Democrats in the State Senate are vowing to vote on a Metropolitan Transportation Authority bailout plan as early as next week.

The latest proposal does not include new bridge tolls, but does include a one-dollar-per-ride surcharge on taxi and livery cab rides.

Half of the money would go to the MTA, while the other half would be used to finance road and bridge projects upstate and on Long Island, which has been a concern for senate Republicans.

"Not only are they expecting taxi drivers and riders to balance the MTA budget, but now on top of that we're supposed to pay for the roads and bridges upstate, this is unbelievable. We feel like complete punching bags of ALbany right now," said Bhairavi Desai of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance.

The surcharge is actually meant as a compromise to get suburban and upstate lawmakers to support the MTA bailout, but has yet to publicly win over enough votes.

"This is one New York and you can recall there was a time when New York City needed some help from upstate, and they got it. Well, now upstate needs some help from New York City and Long Island," said Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith.

"I'm focused on the MTA piece right now, so, it's that first 50 cents. A road and bridge plan is going to require a lot more than 50 cents from cab drivers," said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

The plan also calls for a payroll tax, a car rental tax hike, and higher vehicle registration and driver's license fees in the 12 counties served by the MTA.

Those backing the bill estimate it would allow the MTA to scale back fare hikes to eight percent and avert service cuts.

Governor David Paterson only says the plan is worth considering.
Another part of the plan would dilute his power over the MTA.

The proposal hasn't even won over some lawmakers who would ultimately benefit from the revenue generated.

"It's a false plan, it doesn't really address the critical issues that are out there as it pertains to capital improvement plans for roads and bridges."

It's unclear if Smith will be able to get the 32 votes needed for the measure to pass.

A source close to the negotiation says to lure enough votes, Democrats are dangling extra funds to three New York City Republicans.

So far, no public commitments have been made.