Updated 03/19/2009 08:41 AM
Details Emerge On Massive MTA Fare Hike
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With lawmakers in Albany still unable to come to an agreement on a rescue plan for the cash-strapped Metropolitan Transportation Authority, details of a massive fare hike are slowly coming into focus.
Sources tell NY1 that riders can expect a $2.50 subway fare and a $103 monthly MetroCard.
The MTA appears to be leaning toward the increase in hopes of closing its $1.2 billion budget gap.
MTA board members had been considering two different fare hike options, but the agency is reportedly leaning toward a plan that raises the base fare 50 cents, though riders will still get a 15 percent bonus when they spend $7 or more, bringing the actual cost per ride down to $2.17. On unlimited-ride cards, the weekly would go up to $31, the 14-day card to $59, and the monthly to $103.
A second plan would have kept the base fare at $2.25, but would have eliminated the bonus and charged $3 to riders buying a single-ride ticket. That plan has less support among board members and will likely be dropped.
The MTA Board's finance committee will discuss the increases Monday and will put it up for a full vote on Wednesday.
The fare hikes would take effect in June.