Legislative leaders say they expect to have a plan within days to head off steep fares hikes and reduced service planned for the financially-troubled New York City transit system.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith won't say what the deal will include. They say they are negotiating now and will seek a consensus among their members behind closed doors.
An agreement is expected at or around the time the state budget is due, which is by the end of Tuesday, they said.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is looking to close a $1.2 billion budget gap.
On Wednesday, the MTA voted to increase the cost of subway and bus fares from $2 to $2.50. The fare changes will go into effect on May 31.
Under the plan, a 30-day MetroCard will cost $103, up from $81. The MTA plans to start re-programming Metrocard machines and changing signs immediately.
Fares on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North will rise an average of 23 percent. Tolls will also go up on the MTA's seven bridges and two tunnels by 30 percent for cash users and 26 percent for EZ-Pass customers.
The MTA Board also voted to eliminate 21 bus lines in New York City, and another 14 system wide, including Nassau County. Two subway lines will also be scrapped, the W and the Z.
The move has straphangers scrambling to deal with rising costs and slower service amid a recession.
