Updated 03/17/2009 02:57 PM
Senate Majority To Abandon MTA Bridge Toll Plan
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Senate Democrats are no longer considering a plan to place tolls on city-owned East River and Harlem River bridges, according to NY1 sources.
State lawmakers are now said to be looking at a short-term fix which would save the MTA from having to implement massive fare hikes and service cuts right now.
The State Senate is expected to provide more details on the plan at a news conference later today. NY1 will carry it live.
According to sources briefed on the plan, it includes a payroll tax of a quarter of one percent. Subway and bus fares will also go up an estimated four percent.
Planned service cuts will be avoided.
The plan, however, does not address the agency's long-term capital spending on projects such as new stations or the Second Avenue subway line.
The bridge tolls were a key component of the Ravitch Commission's recommendations for closing the MTA's $1.2 billion budget gap -- a plan that has received mixed feelings from New Yorkers.
"Something has to be done. We know that there's a deficit. We know we need to put money somewhere. I don't want people who take subways and buses to bear the brunt of the financial burden. People who drive cars have more money," said one New Yorker.
"I feel very good about that. I don't want to have to pay to go to Manhattan and pay to come back. We already pay enough for parking. You know we have to pay for parking. Putting tolls on the bridges, come on," said one driver.
The MTA says it will go forward with fare hikes and service cuts if the state doesn't come through with some kind of bailout by March 25.