View Comptroller’s report, “Putting the Brakes on the Bus and Subway Fare"

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. issued the following statement today regarding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) announcement that a fare hike – the second in two years – could be on the horizon:

If adopted, the MTA’s preliminary 2009 budget would hurt riders and the city’s economy. Any fare hike next year would be simply unacceptable. A fare hike is a tax hike – and a particularly regressive one.

Last year, I identified sources of revenue the MTA could tap to stave off a fare hike. I am pleased that the MTA has adopted my recommendation to increase city aid for school transportation. However, I once again urge the authority to explore other avenues and work with State legislators to avoid any fare increase. In my report – Putting the Brakes of the Bus and Subway Fare –I called for full State funding of the 18-b operating assistance program (to generate $142.4 million annually from the State for the MTA), lifting the State and City cap on 18-b assistance ($195.4 million from the State and $195.4 million from the City to New York City Transit), adjusting the MTA Bridges and Tunnels surplus distribution to be fairer to NYC Transit ($57.5 million annually to NYC Transit), and additional measures that would produce smaller amounts.

A fare increase would be unnecessary if this fall the Ravitch Commission recommends – and the Legislature enacts – adequate new funding for the MTA. My other proposals, if adopted, would make a substantial contribution toward reaching this goal.

You can view “Putting the Brakes of the Bus and Subway Fare” at www.comptroller.nyc.gov.

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