The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board recently voted on Wednesday to raise fares for New York City subway and bus riders effective April 21, 2019.

Although the board voted to keep the base fare at $2.75, they will be eliminating the 5 percent bonus that riders receive when purchasing MetroCard. More concerning is that the cash toll for the Verrazzano Bridge will increase from $17 to $19 with E-ZPass rate increasing from $11.52 to $12.24.

State revenue to assist the MTA with necessary upgrades and repairs; congestion pricing, share-ride surcharge and an internet sales tax are on the state legislative radar this session.  However, revenues if passed would not make any impact for at least two years if implemented.

“We can talk about fare and toll increases due to inflation. However, inflation impacts New York families on many fronts, especially the working middle class and low income families.  My concern is that people are asked to pay a couple dollars more, yet are subject to continued inaccessible transit, continued delays and poor conditions with our transit system.

I’ve taken a proactive approach with city officials and the administration at the MTA to address implementing a bus rapid transit system, station restoration, and expanding service at the ferry terminal. It is time for the MTA to execute for the residents of the North Shore,” said Fall.