Public hearings on proposed MTA fare and toll increases begin today at 6 pm in Brooklyn and West Nyack, Rockland County. A host of advocates (including TSTC and the Straphangers Campaign) and city and state politicians have called on the MTA to delay a decision on the fare hike until at least April, after a decision on congestion pricing is made and the state legislature has had the opportunity to increase aid to the MTA (see also MTR #s 564, 566). A full list of public hearings is available on the MTA’s website.

Though transit advocates faulted the MTA for “pushing a fare hike that is simply too much too soon” in today’s amNewYork, the agency was applauded for increased transparency and public engagement. One example of this transparency is the MTA’s first-ever “interactive workshop” on Nov. 17 (co-sponsored by the Empire State Transportation Alliance, of which Tri-State is a member). The forum promises to provide more information and opportunity for public input than the traditional public hearings. Registration is required.