Public hearings on the MTA’s “doomsday” plan to raise fares and cut service begin tonight, at 6pm in Manhattan at the Hilton New York’s Trianon Ballroom at 1335 Sixth Avenue (at 54th St.). To avoid doomsday, state legislators and Gov. Paterson will have to pass the Ravitch Commission’s funding recommendations (including a payroll tax and tolls on East and Harlem River bridges) or find another way to fund the MTA by March.
To register ahead of time, call (212) 878-7483 or register at the hearing (registration will close at 9pm). Comments can be submitted online here or by mail to MTA Community Affairs, 347 Madison Ave, NY, NY 10017.
Planned Fare Increases for NYC Transit (more details here)
Increase base MetroCard fare up to $2.50 ($3 cash). Increase express bus fare up to $6.25. Unlimited MetroCards would cost about 25% more.
Manhattan Service Cuts (view map of cuts here)
- Eliminate all service on M6, 8, 10, 18, 27, 30 and X25 buses. Eliminate weekend service on M21, 22 and 50. Eliminate overnight service on M1, 2, 16, 22, 23, 42, 50, 66, 79, 96, 102, 103 and 104. Reduce operating hours on M11, 20, 21, 100 and 116. Reroute or eliminate portion of M1 (weekends only), M9, 15, 21 and 104.
- Operate the N train via the Manhattan Bridge instead of Montague Tunnel late nights. This would eliminate late-night (11pm-6am) N service at Whitehall St. City Hall, Cortlandt St., Rector St., and Lawrence St. stations would close at night (Cortlandt is currently under construction).
- Eliminate the W train. The Q would run to Astoria on weekdays as a replacement.
- Eliminate the Z train.
For a full list of planned “service adjustments” and scheduled public hearings, visit the MTA’s website.
