Senator Marty Golden to Mta: “Here You Go Again”

DENOUNCES PLANS TO INCREASE METROCARD COST, INCREASE EXPRESS BUS FARES AND BRIDGE AND TUNNEL TOLLS AND REDUCE E-Z PASS DISCOUNTS

Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), a member of the Metropolitan Transit Authority Capital Review Board, is today denouncing a proposal by the Metropolitan Transit Authority to increase the price of MetroCards, express bus fares and bridges and tunnel tolls, including the Verrazano Bridge, while reducing E-Z pass discounts.

“Here they go again,” said Senator Golden, “In the environment of a struggling economy, when many New Yorkers are out of work, the Metropolitan Transit Authority is wrongfully looking to dig deeper into the pockets of straphangers and motorists. I adamantly oppose attempts to increase the cost of Metro Cards, the express bus fare and the base toll for the Verrazano Bridge at this time. This is unacceptable – we are already asked to pay too much.”

Golden continued, “Last month, when reports were circulating about an increase, I joined my colleague Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis at the entrance to the Verrazano Bridge, to motivate people to stand united in opposition to any such proposal. It is now apparent that we must ready ourselves to oppose these plans. We must attend public hearings, send letters and emails, and call the MTA. We must send a message that we can’t afford toll and fare hikes.”

Highlights of the proposal that would most effect residents of Senator Golden’s district are $25.00 increases to monthly MetroCards, $5.00 increases to weekly MetroCards, a 50 cent fare hike to $6.00 for express buses. and the base toll for the Verrazano Bridge to $15.00.

The MTA public hearing scheduled for Brooklyn will be on November 7th at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams Street, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.