BX commuters brace for hikes as MTA passes budget

Commuters are voicing their disapproval Wednesday over the passage of the MTA's so-called doomsday budget.
MTA officials say it's necessary to raise fares and toll revenues by 23 percent in order to plug a budget gap that has grown worse during the global financial crisis. The MTA also wants to impose tolls on the East River bridges that are currently free. In addition to hikes, the MTA is calling for service cuts.
Details of the hikes and cuts won't be finalized until early next year. MTA board members also say they are still hoping for a bailout from Albany or Washington.
MTA