Bloomberg
Maintains Placeholder for East River Tolls, But
Issue Still a Big Question Mark
In his budget presentation last Tuesday, the mayor only briefly mentioned East
River bridge tolls. As in his speech for the November budget adjustment (MTR
#392), tolls were grouped under "regional transportation initiatives" along
with reduction in city payments to the MTA and an end to responsibility for the
franchise bus system. The mayor noted in passing that the transportation plans
include "the potential for tolls on bridges."
MTA Toll Plan a Throwback for Region
As downstate New York prepares for hearings on the MTA’s decision to increase
fares, the MTA plan for bridge and tunnel tolls has largely escaped notice. In
part, that is because the increase is relatively small. Where the MTA boosted
its bridge toll rates 16% in 1996, this year’s proposed 50-cent increase
will be less in percentage terms (14%). On the other hand, the NYC Transit base
fare increased 20% in 1996, and will rise 33% if it goes to $2 this year.
NY State Budget: No Surprises, Except NYSDOT Reform
The state budget Governor Pataki proposed on Wednesday appears to hold state
aid to the MTA relatively constant (a level that cannot stave off the MTA’s
proposed fare increases), and makes only marginal reductions in aid to Westchester,
Nassau and Suffolk bus systems.
Will Fare Increases be Fair?
Last Monday, the MTA board finance committee presented ideas on fare discounts
to make the proposed transit fare increases less painful for subway, train, and
bus riders. Many of the points were welcome additions to the fare discussion,
but all were presented very tentatively, as illustrative examples. Any package
of discounts would accompany the large fare hikes — up to 33% for NYC Transit’s
base fare — first put forth by the MTA in November.
Once Again, Rail Freight Over Arthur Kill
A rail trestle over the Arthur Kill will finally be re-opened to freight trains
in 2005 after being out of use since 1991. The trestle will provide a vital link
for freight between Staten Island and New Jersey.
CT Pedestrian Safety Bill Pending
The CT legislature’s transportation committee will soon schedule a hearing
to consider a bill to fund "safe routes to school" projects throughout
the state.
Status of Bike Ways in Central NJ: One Step Forward,
More Qs Raised
At long last, Middlesex County freeholders have finally acquired the unused Conrail
freight railroad right-of-way that has come to be known as the Middlesex Greenway
in Edison.
