$2.25 doesn’t sound like a lot of money until you have to scrounge together enough change to afford a ride from the MTA.

I know what it’s like to search under the cushions or in an old wallet to find the right amount money to afford a round trip ride.  It’s hard when you live off of a fixed income.

Well guess what? It’s about to get even harder.

The MTA has stated that a fare increase is inevitable because of pension costs and retiree health care. The hike will ultimately come as early as next year, but they want to hear from us. There will be hearings in all five boroughs from the community and I hope you will attend one of them to sound off!

To soften the blow, MTA has a few proposals and wants public opinion to ultimately decide which of the price increase proposals are fair! CBSNewYork.com breaks it down for us.

You tell me which option works for you!

Option 1A

• Base MetroCard and local bus fare goes up by 25 cents to $2.50.
• Single ride subway ticket jumps to $2.75.
• Bonus value would be 7 percent.
• Monthly card would jump from $104 to $112.
• Weekly pass would go up $1.

Option 1B

• Base MetroCard and local bus fare goes up by 25 cents to $2.50.
• Single ride subway ticket jumps to $2.75.
• There will be no bonus value.
• Monthly cards would increase to $109.
• A weekly card would stay the same at $29.

Option 2A

• Base MetroCard and local bus fare stays at $2.25.
• Single rides would stay at $2.50
• Price per ride for a MetroCard bonus would drop from 7 to 5 percent.
• Monthly cards would jump $21 to $125.
• Unlimited weekly cards would increase by $5 to $34.

Option 2B

• Base MetroCard and local bus fare stays at $2.25.
• Single rides would stay at $2.50.
• There would be no bonus value.
• Monthly cards would increase to $119.
• A weekly pass would go up to $32.

One option not on the ballot… NO INCREASE! So, please decide wisely which option you think you can afford.

• Read More @ CBSNewYork >

What do you think? Which option best suits your needs? Sound off in the comments section below!

–Micki Gamez, 92.3 NOW

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