New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. joins state legislators, city officials and transportation advocacy groups at a City Hall news conference on October 17 to urge the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to delay a looming fare hike. Photo Credit: Marla S. Maritzer

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. is calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to delay a looming bus and subway fare hike until state lawmakers consider legislation introduced this month to increase State aid to New York City Transit.

Thompson joined a coalition of state legislators, city officials and transportation advocates on the steps of City Hall today to call on the MTA to delay the fare hike. Thompson said that the MTA’s finances should be considered as part of the State budget to be adopted by April 1st of next year.

“We are here today because riders deserve a subway, bus, and rail system that is the best in the world. As New Yorkers, it seems that every day we hear about yet another increase, rising costs that make it more difficult to make ends meet, to put food on the table, and to get to work and home each day,” Thompson said. “Before New Yorkers are asked to dip into their pockets and pocketbooks, we are asking the MTA to not rush ahead prematurely.”

Thompson said: “The wisest approach is to give our state legislators time to enact legislation that will finally give New York City Transit its fair share of funding, so that any fare increase down the road does not disproportionately affect our area.

Two months ago, the Comptroller’s Office issued a report that identified $728 million dollars in revenue sources that could be applied to eliminate the need for a fare increase in 2008 and 2009.

“Before the MTA plans for higher fares and tolls and the next phase of its capital program, the State and the City must provide additional funding to New York City Transit that it is rightly owed,” Thompson said. “The extra cost to New York City and New York State would be recognition of the importance of mass transit as an economic engine and supports the larger goal of encouraging New Yorkers to rely more on public transportation.”

Thompson added: “If the State and City step up their commitments to New York City Transit and the economy remains relatively strong, I believe that any fare and toll increases can be delayed for some time.”

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