News

NEW YORK, NY September 26, 2007 —MTA Officials say problems with programming their metro card vending machines aren't the sole reason for proposing a 25 cent fare increase next year instead of a smaller increment, such as a dime.

REPORTER: Executive Director Elliot Sander acknowledged getting the machines to store and collect more small change would be hindrance for everyone including customers. But he said raising the fare to two dollars and twenty five cents is needed to keep up with rising costs.

SANDER: The base fare was not increased in 2003, and so since then, so this increase now proposed for 2008 would keep that instrument at the level of inflation.

REPORTER: He also said only 14 percent of customers are paying the full fare, because most take advantage of weekly or monthly discounts. He expects even more riders would make that shift if the MTA switches to off-peak pricing and 14-day metro cards - which it's also proposing. Public hearings will be held in November.