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Governor David Paterson says he's giving legislators this weekend to think it over. He also says the clock is ticking and he'll use any means necessary to avert massive fare hikes and service cuts, even if it means calling lawmakers into a special session and keeping them in Albany until a deal is worked out.

"But I'm also not going to inconvenience the commuters who are going to have to live with this prohibitive fare increase if something isn't done," said Paterson.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has not yet gotten directly involved in negotiations, but points out that fare hike or no fare hike, the MTA still needs billions of dollars in funding for its capital program, to keep the system in good repair.

"I think the public should demand action. If we have to raise fairs 23 percent not only is it not good its inadequate," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

With fare hikes set for May 31, transit officials say with every passing day it becomes harder, and more expensive, to reverse course.

They say programmers are already writing the code that will be downloaded to thousands of vending machines, turnstiles, and fare boxes, if Albany doesn't act.