Long Island Assemblymember Daniel Norber (R,C-Great Neck) today was critical of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) proposed fare hikes for subway, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North riders, calling the increases an unacceptable burden on hardworking New Yorkers already grappling with rising costs of living. The proposed $0.10 increase for subway and bus fares, from $2.90 to $3, and a 4.5% hike for LIRR and Metro-North tickets come at a time when many commuters are going paycheck to paycheck.

The MTA’s plan, which would raise fares without addressing systemic inefficiencies, including $700 million in annual losses from fare evasion and $800 million in uncollected tolls, represents a failure of accountability, according to Norber. The agency’s reliance on fare increases to offset its mismanagement is an insult to taxpayers, especially as the MTA projects $500 million in revenue from congestion pricing this year while planning additional 4% rate hikes every two years.

“I am taken aback by the MTA’s audacity to demand more from New Yorkers while failing to address its own rampant inefficiencies,” said Norber. “A $0.10 subway fare hike may seem small, but for commuters living paycheck to paycheck, it adds up annually. Long Island families relying on the LIRR are hit even harder with a 4.5% increase, all while the MTA loses $700 million to fare evasion and $800 million in uncollected tolls. This needs to be a case study in mismanagement. I urge all MTA board members to reject this proposal and force the agency to clean up its act before asking residents to foot the bill.”

Norber emphasized New Yorkers deserve a transit system that prioritizes service improvements and fiscal responsibility over fare hikes that disproportionately impact low- and middle-income commuters. He called for reforms to address fare evasion, toll collection and overtime fraud before any fare increases are considered.