Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley testified at an MTA public hearing last week against the proposed fare hikes.
This is part of her testimony in opposition:
“All New Yorkers, no matter what community they come from, rely on the MTA and public transportation every day. Everyone is affected by a fare hike. We pay fares for subways and buses, and tolls for bridges and tunnels. Instead of imposing these constant increases, it’s important we look to what else we can do to generate revenue.”
Instead of the increase, Crowley suggested a policy change amongst for-hire vehicles that could subsidize costs for the MTA. She introduced a City Council resolution that would extend the same tax to all taxis, livery cabs, Ubers and Lyfts, which would create parity across the board.
Crowley also urged the MTA to take advantage of the city’s existing infrastructure and expand public transportation.
In the past, the councilwoman proposed a light rail for commuters along the LIRR’s Lower Montauk branch.
“Before we rush to impose another hike on the backs of hardworking New Yorkers, let’s look to these measures and any others that will be just as effective in subsidizing MTA costs,” she added.