The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is holding its only hearing on proposed Long Island Rail Road fare hikes Wednesday - at a time when most people that would be affected can't attend.

The MTA's first and only hearing started at 6 p.m. on the campus of Farmingdale State University. The planned 6.5 percent rate hike for the LIRR comes as health and pension costs are on the rise and budget deficits loom in the coming years, the MTA says.

Due to the timing of the hearing, the people who would be most affected by the plan are either still commuting or haven't left their offices yet. Individuals wishing to speak can register up until 8 p.m., and the MTA will accept additional comments via e-mail. The MTA has supplied every LIRR station with brochures entitled "Fare Facts Update," which detail the increase.

Commuters are skeptical their voices will be heard. "You can have all the meetings you want," says Pat Palladino of Huntington. "The fares are still going to go up."

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