After the story broke that the MTA is looking into increasing the fare for the second time in two years, official reaction from those that ultimately give approval were ticked off at the the Authority, including Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Paterson. The opposition was across the board and a thankful sign for straphangers that are still dealing with the increase instituted earlier this year.
From The NY Times:
Gov. David A. Paterson on Tuesday sternly criticized the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s proposal to increase subway, bus and commuter rail fares and called on the authority to take a second look at its finances before it formally asks for an increase. However, Mr. Paterson did not say whether he would support the authority’s plea for more operating aid from the state.Speaking to reporters after a news conference here on moderately priced housing, Mr. Paterson said that now was not the time to ask commuters, who are already feeling pinched by a rate increase earlier this year, to pay more to use the city’s transit system, bridges and tunnels.
“Another fare hike this soon after the last fare hike, just in my opinion, is not wise,” he said. “This just cannot become the new way that the M.T.A. solves problems. Every time there is an issue, pass along the increase.”
Though that is exactly what the board wants to do. Hemmerdinger doesn't know any different and neither do his wealthy cohorts. While the Governor was mostly respectful in his statement, others like the Mayor weren't so kind, going as far as saying that the board has poor management skills. That is technically true, so there is nothing to gasp at here.
What we need to see is the MTA and the state government get on the ball and start working on the fiscal mismanagement that has plagued the Authority. Albany, not the straphangers, need to foot this bill. For them to rely on real estate taxes for all this time is ridiculous. Any good economist will tell you that when the market starts falling, all sectors including real estate will fall. No matter what gets bought and sold, the MTA still needs to run and improve service. In the long term that budget needs serious help. In the meantime, the MTA needs an overhaul care of the state legislature.
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