MTA = More Trouble Ahead!

By Marcus DelaHoz

What does a bailout of $1.8 billion from Albany secure for you if you’re a rider of New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority? An increase of 7.5 percent in fares for the 2011 and 2013 fiscal year, the elimination of  up to 596 subway station agents and the closing of 42 booths.

On a lighter note, the bailout plan did manage to eliminate an entire 25 cents on single ride Metrocards, 75 cents on express bus fares, $4 on 7-day Metrocards, $7.50 on 14-day Metrocards, $14 on 30-day Metrocards and an entire $1.50 on bridge tolls.

Cab drivers and individual pursuing licenses and vehicle registrations have not been spared either because licenses and registrations are also going to increase. The good news is that I just saved money on my car insurance.

The horribly managed MTA is still going to need an extra $200 million to get out of the “red zone.” It’s obvious that there is no consideration for the citizens of New York City when public officials allow the MTA to blatantly manipulate the public.

In 2002 the State Comptroller’s Office discovered that the MTA kept two sets of books regarding there finances. The discovery shed light to the MTA’s distasteful practices of hiding more than half a billion dollars in order to claim a deficit and solicit more funds from the state.

Until this entire organization is dismantled and reorganized the riders of mass transit in New York City will continue being held hostage. It’s our turn to tell the MTA “stand clear of the closing door.” PLEASE!!!!