On Monday the MTA and the Empire State Transportation Alliance are hosting an unprecedented “webinar,” an Internet-based forum about the MTA’s financial situation, fare and toll increase proposal, and capital plan. Participants will be able to submit written questions in real time to the presenters, who will then answer them orally at the end of their presentations.

The MTA has committed to holding the base subway and bus fare to $2, but has proposed raising the price of unlimited MetroCards, commuter rail fares, and tolls. The Tri-State Transportation Campaign has called on the MTA to institute variable pricing on its crossings, and has pointed out that enacting peak-hour tolls of $6 and increasing off-peak tolls to $5 could eliminate the need to raise any transit fares.

The webinar will run from 12 noon to 1:30 pm. All interested persons must register at this link.