The executive director of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is recommending that a fare hike set for January be postponed until at least September.

The MTA says higher tax revenues from real estate holdings has created a $711 million budget surplus. Officials say a planned 5 percent hike may not be needed as soon as expected because of the extra money.

Many riders say it does not make much of a difference to them when fares are increased and feel any hike is unnecessary in the first place. The MTA will vote on the proposal in December.