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Commuters Rail Against MTA Fare Increases

Joelle Schrock
/
WSHU

MTA commuters pleaded with officials against a fare and toll increase during a virtual public hearing this week. They said this is not the time to hike up prices.

The Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North commuter railroad riders said it would be unacceptable to raise fares 4% during a pandemic.

New York state Senator Todd Kaminsky of Long Island told MTA officials that the LIRR has only a quarter of its pre-coronavirus ridership, and the MTA should be finding ways to encourage customers to safely return.

The MTA projects a $16 billion deficit through 2024 from pandemic-related ridership and revenue losses. Officials said it may have to resort to deep service cuts and mass layoffs without federal government financial help.

Clare is a former news fellow with WSHU Public Radio.