Talk of a deal to stave off massive MTA fare hikes seems to be on precarious ground in Albany after Gov. David Paterson indicated the MTA should go ahead with its "doomsday budget" if the State Legislature can't agree on a rescue plan.
Paterson told reporters Monday that this week’s state budget deadline has been "known by all parties.”
The state budget is due by the end of Tuesday.
"Delaying action, to me, would just ring too true to what's gone on in Albany too many times," Paterson said.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which faces a $1.2 billion budget deficit, last Wednesday adopted a massive fare hike plan that would boost bus and rail prices about 30%. Single rides would increase forom $2 to $2.50 while monthly passes would increase from $81 to $103.
Straphangers and local officials expressed outrage at the hikes, which come amid a recession and growing unemployment numbers.
On Friday, Democratic lawmakers said all options remain on the table to create new revenue for the MTA, including new bridge tolls, payroll taxes and higher vehicle registration fees, in addition to modified fare increases.
