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Sigh: Not Even MTA Board Members Care About Fare Hike Hearings
By
Garth Johnston
Published Nov 30, 2012
Modified Nov 30, 2012
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Garth Johnston / Gothamist
By
Garth Johnston
Published Nov 30, 2012
Modified Nov 30, 2012
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If you've felt guilty because you haven't made it to one of the many hearings held by the MTA's regarding the imminent fare hikes, don't worry, you aren't the only one who has missed out on empty rooms, discussions of disco lights, and rants about tolls. As the Daily News points out, half of the MTA board failed to make most or all of the public hearings!
"Of the 16 board members, one didn't make it to a single forum, six made it to just one. And another showed up twice." Among those who didn't bother to drop by? Former governor David Paterson, whose spokesman explains was too busy doing his radio show to sit quietly and get talked at for a few hours. And these are the people who are going to be deciding what you pay at the turnstiles next year!
"The 2012 fare increase hearings were the worst attended in the three decades I have followed them, both by the MTA board members and the riding public," Gene Russianoff of the Straphangers Campaign noted. "Perhaps four fare hikes in five years has taken a toll."
At this rate the fare hike debates scheduled to begin in two years are going to attended by tumbleweeds. Hope everybody likes that upcoming $2.50 fare!
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MTA
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