The MTA held its monthly meeting Wednesday to discuss questions from commuters and the agency's dire financial situation that could lead to fare hikes.

The transit authority has asked the federal government for $12 billion in aid to keep the trains and buses running during the pandemic through 2021.

The agency says it will run out of money by December if it doesn't get help. MTA Chairman Pat Foye says that without the Senate's approval on the funding, there will be a doomsday scenario of massive service cuts, layoffs and toll and fare increases in the future.

Fares and tolls amount to 50% of the MTA's revenue.

Ridership on the LIRR has been down 75% during the pandemic, and taxi driver John Marchese says it's impacted his job. Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand pleaded during the board meeting that his village's downtown and economic revival was built on easy access to the railroad. He says any reduction in service could frighten people away.

MTA officials say time is quickly running out for the Senate to approve its funding request, and now are worried that senators will be distracted by debate over a new Supreme Court nominee.

Rider Nia Mays says she hopes the government will understand how important a financially stable MTA is to the regions and nations economy.

The MTA says without a healthy public transit system, it could make New York a less attractive place to live.