Poll: Is The MTA Fare Hike Fair?

Beginning this Sunday, bus and subway riders will see fares increase across the board, with the base fare going up from $2.50 to $2.75.

(For the full list of fare increases, as well as increases on bridges and tunnels, see our previous post.)

The MTA say the biennial fare hikes that have been in place since 2009 are required to keep up with inflation and rising costs. But some taking the daily commute wonder if their dollars are just going down the tubes, while they struggle to support their families.

Meanwhile, even with the increase, the authority faces a $15 billion shortfall to meeting the goals of the five-year capital plan. Politicians often echo popular resentment against the continent’s largest transit system, but advocates suggest the financial troubles the MTA faces are a result of decreased funding from those same legislators.

Where do you stand? Is a $2.75 fare fair? Are you getting what you expect? And who is to blame?

Take our poll. While you might agree with multiple answers, please choose only the one you feel strongest about. After taking the poll, leave a comment with your suggestions, and check out our additional questions below.

[poll id=”3″]

Let us know what you think:

• Should the stop running 24/7 service to cut costs?
• Should fare hikes be in the hands of the legislature (elected officials), instead of appointed members of a panel?
• Should increased costs be offset by new tolls on the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges?
• Should costs be offset by an expansion or increase in taxes on businesses and employees based outside of New York City that do frequent business within the five boroughs, or who commute to the five boroughs?
• What are your suggestions?

Your answers will help inform a discussion with one of this site’s writers on Brooklyn Independent Media’s BKLive this coming Monday at noon.