A Statement by Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square), ranking Minority member on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, on the latest fare hikes proposed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority

It’s disappointing, but not surprising, that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is proposing another round of fare and toll increases. Call it what you want—it’s a hike. And it’s just the latest in a long line of burdens the MTA is placing on us.

In this year’s state budget, Albany gave the MTA a massive boost in revenue, an additional $1.4 billion a year, by increasing the Payroll Mobility Tax on large employers across the downstate region, including Nassau and Suffolk counties. I voted against that measure because I knew this is exactly what would happen: the MTA would ask for more, no matter how much it’s already getting.

On top of that, congestion pricing, now charging drivers $9 a day just to enter Manhattan, is expected to bring in another $500 million this year alone. Between these two funding streams, the MTA is taking in roughly $1.9 billion in new revenue in 2025. Yet, here we are again, talking about fare hikes on subway, Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North riders, plus higher tolls on our bridges and tunnels.

Where is all this money going? Surely not towards addressing chronic service issues, outdated infrastructure and serious safety concerns. Rampant fare evasion is costing the system hundreds of millions more each year, and riders and drivers are footing the bill. The MTA must be held accountable, and the board should reject this proposal. New Yorkers deserve better than endless price hikes with nothing to show for them.

My bill (A.6088) to require a comprehensive forensic audit and a top-down overhaul of the MTA stands even more urgent today. I’ll say it again: Albany and our governor must demand a full forensic audit of the MTA before asking taxpayers for another dime.”