NY Times: M.T.A. Warns of Service Cuts and Fare Increases

[marmar]

M.T.A. Warns of Service Cuts and Fare Increases
By WILLIAM NEUMAN
Published: November 20, 2008


Deep cuts in subway, bus and commuter rail service could come as early as spring, followed by a double-digit rise in fares and tolls in June, transportation officials said on Thursday as they revealed a gloom-and-doom budget that came with a “cry for help” to elected officials to bail the authority out of its financial crisis.

But elected officials said they had no money to give and would wait to hear the proposals of a state commission that was seeking new revenue, which may include tolls on East River bridges and higher taxes, for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

“Neither the city nor the state has any money,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, speaking at an event on Staten Island. “There’s not enough money to go around, and we’re all going to have to work together.”

In a statement issued by his office, Gov. David A. Paterson cited the state government’s vast budget problems and signaled that he was waiting for the recommendations of the commission, which is led by Richard Ravitch, a former authority chairman. The commission is expected to make a report in early December.

But Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said he believed the Legislature would act to try to avoid the cuts, probably in line with Mr. Ravitch’s recommendations. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/21/nyregion/21transit.html?hp