Jaishel Linch, of Brooklyn, buys LIRR tickets at the Hicksville...

Jaishel Linch, of Brooklyn, buys LIRR tickets at the Hicksville station, Tuesday (July 27, 2010) Credit: Sally Morrow

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will hold hearings in Garden City and Smithtown next month regarding proposed fare hikes and budget cuts.

The meetings will take place Sept. 16 at the Garden City Hotel and Sept. 20 at the Suffolk County Legislature in Smithtown.

The MTA will hold other September hearings in New York City and Westchester and Orange counties.

The agency wants to raise Long Island Rail Road fares up to 9.4 percent, close ticket windows, and raise cash tolls on bridges and tunnels, as part of a plan to close a $900-million deficit and balance next year's budget. The MTA's board will vote on the budget in October.

Emotional reunion with liver donor ... Out East: Duck Creek Arts Center ... Look ahead at the weather Credit: Newsday

State to limit kids' screen time? ... Emotional reunion with liver donor ... Out East: Duck Creek Arts Center ... Look ahead at the weather

Emotional reunion with liver donor ... Out East: Duck Creek Arts Center ... Look ahead at the weather Credit: Newsday

State to limit kids' screen time? ... Emotional reunion with liver donor ... Out East: Duck Creek Arts Center ... Look ahead at the weather

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