"It's bad policy to raise the fare for a third consecutive year while New Yorkers grapple with stagnant wages and high unemployment. These repeated increases hit low and middle income New Yorkers hardest, and do not help our city's economic recovery. We cannot reach deeper into straphangers' wallets while other options remain on the table. I urge the MTA to continue reducing managerial overhead, and to work with the State Legislature to seriously consider all alternatives to raising the fare. If all other options are exhausted, I still believe tolling on the East River bridges at the price of a subway ride would be preferable to another significant fare hike."