MTA fare hike brings the pain

Straphangers are getting squeezed again after the MTA board voted overwhelmingly Thursday to raise fares for the third straight year.

Beginning Dec. 30, an unlimited monthly MetroCard will cost $104, up from $89. An unlimited weekly MetroCard will cost $29, up from $27.

Before the vote,  straphangers at the hearing tried to persuade board members to reject the proposals. The more incensed speakers shouted down the board, calling them “rich sc--bags” and “chupacabras.”

“Never have I seen the anger higher at this board of rich people who don’t even ride their own transit system," said MTA station agent Marty Goodman.

Board member Norman Seabrook, one of the two “no” votes against the fare hike, took offense to the name-calling, but agreed that raising fares cannot be “the bailout package of the MTA.”

Without aid from Albany or the federal government, MTA Chairman Jay Walder said fare increases, along with already-enacted budget and service cuts, are necessary to cover the MTA’s budget shortfall.

In addition, a one-way, single-ride ticket will increase 25 cents to $2.50, while the 1-Day Fun Pass and 14-day unlimited MetroCard will be phased out.

Eventually, a $1 fee also will be assessed each time a rider buys a new MetroCard.