By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt is calling on Governor Pataki to instruct his appointees on the NFTA Board of Commissioners to reject a proposed fare increase for Metro Bus and Rail.
Assembly Hoyt says the governor promised New York City residents in December that he would do what he can to stop proposed rate hikes for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Pataki is quoted as saying the fare increase would be the "wrong thing to do" as the New York City continues to recover from September 11th.
Hoyt says the governor should now make the same pledge to Buffalo residents.
"I would submit to you that Western New York and the city of Buffalo have been hard hit by the (September 11th) tragedy, economically and otherwise," Hoyt said. "I don't think he should prohibit a rate increase in New York City but allow one to go forward in Buffalo. It just doesn't make sense."
The NFTA is proposing a 25-cent increase in fares to $1.50. The first in a series of public hearings on the rate increase is scheduled for this Thursday evening at 7 at the ECC City Campus.