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State legislative leaders reject MTA capital plan, intend to include it in budget talks

The article from Newsday discusses the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) proposed $19.3 billion spending plan for 2024, which includes a 4% fare increase set to take effect in August. This plan aims to address a projected $3 billion budget deficit by 2025, influenced by the financial strain from the COVID-19 pandemic. Key points include a fare hike for subway and bus rides from $2.75 to $2.85, and increases in express bus fares and monthly passes. The MTA also plans to invest in infrastructure, with significant allocations for subway car purchases, station accessibility improvements, and signal modernization. Despite these investments, the fare increase has sparked debate, with some officials and advocates arguing that it disproportionately affects lower-income riders. The plan also involves seeking additional state and city funding to mitigate the deficit, with discussions around potential new revenue sources like a payroll tax increase or casino licensing fees.

Read the Full Newsday Article at:
[ https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/mta-spending-plan-sv3yjttf ]