Commuters Protest MTA Proposed Fare Hikes

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has proposed four percent fare hikes in 2019 and 2021, and many subway commuters are rallying against the decision.

“We want fair funding not a fare hike,” said John Raskin with the Riders Alliance.

Transit advocates and riders joined together to protest outside of the MTA headquarters in Lower Manhattan on Wednesday.

They group is pushing for state legislators to vote on congestion pricing to pay for improvements to the city’s aging transportation system.

Republicans in the state Senate have strongly opposed the plan, but as Democrats prepare to take control, the protesters are hoping the proposal may be reconsidered.

“I’m confident that we will collectively figure out a way to fund our subway system. We don’t have a choice,” said state Sen. Brad Hoylman.

The 2019 MTA budget includes fare hikes amidst declining ridership on both buses and trains and constant complaints about subway service.