Yesterday, MTA Chairman Peter Kalikow revealed the 2007 $10 billion MTA budget, confirming that there will be no fare hikes in 2007 and 2009. But some transit advocates think that Kalikow's strategy of implementing hikes every other year (one is expected in 2008) is just delaying the inevitable given the crippling deficits expected. Beverly Dolinsky of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA told the Post, "[Kalikow is] putting it in the lap of the next administration. I don't know how they can say there aren't going to be any fare increases." All Gothamist wants for the holidays is a cage match between Kalikow and Governor-elect Eliot Spitzer over the state of the MTA.
The MTA also mentioned some other initiatives. The MTA will make sure the L will run more frequently during rush hour and extend the G's service to five more stops along the F line. Maintenance wise, the agency will replace scratchiti-scarred windows, and, thanks to the sale of Stuyvesant Town to Tishman-Speyer, the MTA can afford to paint 200 of its 468 stations! Also, the MTA will attempt to get one-person train operation on the J, 7 M & N lines. Kalikow did complain about people misusing emergency exits, causing wear-and-tear. Oh, Chairman Kalikow, tell it to the dude Gothamist saw this morning with the double-wide stroller and crying kids misusing the emergency exit.
Remember how Kalikow spent a $50 million surplus last year - on holiday fares!
