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Time is running out, the board said. Exactly four weeks from today, the board will meet again and vote to increase fares and tolls.

While some degree of increase is inevitable, the MTA says the amount can be significantly scaled back and planned service cuts eliminated if the agency gets some help from Albany.

Yesterday, some board members were in Albany, taking their case to state senators and members of the Assembly and urging them to pass the recommendations by the Ravitch Commission to install tolls on East River and Harlem River crossings.

"I think our trip up there made them realize about what it will mean if they don't pass the legislation," said MTA Chairman Dale Hemmerdinger. "We were very gratified when the [Governor David Paterson] came out with a statement yesterday, which is further pushing the Legislature to voting on this."

"It is urgent that Albany take action now, in this week," said MTA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Elliot "Lee" Sander, "So that we deal with the operating deficit that the MTA has, as well as the needs for our next capital program."

The MTA currently has a $1.2 billion operating deficit.

The State Senate and State Assembly will have a closed-door meeting this afternoon to discuss the MTA issue with former MTA Chairman Richard Ravitch and other top MTA officials.

The MTA will take a final vote on March 23rd on fare increases.