| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: [1] 2 3 |
GrayStreet09
LIF Toddler
Member since 8/08 400 total posts
Name:
|
Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
ok "possible" hike? But still I am  and feel stuck and can go on and on and on about where I see problems and what my gripes are.
Anyone else?
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/mta-plans-steep-service-cuts-and-fare-increase/
|
Posted 11/20/08 2:05 PM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
Otherme
Square head cutie pants
Member since 3/06 6899 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
I get more angry when i hear about the possibility of bringing back the commuter tax
I spend money in NYC every day when i get my breakfast and lunch, and when i go out with co-workers after work for drinks etc.
With the potential fare hike on the LIRR and subway (unlimited monthly going to $100!), you want to now charge me even more for coming into the city to work?
hmph
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:20 PM |
| |
|
GrayStreet09
LIF Toddler
Member since 8/08 400 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
Posted by Otherme
I get more angry when i hear about the possibility of bringing back the commuter tax
I spend money in NYC every day when i get my breakfast and lunch, and when i go out with co-workers after work for drinks etc.
With the potential fare hike on the LIRR and subway (unlimited monthly going to $100!), you want to now charge me even more for coming into the city to work?
hmph
I couldn't agree with this more! I too take both the LIRR and the subway, so what I get hit with the increase 2x? And it's not even like the service is good, it stinks! This week alone I was delayed on the LIRR 3x! and don't even get me started on the subway!
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:23 PM |
| |
|
Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
Posted by Otherme
I get more angry when i hear about the possibility of bringing back the commuter tax
Can someone explain the commuter tax? Is it some sort of income tax?
ETA -- I am only asking b/c I cannot see how an income tax could be constitutional... Was it a tax on the commuting costs?
Also ETA - I almost puked when I read they want to raise the fares over 20%. 
Message edited 11/20/2008 2:29:26 PM.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:25 PM |
| |
|
mrsej
The cutest!
Member since 1/07 2495 total posts
Name:
Mommy
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
I take MetroNorth and the subway and want to scream with this fare increase. The unlimited metrocard might go up $20!!! That is ridiculous - just a few years ago didn't they have a surplus?! My commute is so expensive as it is already.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:25 PM |
| |
|
Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
it's farkin ludicrous. Maybe they're hedging on the many people who won't be commuting because of layoffs so they will get more from the people who have jobs and commute. Reverse hedging..it's a scam!
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:30 PM |
| |
|
kerrycec03
Mom of 2 beautiful boys!!
Member since 6/06 13519 total posts
Name:
Kerry
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
I can't even think about it. Its like kick me when I'm already down. I swear, economy is going in the crapper so lets charge commuters even more to get to work. I already pay $345 per month for LIRR & Metro card. I can't pay over $400!!!
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:37 PM |
| |
|
Christine
2nd verse same as the 1st
Member since 5/05 15287 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
Posted by Kara
Posted by Otherme
I get more angry when i hear about the possibility of bringing back the commuter tax
Can someone explain the commuter tax? Is it some sort of income tax?
ETA -- I am only asking b/c I cannot see how an income tax could be constitutional... Was it a tax on the commuting costs?
Also ETA - I almost puked when I read they want to raise the fares over 20%.
The commuter tax is a Non-NYC resident income tax. It's a lower rate then NYC residents pay. I suppose to collect some revenue from people that spend significant time in the city and benefit from services of NYC but don't pay resident tax.
I agree with the puking at the 20% fare increase. That would put my LIRR ticket at $200 and I still live in queens for pete's sake.
Message edited 11/20/2008 2:42:24 PM.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:41 PM |
| |
|
Otherme
Square head cutie pants
Member since 3/06 6899 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
Posted by Kara
Posted by Otherme
I get more angry when i hear about the possibility of bringing back the commuter tax
Can someone explain the commuter tax? Is it some sort of income tax?
ETA -- I am only asking b/c I cannot see how an income tax could be constitutional... Was it a tax on the commuting costs?
its a tax on anyone living outside of NYC - .45%, so if you make $100,000 a year, it would be $450
Its grossly unfair IMO because the people enacting this tax (Bloomberg) are forcing it on people who didn't vote for him.. isn't that taxation without representation?
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:42 PM |
| |
|
Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
I was actually angry when they took AWAY the commuter tax.
but I will say I hate the MTA...what a racket they've got going.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:43 PM |
| |
|
GrayStreet09
LIF Toddler
Member since 8/08 400 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
I would like to know who does their "books" so to speak, it seem like every year or two they are in a huge hole, yet they consistintly increase the fares......I just don't understand
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:45 PM |
| |
|
Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
Posted by Otherme
Posted by Kara
Posted by Otherme
I get more angry when i hear about the possibility of bringing back the commuter tax
Can someone explain the commuter tax? Is it some sort of income tax?
ETA -- I am only asking b/c I cannot see how an income tax could be constitutional... Was it a tax on the commuting costs?
its a tax on anyone living outside of NYC - .45%, so if you make $100,000 a year, it would be $450
Its grossly unfair IMO because the people enacting this tax (Bloomberg) are forcing it on people who didn't vote for him.. isn't that taxation without representation?
I don't see how that is constitutional... I will have to look up how it was justified when it was in effect.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:45 PM |
| |
|
Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
Posted by Kara
Posted by Otherme
Posted by Kara
Posted by Otherme
I get more angry when i hear about the possibility of bringing back the commuter tax
Can someone explain the commuter tax? Is it some sort of income tax?
ETA -- I am only asking b/c I cannot see how an income tax could be constitutional... Was it a tax on the commuting costs?
its a tax on anyone living outside of NYC - .45%, so if you make $100,000 a year, it would be $450
Its grossly unfair IMO because the people enacting this tax (Bloomberg) are forcing it on people who didn't vote for him.. isn't that taxation without representation?
I don't see how that is constitutional... I will have to look up how it was justified when it was in effect.
I looked it up. It was a NY STATE law that allowed NYC to tax commuters (not a city law). Interesting...
Message edited 11/20/2008 2:49:22 PM.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:48 PM |
| |
|
Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
wiki on commuter tax
the city has to take into account millions of commuters with it's police and sanitation force...i don't see why helping to PAY for the services you are provided for 9 hours out of your day is that egregious.
Message edited 11/20/2008 2:54:36 PM.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:49 PM |
| |
|
GinaR
LIF Adult
Member since 9/08 1976 total posts
Name:
Gina
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
ugh! I spend with the bus, train and subway $300 a month to commute! Seriously i should quit my job and buy a BMW! If it goes up anymore I really dont think I can afford it- but I can't just quit my job! Maybe I'll get a raise after Im here for a year...
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:50 PM |
| |
|
Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
Posted by Ophelia
wiki on commuter tax
the city has to take into account millions of commuters with it's police and sanitation force...i don't see why helping to PAY for the services you are provided for 9 hours out of your day is that agregious.
Thanks!
BTW, I didn't say it was egregious. I was wondering how it was constitutional (which I figured out).
I see both sides of it -- Also take into account that commuters provide a boost to the NYC economy -- they help NYC companies earn income (on which those companies are taxed) and they pay sales tax and patronize other businesses. (yes, I get that city residents do the same things -- but commuters are people who wouldn't otherwise be in the city.)
I don't feel strongly on the commuter tax outside of potential legal issues with it... but I don't think it's a black / white issue.
Message edited 11/20/2008 2:54:38 PM.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:51 PM |
| |
|
Mimi25
LIF Adolescent
Member since 7/08 556 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
I was just thinking about this yesterday. The subways are CROWDED enough, and will now be MORE crowded, because I can't see anyone spending $15.00 a day to ride the Express Bus.
I can't even imagine what it's going to be like. I just think it's interesting that there was mention made earlier in the week about an undercover investigation of MTA employees doing NOTHING all day and getting paid $30/hr to do so, and yet there's a deficit. 
Here's the link: Link
Message edited 11/20/2008 2:55:30 PM.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:52 PM |
| |
|
Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
Posted by Kara
Posted by Ophelia
wiki on commuter tax
the city has to take into account millions of commuters with it's police and sanitation force...i don't see why helping to PAY for the services you are provided for 9 hours out of your day is that egregious.
Thanks!
BTW, I didn't say it was egregious. I was wondering how it was constitutional (which I figured out).
that's fine. I didn't say you did 
and lol. totally misspelled egregious.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 2:55 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
Posted by Otherme
its a tax on anyone living outside of NYC - .45%, so if you make $100,000 a year, it would be $450
Its grossly unfair IMO because the people enacting this tax (Bloomberg) are forcing it on people who didn't vote for him.. isn't that taxation without representation?
Interesting point- I don't think it's a lot of money, even though I'm not a fan of taxes.
I teach in the city, and I drive. So if I have to pay a commuter tax, I would hope that Bloomberg would restore to us the privlege of being allowed to park in front of our schools. Paying a tax and then not being able to park at my place of employment doesn't seem fair.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 3:03 PM |
| |
|
Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
Posted by MrsProfessor
Posted by Otherme
its a tax on anyone living outside of NYC - .45%, so if you make $100,000 a year, it would be $450
Its grossly unfair IMO because the people enacting this tax (Bloomberg) are forcing it on people who didn't vote for him.. isn't that taxation without representation?
Interesting point- I don't think it's a lot of money, even though I'm not a fan of taxes.
I teach in the city, and I drive. So if I have to pay a commuter tax, I would hope that Bloomberg would restore to us the privlege of being allowed to park in front of our schools. Paying a tax and then not being able to park at my place of employment doesn't seem fair.
I agree it's not a lot of money.
Just to clarify, though. The commuter tax was a STATE law, not a city law. So there was no taxation without representation as far as NYS residents were concerned.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 3:06 PM |
| |
|
LoveyQ
Stalkers, get a life.
Member since 11/07 12820 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
Someone explained to me that the surplus the MTA had a couple of years ago was based on a few real estate deals that they were counting on that fell through (I honestly can't remember a lot of what they were explaining to me, sorry), but that since those deals fell through, they no longer have those funds, so the surplus doesn't actually exist and in fact they have this huge deficit.
Regardless, I think that severely cutting service and drastically increasing fares isn't quite the way to deal with the issue. Obviously people are not going to stop riding the buses and subways altogether since for the most part this is most people's only option, but there has to be a compromise somewhere.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 3:33 PM |
| |
|
isabelle2137
LIF Adult
Member since 12/06 1076 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
Eh, I can't say I'm for it. I spend so much stinking money in this city everyday, and I have quite a few friends with small businesses in nyc that fully admit without the non nyc residents, their businesses would go under.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 3:34 PM |
| |
|
Otherme
Square head cutie pants
Member since 3/06 6899 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
Posted by Kara
Posted by MrsProfessor
Posted by Otherme
its a tax on anyone living outside of NYC - .45%, so if you make $100,000 a year, it would be $450
Its grossly unfair IMO because the people enacting this tax (Bloomberg) are forcing it on people who didn't vote for him.. isn't that taxation without representation?
I agree it's not a lot of money.
Just to clarify, though. The commuter tax was a STATE law, not a city law. So there was no taxation without representation as far as NYS residents were concerned.
ok, thanks.. that helps clear it up.. so i guess as a NYS resident, i did somehow vote for the people who are enacting it.
It may not be a lot of money.. but to pay $450 a year additional, on top of raising the fares to commute to the city, on public transportation that is going down the tubes anyway just doesn't seem fair.
I can take one or the other.. but enacting both the commuter tax and raising the fares seems to be really punishing commuters.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 3:35 PM |
| |
|
lovemy2boys
LIF Adult
Member since 10/07 3915 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
the MTA is just as bad as Con Ed. these people make so much money, it's not even funny. How are they going to come in and raise the subway fare and Xpress bus fair by 50%??? Noone's salary is increased by much, they are going to drive people into the poor house. The sad thing about it is people have no choice, they have to pay whatever.
I am sort of on the fence about hte commuter tax. Right now I live in queens (border of nassau and will eventually move to LI . BLoomberg said he may raise the NYC income tax up to 15%. if that's the case I think he should split that increase and reinstate the commuter tax. 15% of anyone's income is a he!! of a lot of money.
It's sickening how everything is getting so expensive as everyone is in fear of losing their jobs.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 4:00 PM |
| |
|
Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
|
Re: Any NYC commuters want to talk about the fare hike?
the people that commute spend their money in the city. It contributes to the NYC economy.
If it goes up much more I may consider telecommuting more if my boss will let me. I know that many of my colleagues do that already and can do that more.
If that's the case for a lot of people, commuters will spend less money in the city.
Some may even decide to work someplace else or relocate entirely.
It's crappy service, don't raise my rates and make the product crappier.
Tax me and I may take my money elsewhere.
|
| Posted 11/20/08 4:13 PM |
| |
|
| Pages: [1] 2 3 |
