New York can’t afford more fare hikes
Brooklyn: Re “Fare game” (editorial, Nov. 21): Predictable fare hikes are not the only option — they are the worst option. Public transit in New York City is an essential public service that allows riders to get to and from work, school and home. It powers the economy and services millions of riders, many who are of low income. Pre-pandemic, the MTA relied on fares for nearly half of its revenue, one of the largest fare burdens placed on riders in the country. Ridership plummeted during the pandemic and recovery will not happen if fares are raised.
The MTA needs more funding, but low-income riders should not be the source. For a college student or low-income worker, fares add up quickly: $2.75 a ride may not seem like much, but that adds up to $5.50 a day and close to $30 a week. I have spoken to many fellow Brooklyn College students who already struggle with the costs and fear of debilitating fare hikes. Public transit is the reason I am able to work and go to school in a different borough than my own. It is wrong to keep raising fares and slowly edging more people away from their dream jobs, schools and all the opportunities the city has to offer.
A public transportation system dependent on fares alone is not sustainable. Congestion pricing and federal annual funding are two options that make more sense than raising fares. We need these alternatives and, ultimately, we need fare-capping. In conjunction, these solutions will give the MTA critical funds while expanding equity in our public transit system.