Comments on: Where Does the Working Families Party Stand on MTA Rescue?

By: Ian Turner

Ian Turner — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:28:51 +0000

Glenn,

The following are far worse than an extra $20 a month for working families, and both have happened in the last 5-10 years:
- A 20% increase in rent cost (this is the average increase in the last 5 years, by the way).
- A 20% increase in food cost (happens all the time)

Seriously, is it a transportation system or is it a welfare system? We should charge whatever fare is required to keep the system running, and if that leaves some people unable to afford transportation, then they should be exempted through a transit stamp system.

By: mfs

mfs — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 02:59:49 +0000

Great point in the article, but Komanoff & beng–sheesh! Just because they don’t look at your idea or support a specific proposal, you write them off? If it’s a millionaires tax that saves subway & bus service or a bridge toll, does it really matter?

By: Komanoff

Komanoff — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 02:43:14 +0000

Glenn -- You asked, What's more regressive than a 20% fare hike? I'll answer, The 25% fare hike in the MTA's doomsday scenario (score one for the math team). Seriously, the WFP's blandishments are pure fig leaf. Limited bandwidth be damned, the party has done nada. As was explained to me last fall, when I tried to get the WFP to take a good look at the Kheel Plan, "we only activate when we can be out in front." From the vanguard to the dustbin, in the flick of a fare hike.

By: beng722

beng722 — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:12:18 +0000

finally, an opportunity for WFP to use their power. if they do not endorse East River tolls then they’ve lost all street cred.

By: Glenn

Glenn — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:30:06 +0000

Aside from a change in the minimum wage, I couldn’t think of a bigger impact on the average “working” family in NYC than a regressive 20% hike in transit fares.

Really, can someone else name another?