NEW YORK, NY January 03, 2009 —When the MTA outlined possible fare hike scenarios earlier this week, the harshest proposals fell on disabled riders. The fare for Access-a-Ride vans is now $2, but it could rise sharply in June, unless the state legislature steps in. WNYC's Matthew Schuerman has more.

REPORTER: While the base subway fare may soon rise to $2.50, the cost of a one-way trip on an Access-a-Ride van could go as high as $4.50 or even $5. Lawrence Carter-Long of Disabilities Network of New York City says that's simply not fair.

CARTER-LONG: You're asking those who are least able to afford those increases to bear the biggest share of the burden. If that was happening with any other minority within New York City, you'd have riots in the streets.

REPORTER: The MTA says even a five dollar fare will cover just 7 percent of the actual cost of an average Access-a-Ride trip. While Mayor Bloomberg successfully fought against a disproportionate fare increase for express buses, he has so far been silent on transit for the disabled.

For WNYC, I'm Matthew Schuerman.