The Governor's news conference was also striking for its populist and environmental context. The Governor's companions at the podium today in his midtown Manhattan office were the Straphangers Campaign's Gene Russianoff, EDF counsel and Tri-State Transportation Campaign chair Jim Tripp and Rich Kassel of NRDC. No MTA officials accompanied the Governor, leading to speculation that the plan is being imposed over some MTA and Transit Authority reluctance.

"We have seen a surge in riders since full implementation of the Metrocard -- the changes have worked," Pataki said. He noted that this October had seen the most transit riders since October of 1970, and predicted that his transit pass program would add up to 100 million new rides per year to the transit system. The Governor also noted that his plan would provide a wide array of choices tailored to different transit use markets and would "empower the rider to discover that taking transit is better than getting in a car or cab."

"A pass will allow much greater mobility for transit riders and that's great news for our economy. It also means less traffic congestion, a saner city and cleaner air," said Russianoff.

Kassel praised the boldness of the Governor's move. Kassel noted that, together with his recent cancellation of a major highway expansion project in Westchester County, Gov. Pataki's fare policy was charting a new, environmentally sensitive transportation strategy. EDF's Tripp said that while world leaders generated hot air at the Kyoto global warming summit, Governor Pataki was taking direct action to reduce car trips and pollution.

The Plan

• Unlimited ride monthly pass priced at $63. At 30 round trips, the fare per ride would be $1.05.

• A weekly unlimited ride pass for $17.

• A daily unlimited ride pass for $4.

• Monthly express bus pass for $120 (also good for unlimited access to subways and buses).

• Express bus base fare reduction from $4 to $3.

• Unspecified service increases.

• Senior citizens who enjoy a 50% discount will continue to do so with the monthly and weekly passes.

See information related to this article:

• Click here to see more on the fare story with "Huge Win for Straphangers Campaign"