(11/20/07) NEW YORK (AP) - New York City straphangers received a reprieve Tuesday when the MTA announced it was backing off a bus and subway fare hike.

The announcement comes after the MTA found $220 million in its year end budget. Riders will continue to pay $2 a trip, instead of $2.25. Among those backing the plan to keep the $2 fare was Gov. Eliot Spitzer. Last month, four state senators wrote the MTA asking to scrap the plan to raise subway fares and tolls next year. They joined transit advocates in urging the MTA to take the proposal off its board agenda for December. Last week, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey unveiled a widely anticipated plan to increase tolls from $6 to $8 on its six bridges and tunnels, and increase PATH fares from $1.50 to $2. Spitzer's opposition to the fare hike comes as his popularity was spiraling downward after his driver?s license plan for illegal immigrants was withdrawn.

Related information: Statement by Gov. Eliot Spitzer