LI state senators blast MTA's proposed fare hikes
Some of Long Island?s lawmakers gathered Thursday in Huntington to speak out against the MTA?s latest proposed fare hikes. The MTA released the budget calling for two fare hikes over as many years Wednesday.
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Jul 24, 2008, 11:11 PM
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Updated 6,132 days ago
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Some of Long Island?s lawmakers gathered Thursday in Huntington to speak out against the MTA?s latest proposed fare hikes.
The MTA released the budget calling for two fare hikes over as many years Wednesday. LIRR rates would go up 8 percent next year and an additional 5 percent in 2011.
Like Gov. David Paterson and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Long Island?s state Senate delegation is also echoing the outrage.
"A coat of paint,? state Sen. Carl Marcellino (R-Oyster Bay) says. ?That's their idea of enhancing the quality of ridership for the riding public."
If both hikes are enacted, LIRR riders will have seen an increase of more than 58 percent since 1995.
MTA executives are blaming the nearly $900 million deficit on higher fuel costs, lower revenues from real estate taxes and the slumping economy. They say that?s why they may need to implement the hikes.
The budget will be voted on in December.
Farehike looms for LIRR commutersGov.Paterson blasts MTA over possible fare hikes
MTALongIsland Rail Road Commuters Council
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