With layoffs coming and the possible draconian fare increase looming, the war of words between MTA officials and state legislature is heating up. At their emergency board meeting yesterday, MTA Chairman Dale Hemmerdinger said, "This is big stuff. And I think [state lawmakers] don't really understand what's at stake...Trains that will not be there...People who won't be able to get to the doctors, won't be able to get to school, won't be able to get to work." Whether or not Albany is able to help alleviate the fare hike and transit cuts, the "doomsday budget" will include cutting about 200 token booth positions and all 600 station customer assistants with pink slips going out in May. An MTA bailout based around the Ravitch plan has been stalled due to the possibility of East River tolls and other issues. Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith said, "I just don't think it's appropriate for the MTA to sort of hold the public hostage and say, 'Well if we don't get to the deadline we're going to charge you more. I mean the public didn't cause their failures in terms of how they manage their budget."Photo: ultraclay! on Flickr