Fuschillo says MTA fare hike is “rail” bad idea
Public Commentary

Dear Editor:

I am greatly disappointed that despite the urging of thousands of Long Island Rail Road riders and numerous state legislators, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has once again turned its back on Long Island's commuters by voting to increase fares next year.

It is particularly insulting that the MTA is again asking LIRR riders to spend more money to get to work every day when it is projected to realize substantial surpluses in both 2007 and 2008.

Long Island Rail Road fares have risen by 42 percent during the past decade, while the average subway fare has declined. The MTA must stop these discriminatory fare practices that consistently target suburban commuters.

In October, I voted to oppose the nomination of Dale Hemmerdinger as MTA Chairman because he showed little knowledge of transportation issues. As the leader of the board of directors that approved this fare hike, Hemmerdinger has proven that he is also out of touch withthe the thousands of commuters who use MTA transportation each day.

In a time when we should be promoting the use of mass transit to get cars off our roadways, this fare hike will only further discourage people from riding the LIRR.
Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.
New York State Senator

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