BP MARKOWITZ STATEMENT ON MTA APPROVAL OF FARE AND TOLL HIKES

“It is extremely disappointing that the MTA has ignored the pleas of hardworking Brooklynites and New Yorkers and voted to hike fares and tolls. Rather than hold off until the legislature considers both increased MTA funding and the NYC Congestion Pricing Initiative next year—something I called for along with Assembly Member James Brennan and several other public officials during a press conference prior to the first public hearing in Downtown Brooklyn—the board chose to derail our suggestions and opt for what is clearly a ‘rush to judgment.’

Unfortunately, the fare increases approved today for multi-trip weekly and monthly card users shift the burden to our residents, who rely on public transportation for their livelihoods and should be the last people asked to foot the bill. Of course, I continue to welcome the Governor’s public promise to substantially increase state subsidies to the MTA operating budget in the future, and I would like all reasonably-minded public officials to work together to assist him and the legislature to devise an equitable funding formula that takes the burden off the straphanger—and requires the government to finally contribute its fair share.”

—— Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz