NEW YORK, NY September 24, 2008 —The authority's full board approved a measure revoking the practice of giving government agencies and departments free EZ-Passes.

The MTA says it will bring in $10 million it can use to plug its budget deficit. But Mark Page, one of Mayor Bloomberg's representatives to the MTA board, says the move will create "ill will" without producing much benefit.

PAGE: $10 Million dollars in the scheme of things is probably not going to make a great deal of difference in the scope of service that the MTA is able to provide.

REPORTER: In addition, the MTA wants the city to pitch in another $100 million next year to cover reduced fare passes for students and seniors and other benefits. So far, Mayor Bloomberg has refused, saying the city has no money either.

The policy change will affect almost 100 agencies, including New York City departments of parks and environmental protection, small ambulance companies in Queens, and the National Park Service.

It will take about six weeks before the MTA begins charging.