MTA holds public hearing on proposed fare hike

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Ask New Yorkers whether they want to pay more for subway, bus, and bridge tolls and what do you think their answers would be? Most are not in favor of a fare hike.

So the MTA got an earful these days at public hearings into its proposed fare hike.

The MTA is considering raising the base fare on the MetroCard to $2.75, from $2.50.

Another proposal would keep it flat, but eliminate bonuses.

The MTA is also looking at $16 cash tolls on the Verrazano, up from $15.

The MTA Board heard from New Yorkers at a public hearing in Manhattan on Monday.

"I think it's bogus that you are going to raise it another quarter because all you are going to do is raise it again, and again, and again," one commuter said.

"We don't do fare and toll increases lightly. The board doesn't take them lightly. We've also committed to staying within two percent annually which is the annual rate of inflation," said Tom Prendergast, the MTA Chairman and CEO.

More hearings scheduled this week and next. Register to speak at http://7ny.tv/11NYiXu.