BX residents weigh in on proposed MTA fare hikes

Bronx straphangers got a chance to weigh in on the MTA's proposed fare hikes Tuesday.
The MTA held a public hearing at Lehman College. The MTA board says it is looking for feedback on the two fare increases proposals.
The first proposal would increase fares from $2 to $2.25 and raise the price of a monthly pass to $79, an increase of $3. The second proposal would create peak and off-peak fares. Under the plan, off-peak fares would go down to $1.50 and a monthly pass would cost $81.
City Comptroller William Thompson says the MTA should work on getting money from the government to avoid raising fares. Riders who spoke with News 12 The Bronx say since the city has a surplus, some of those funds should be used to keep fares down.
The hearing at Lehman College wraps up a series of town hall-style meetings throughout the five boroughs this month. The MTA board will vote on which rate plans, if any, they will adopt in December. Once the votes are in, the MTA says the proposed fare hikes may go into effect early next year.Related information: