NYC transit fare hikes poised for passage

NEW YORK, May 6 (UPI) -- New York's governor says a fare hike for New York City subway riders will avoid service cuts down the road.

The state Legislature began considering the 25-cent increase on Wednesday as the best way for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to keep the trains moving.

The New York Post said the $2.26 billion transit bailout bill, which also includes higher bridge tolls and a 50-cent surcharge on cab rides, was virtually assured of passage.

Gov. David Paterson told a news conference Tuesday night the increase as well as an $8 increase in the price of a monthly transit pass, would be the only increases for straphangers.

"There will be no surprises," Paterson said. "There will be no further cuts or fears about fare hikes or toll increases."