BP MARKOWITZ STATEMENT AGAINST POSSIBLE MTA FARE INCREASE

"As you know, I have commended the mayor for addressing many issues confronting the long-term sustainability of this city in his PlaNYC. Whatever one believes about the congestion pricing component—and I have indicated that my support is contingent upon certain exemptions for vulnerable populations and a guarantee from the City and the MTA that capacity issues will be addressed—we must acknowledge that this is a forward-thinking attempt to encourage public transit use.

One of the most compelling components of the congestion pricing proposal has been the intention to use proceeds to improve our city's public transit system. I agree that we simply must create incentives for drivers to get out of their cars and choose public transit. That is, we must have assurances that the public transit system will be fast, safe, expanded, and affordable.

Frankly, as the City of New York considers strategies to reduce congestion, this is no time for the MTA to be talking about raising transit fares. The timing of this suggestion is totally counter-productive. If you look at incentives and costs as "carrots" and "sticks," it might seem as though the City and the MTA are both attempting to influence the behavior of the traveling public with the sticks they each control. Such a "stick vs. stick" approach cannot achieve our common goal, which is to make this city more livable and economically competitive, while taking care of the most vulnerable in our society.

Our public policy must be coordinated. Fare increases discourage transit ridership, and we must oppose them at this time. The City and the MTA must get on the same road and the same track if we want to travel into a brighter, congestion-free future."