Since it's unclear whether the State Legislature will make a deal to help out the MTA (they claim to want to, but there's no agreement on a plan), the MTA has no choice but to tell commuters what to expect with their unlimited Metrocards as "doomsday," May 31—the day fares go up about 25%— approaches.
June 8 is the deadline to start using unlimited Metrocards purchased before May 31. CityRoom explains, "The cut-off date is intended in part to prevent hoarding. Given the deadline, stocking up on the cards before May 31 in the hopes of using them weeks and months later will not be a fruitful strategy." (The Daily News translates the cut-off date for these valid-through dates: "1-Day Fun Passes - June 8th;
7-Day MetroCard - June 14th; 14-Day MetroCard - June 21st; 30-Day MetroCard July 7, 2009.") Customer who don't use their cards in time can write in for refunds; pro-rated refunds are also available.
In other news, Mayor Bloomberg hates the Senate Democrats' plan that includes a taxi dropoff fee and the MTA is freezing its spending—according to the Post, "MTA bosses are under strict directives to halt hiring, cap overtime, make use of 'excess employees' and make only 'essential' purchases."
