MTA delays fare hikes for several months amid coronavirus pandemic
MTA Budget News
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The MTA is delaying its fare hike to help New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet.
The MTA says it made the decision after holding eight public hearings and learning how many people are unable to handle the increase.
"As part of our biennial review of fare and toll policy, the MTA conducted the unprecedented level of outreach this year required, holding eight public hearings and receiving 2,100 public comments. What we heard at these hearings was that people are suffering and cannot shoulder even a modest fare increase right now," MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick Foye said in a statement.
The agency, which desperately needs revenue, says it's hopeful for $8 billion dollars in pandemic relief from the incoming administration.
"Buoyed by President-elect Biden, incoming Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the MTA also has hope for $8 billion in additional pandemic relief and continued federal investment in mass transit in 2021 and beyond. For these reasons, the MTA has decided to postpone the planned fare increase for several months. We plan to move forward with a discussion and vote on recommended toll changes in February," Foye added in the statement.
Tolls on bridges and tunnels are still expected to go up next month.
Related: MTA in worse shape than during the Great Depression, officials say
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