The agency is looking at four options, which could be chopped up and recombined. The only thing that is certain is that a fare hike is coming.
The proposals could raise the base subway and bus fare by a quarter, from $2.25 to $2.50. Other options are to hike the cost of monthly and weekly passes. The unlimited card that now goes for $104 dollars could jump to $109 or even as high as $125.
POLL: WHICH PROPOSAL IS BEST FOR YOU? The MTA could also move to reduce discounts or even eliminate the 7 percent bonus on pay-per-ride MetroCards.
Whatever the MTA decides, there will be public hearings on the plan next month, and a final vote on the plan in December. The hike is expected to take effect next March.
All told, the MTA aims to generate $394 million next year from its fares and its bridge and tunnel tolls.
"Costs that the MTA does not exercise control over, namely those for debt service, pensions, energy, paratransit, and employee and retiree health care, continue to increase beyond the rate of inflation," MTA Chairman and CEO Joseph Lhota said. "We are grappling with long-term measures to reduce these frustrating and difficult non-discretionary expenses, but today, they are the drivers of the need for a fare and toll increase."
Here is a schedule of the public hearings the MTA will hold:
Wednesday, November 7
Tuesday, November 13
Wednesday, November 14
Thursday, November 15
Members of the public who wish to record a videotaped comment can visit the following MTA facilities at the listed times. All comments will be transcribed and made part of the permanent record of these hearings. Please note there is a 3-minute time limit for each individual's videotaped session, and there will be no question-and-answer period.
Thursday, November 8 - 9 a.m. to noon
Tuesday, November 13 - 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Tuesday, November 13 - 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Members of the public are also encouraged to submit written comments via to the MTA's website, or register to speak at a public hearing by calling (718) 521-3333 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. MTA Board Members will review transcripts of all public hearings and submitted videos, as well as copies of all written comments submitted via the web.
Those who wish to submit a comment via letter are asked to send it to:
MTA Government Affairs
347 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10017
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