Senator Fuschillo and Assemblymember Rosenthal Call on Governor Cuomo to Sign Legislation to Give Public More Input on Proposed Mta Fare, Toll, and Service Changes

MTA Has Implemented Six Fare Hikes in the Last 10 Years, and Is Planning to Consider Another Fare Increase Proposal in 2014

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) recently called on Governor Cuomo to sign legislation they sponsor to ensure that all residents affected by any proposed Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) fare increase, toll hike and major service change are able to voice their concerns.

     In a joint letter of support for the legislation sent to Governor Cuomo, Senator Fuschillo and Assemblymember Rosenthal said, “Riders’ concerns and needs vary drastically among boroughs and counties, and it is imperative that the MTA Board understand how changes to fares and services will affect different areas. This can only be accomplished if as much of the MTA board as possible is present at each public hearing. Proposed changes can have devastating effects and deserve the Board’s full attention so that the proper and least-drastic course of action can be undertaken.”

     Current state law requires the MTA to hold a public hearing on a proposed toll, fare or major service change. There is no requirement that a hearing be held in each affected county. When it considered the most recent fare increase proposal in the fall of 2012, the MTA held public forums in different areas of the MTA region, but there were several counties in which no public hearing was held, even though residents of those counties were directly impacted by the MTA changes. The MTA also holds simultaneous hearings in different counties, thereby preventing all the Board members from being present at all hearings.

     The legislation (S.776/A.31), which passed both houses in May, would require the MTA to hold hearings in each county in which a fare increase, toll and/or major service change is proposed.

     The legislation was sent to the Governor’s office on Friday, November 1, 2013. Governor Cuomo has until midnight on November 13th to act on the legislation.

     A copy of Senator Fuschillo and Assemblymember Rosenthal’s letter is attached below.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. represents the 8th Senate district which includes parts of Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal represents the 67th Assembly district which includes the Upper West Side and parts of the Clinton/ Hell’s Kitchen neighborhoods in Manhattan.

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