MTA VOTES TO RAISE FARES AND CUT SERVICE

The board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board voted 10-4 Thursday, December 16th, 2004 to raise fares for subway and bus riders and other commuters.

The price of the 30-day unlimited MetroCard for subways and buses will rise 8.6%, to $76 from $70. The cost of the seven-day card will increase 14.3%, to $24 from $21. Express bus fares will rise 25%, to $5 from $4. These increases go into effect on Feb. 27. The basic $2 bus and subway fare remains unchanged.

There were some brighter spots for riders: planned 2005 bus reductions were staved off for now, the MTA's original plan for completely shuttering booths was changed and the "doomsday" fare increase proposals (monthly from $70 - $84, and express bus fares from $4 - $6) were taken off the table.

To read our full statement, go to: http://www.straphangers.org/farehike1004/vote.htm

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