pdavis@queenscourier.com
Mass transit riders may not have to dig deeper into their pockets next year, as the MTA’s final proposed budget for 2010 does not include any fare hikes or service reductions.
In its recently released $11 billion budget for 2010 and its financial plan for 2010-2013, the agency said that the rescue legislation enacted in Albany in May of 2009 helped stave off the fare hikes for the upcoming year.
“From a narrow context, we see increased stability and are grateful that we can present a balanced budget without impacting our customers,” said Jay Walder, MTA Chair and CEO. “But the MTA remains in a very fragile position with a number of risks on the horizon. This fiscal reality demands that we permanently overhaul the way the MTA does business. The bottom line is that there is no more money for us in Albany, and we will learn to do more with the funding we have.”
In addition, the authority set that there are still a number of possible risks to the budget, but it was able to set aside $85 million in reserve funds.
Meanwhile, the lack of fare hikes and services reductions was definitely a welcome relief to transit riders.
“It’s good; I think they shouldn’t raise it,” said commuter Britni Mignon. “It’s already expensive enough. They should bring it back to $2.”
Karan Puri said that she was glad that she was not going to have to pay more and has been satisfied with the service she gets for her fares.
“I’ve never had a problem with the trains,” Puri said. “If the service was bad and they needed to raise it and didn’t – then there would be a problem. But, the trains seem to be running on time.”
The MTA’s budget process begins with the presentation of a preliminary budget and financial plan in July, followed by a revised plan in November. The MTA is required to pass a balanced budget by the end of the calendar year, and a final plan will be considered by the MTA Board at its December 16 meeting. – With additional reporting by Melissa Alexander
