Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick), ranking minority member on the Assembly Transportation Committee, is calling on the MTA to halt any decision on their proposed fare hike until April 15, 2008. That would give the governor and Legislature a chance to provide additional funding in the state budget in order to avoid any fare increase. The proposed fare hike has been the subject of public hearings held on Long Island and in New York City, and a decision is tentatively scheduled for December 19, at which time the MTA board is expected to vote on the fare increase.

“The proposed numbers that we have seen, thus far, appear to be more than double the current rate of inflation. Considering that many Long Islanders and other suburbanites utilize both the commuter rails and the city subway system, an increase would have a double impact on them. A fare increase would hit Long Island’s working families the hardest,” said McDonough.

The proposed fare hike, described by the MTA as moderate fare increases in 2008 and 2010, would consist of a 6.5 percent increase, boosting subway and bus fares from $2 to $2.13, weekly MetroCard from $24 to $25.56 and a monthly MetroCard from $76 to $80.94.

McDonough noted that many other public officials, including over 100 Legislators, the state Comptroller and the Mayor of New York City, have also called for a delay in such proposals.