Politics & Government

Fare Hikes, Decreased Service Dominates MTA Hearing

Suffolk County Executive and other officials voice concerns to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board.

Lawmakers and residents speaking out against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority agree: Suffolk County pays too much for not enough transit service.

At the MTA public hearing Monday night in Smithtown, officials from the transit organization gathered feedback from the few Suffolk County residents and officials in attendance who came to express their concerns about fare hikes, service cuts and the MTA payroll tax.

"When you look at the archaic rules that tie management's hands, at the crazy overtime scenarios, the 40 percent increase in wages and benefits over a five or six year period, the outrageous disability pension ... you understand why the residents of this county are outraged," Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said. "For them to have to get less service and pay more money when they see this type of nonsense continuing is beyond the pale."

The MTA is blaming the state, arguing that the $900 million budget shortfall for 2010 is a result of state assistance cuts and a dramatic drop in tax revenue.

"In the spring of 2009 a multi-year financial framework was developed to address the MTA's budget shortfalls in recognition of the vital role that mass transit plays in the region," according to a statement on the MTA's website. The MTA said the fare and toll increases expected in 2011 and 2013 are supplemented by new state taxes and fees. The MTA said the increases will increase revenue by 7.5 percent.

If the fare hikes are approved, they would take effect on Jan. 1, with LIRR ticket prices rising between 7.6 percent and 9.4 percent, depending on distance and ticket type. Most discounts for tickets purchased via the Long Island Rail Road's Mail & Ride and WebTicket programs would also be eliminated.

The current cost of a one-way ticket from Patchogue to Penn Station is $15.00 during peak times and $10.75 off-peak.

"We are being taken on a very expensive one way ride with no end in sight," said Mark Epstein, a Suffolk representative on the Long Island Commuter Council. "To continue to expect the riders to shoulder this responsibility is completely unacceptable."

Other commuters encouraged the MTA to find more creative ways to create revenue, like seeking private sponsorship of rail lines and implementing D.C.'s tiered subway fare system.

Public officials warned the board not to be fooled by the sparse crowd.

"Don't assume the small turnout means that people are satisfied," said Legis. Jay Schneiderman. "People are not satisfied."

Speakers also stressed the burden of the MTA payroll tax on constituents and questioned its legality.

"All employers play the same payroll tax whether or not the employers are actually served by MTA assets," said Michael White, executive director of the Long Island Regional Planning Council. "This is difficult for Suffolk to accept, where virtually no services exist."

This low-turnout comes just days after more than 200 Nassau County residents packed the Garden City Hotel to express their concerns with the MTA proposals.

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