Peralta pushing for state oversight of MTA

BY PETE DAVIS

Wednesday, August 6, 2008 8:43 PM EDT

When the state legislature returns to Albany later this month, Queens Assemblymember Jose Peralta plans to renew talks about giving the state oversight over the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Peralta made the announcement on Thursday, July 31, one block from the No. 7 train after the MTA floated the possibility of raising fares again in 2009 - after the authority raised the prices earlier this year.

Surrounded by residents of a local senior citizen center, Peralta compared the MTA to a vacuum that was sucking the hard-earned money out of New Yorkers’ pockets.

“This is highway robbery or in this case railroad robbery,” said Peralta, who in addition to calling for state oversight over the MTA, floated the possibility of reinstating the commuter tax as a last resort.

In the last few weeks, the Authority proposed an increase of 8 percent in 2009 followed by an increase of 5 percent in 2011 for subway, bus and regional rail fare in order to offset the forecasted budget gaps for the next few years. MTA representatives cited higher fuel costs and a decrease in real estate tax revenue for the larger than expected deficits.

However, Peralta said that before the MTA decides to raise fares again they should look for other ways to save money. He mentioned reducing the number of staff positions and the high salaries some executives make as possible ways to reduce expenses.

Luis Valdivia, 72, who was among the nearly 50 senior citizens who attended Peralta’s press conference, said that the proposed fare hikes are only the latest in increased expenses that middle class New Yorkers have to endure.

“My income is getting too low and I can’t afford it,” Valdivia said.