Jump in MTA fares and tolls
The MTA started operating in 1965. As the years went on, the fares and tolls have been increasing. Statistically, the prices will relatively keep going up. Photo taken by Lizbeth Loarca
by Jasmine Tejada, staff reporter
Riders on the MTA were in the habit of paying $2.50 for a ride, but in recent months that price has been increased to $2.75, and is expected to go up again.
According to the metropolitan transportation authority, fares and tolls are expected to increase by 4%. The increase the past two years has been slow, and continues to go up by a quarter, but riders are have taken notice that the cost is affecting their wallet.
“People pay $2.75, but I personally don’t see any safety improvements, and the buses actually make people late even when you leave home earlier than you would normally have to. So my question, is that money going to make things better, or simply is the increase cost for the sake of pensions and wages? $3.15 for a ride, or an increase on tolls isn’t right,” MTA rider Vania Pacheco said.
Nevertheless, there is a solution that may postpone this increase. However, it includes government intervention. Due to the fact that the increase is to fund the $27.6 billion Capital Plan project for safer travel on infrastructures, to generate more jobs, and increase wages.
“There is a great need for repairs and that costs money. Now when fairs do go up, it means a lot of people are expected to pay the exact amount and not make my job any harder,” MTA bus driver said.
To prevent riders from feeling overwhelm the fairs will continue to increase 1.6% every year or 25 cents.
“For kids who work, or don’t [work] it’s a lot of money for a ride,” junior Binnah Cha said.