Uptown’s Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez on MTA Fare Increase

As the Board of the MTA discusses plans to increase subway and bus fares in New York City, Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez issued this statement:

“While the MTA discusses how to raise fares on subways and buses, commuters across the city are already struggling to afford this basic but vital service. Now more than ever, the need to support New Yorkers living in deep poverty with reduced fares is clear. The fact that this conversation is happening without seriously considering its impact on those most in need is concerning. I join the Riders Alliance, the Community Service Society and so many more, in calling for Fair Fares for New Yorkers in need and support all efforts to make this happen. Affordable transportation is a lifeline to jobs, education, healthcare and more, and if we put it further out of reach for lower income families, we’ll have pockets of poverty with few ways out. The time to implement this important initiative is now, prior to the expected increase next year.”