MTA releases 2019 proposed budget: Are more fare hikes on the way?

<p>The MTA says fare hikes are on the way due to budget issues.</p>

News 12 Staff

Nov 27, 2018, 11:13 AM

Updated 2,151 days ago

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MTA releases 2019 proposed budget: Are more fare hikes on the way?
The MTA says fare hikes are on the way due to budget issues.
The MTA is blaming Uber and other ride hailing apps, as well as fare evasion, as possible reasons for the decrease in revenue.
The fare hikes are expected in March, but before anything happens the MTA wants to hear from riders.
The proposals include increases to subways, buses, the Long Island Railroad, Metro-North and bridges and tunnels.
As far as subways go there are two main options. One is to keep the base fare the same at $2.75 with the bonus eliminated. In proposal two, the base fare would be raised to $3 and the bonus increased by 10 percent on any transaction over $6, making the fare once adjusted with the bonus $2.73.
There would also be increases to the unlimited ride MetroCards and express bus service.
While the decision ultimately sits in the hands of the MTA board, they're looking for the public’s opinions.
There is a total of eight public hearings and five satellite hearings scheduled. The first hearing is set for tonight at 5 p.m. at Baruch College in Manhattan.
There will be a public hearing at LIU Brooklyn on Monday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.
Commuters are typically very vocal about their opinions at the hearings. In fact, reports indicate disability rights advocates plan to protest today's hearing, saying there should be no fare hikes until the MTA makes the entire system accessible. 
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