The State of the Subways Report Card issued by the Straphangers Campaign is flawed. MTA services continue to be one of the best bargains in town. Since the 1950s, the average cost of riding either the bus or subway has gone up at a lower rate than either the consumer price index or inflation. The MetroCard introduced in 1996 affords a free transfer between bus and subway. Prior to this, riders had to pay two full fares. Virtually no one pays $2.50 for a single ride. Most users purchase either a weekly or monthly pass, which further reduces the cost per ride. Many employers offer transit checks, which pay even more of your costs. The actual cost per ride is actually lower which translates to much higher value than what is reported by the Straphangers Campaign.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
