good repair while expanding transit service for our growing city," said Bloomberg.
MTA board members plan to lobby state lawmakers next month in hopes of bringing down some of the proposed fare hikes and service cuts.