By Philip Newman
The MTA board today approved public hearings for the fall prior to an array of proposed higher transit fares and tolls that will take effect next year.
The board also approved the layoffs of more than 200 subway booth clerks as part of a massive cost-cutting drive that it said was essential due to its dire financial straits.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Jay Walder said his agency had eliminated 977 administrative positions in the agency since the cost-cutting drive began.
The Transport Workers Union picketed MTA headquarters to protest the layoffs of token clerks, saying such a thing will compromise public safety and invite terrorism.
The MTA introduced its financial plan at its monthly meeting, giving details of a 7.5 percent hike in fares and tolls.
As things now stand, the MTA would cease subsidizing the Nassau County bus system, which transit officials said is “underpaying its financial obligation by $26 million.”
“Given the economic climate, the MTA can no longer afford to subsidize Nassau County’s funding responsibility,” the MTA said.
The MTA’s financial plan envisions a $104 monthly MetroCard or a $99 limited-ride MetroCard, commuter railroad patrons paying about 10 percent more, 25- to 50-cent bridge and toll hikes and a 10 percent E-ZPass increase.
The MTA also wants to get rid of one- and 14-day transit passes because it said neither was successful.
All the changes are subject to approval by the MTA board and go into effect Jan. 1.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at timesledgernews@cnglocal.com or phone at 718-260-4536.
