Senator Frantz: 4% Fare Hike Unfair to Commuters [CBS New York]

Article as it appeared on CBS New York on May 9, 2012

New Haven Line Fare Hike Restored In Connecticut Budget Passed By House

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CBSNewYork) – Commuters who ride Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Line thought they were getting a break, but that is not likely anymore, WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reported.

Lawmakers had planned to nix a 4 percent fare hike that would go into effect in January, but it was back in the budget the House passed earlier this week.

State lawmakers are trying to fill a $144 million budget gap.

The Senate has taken up the budget bill and St. Sen. Scott Frantz (R-Greenwich), who sits on the finance and transportation committees, called the restoration unfair to commuters.

He said it’s especially unfair because much of that money will get transferred out of the Special Transportation Fund.

“And, unfortunately, much of those funds end up disappearing for other purposes such as the general fund,” Frantz told Schneidau.

Commuters already committed to paying for new M-8 rail cars now face a combined 5.5 percent combined fare hike in January.