I commute. I just have a metrocard that’s linked to my bank account, and any time it goes below a certain amount which I set, it simply takes it from my account. Makes things a bit easier, but the fare hikes won’t.

The MTA is always making threats.

I’d think ridership would actually go up, seeing as how fewer people can afford to take cabs.

Maybe people would rather just lie in bed and cry.

I think the monthly is already up to $101. I saw an ad this morning that was like “With a monthly pass costing $101, you’d think they’d have a sauna and a gym down there” or something to that effect. As if the subway stations/trains themselves are simultaneously lavish and cheap. HA.

so does this really mean that in 10 years from now each ride will cost a flat rate of $6, and a monthly will be $150?

when will it end, i say.

Your first paragraph contains an improper inference. The MTA set record ridership levels in 2008, and then a few days later, announced that numbers for 2009 were trending downwards. That’s nothing contradictory in either of those news items.

As for your charge that subway service is “slow,” how’s that? It takes me 20 minutes to get from Park Slope to NYU. That’s downright speedy. Sure, you have to wait, but it’s far better here than it is in many other cities. I’ll certainly give you the dirty stations. That’s the cost of having a huge, 24-hour system. I’d rather have it be dirty than closed from midnight to 5 am like DC’s.

Finally, the 270 Jay St. building is just a distraction. The State Senate is debating a plan that should fund some of all of the MTA’s budget deficit in perpetuity. In a down market, do you really expect selling 270 Jay St. to cover the $1.2-$1.8 billion budget gap the MTA will soon face on an annual basis?

@ Benjamin

your 1st point: yes, you are right. I still also think it’s an uncanny coincidence that the budget plan was circulating during the time they announce- after just the month of January- that subway ridership is down. It’s like wanting to jump on the we-have-no-money-so-save-us. We certainly did not see them announcing every month last year whether or not ridership was down or up compared to the month before.

really? Because it takes me close to an hour (during rush hour) to get into the city from Prospect Heights, which I would argue is closer than Park Slope. After 10 pm, it takes me about an hour and a half to get home (I’ve timed it numerous times- believe me, when a train moves that slow, all you can do is stare at your cellphone.)

No, but I do expect Jay Street to stave off some of MTA’s hunger for the time being. My point about 270 Jay St is that the MTA is holding on to a building in which they wish to funnel $150 million for renovations- and that’s $150 million that they don’t have. Of course I don’t expect selling that building to solve all future financial problems, but for now, perhaps it can save some of the lines that they have been threatening to cut. At least it’ll look like they are making some sort of effort to save themselves besides just drafting out reports saying an increase in fares is required every two years without any public discussion.

@ Benjamin

your 1st point: yes, you are right. I still also think it’s an uncanny coincidence that the budget plan was circulating during the time they announce- after just the month of January- that subway ridership is down. It’s like wanting to jump on the we-have-no-money-so-save-us. We certainly did not see them announcing every month last year whether or not ridership was down or up compared to the month before.

really? Because it takes me close to an hour (during rush hour) to get into the city from Prospect Heights, which I would argue is closer than Park Slope. After 10 pm, it takes me about an hour and a half to get home (I’ve timed it numerous times- believe me, when a train moves that slow, all you can do is stare at your cellphone.)

No, but I do expect Jay Street to stave off some of MTA’s hunger for the time being. My point about 270 Jay St is that the MTA is holding on to a building in which they wish to funnel $150 million for renovations- and that’s $150 million that they don’t have. Of course I don’t expect selling that building to solve all future financial problems, but for now, perhaps it can save some of the lines that they have been threatening to cut. At least it’ll look like they are making some sort of effort to save themselves besides just drafting out reports saying an increase in fares is required every two years without any public discussion.
P.S. – Sorry, forgot to tell you great post!