Officials Celebrate Word Of Metro-North Fare Freeze For West Of Hudson

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Officials in and around Rockland County are celebrating after receiving early word that the MTA won't raise fares west of the Hudson River.

An MTA spokesman told Patch there would be no comment until next week, when the increases will come up in MTA committee and board meetings.

Public hearings were held in June on initial proposals that included Metro-North fare hikes of close to 5 percent for Rockland and Orange commuters, who have to change trains in New Jersey, whereas those who use the three direct lines east of the river would have seen fare increases of about 3 percent. In addition, Metro-North had proposed fare decreases for student commuters east of the river but increases for those living on the west side.

"It is astounding that Metro-North would have the gall," Rockland County Executive Ed Day said in June in a letter to the MTA board.

State legislators representing Orange and Rockland counties said Friday a freeze would be a victory for residents.

"When I became chair of the Assembly Corporations Committee, I had two goals: foster better service and financial conditions for the MTA and give west of Hudson Commuters a better voice," said Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski. "After a successful state budget that solidified the MTA and recognized west of Hudson concerns, we are again delivering for commuters by ensuring fares will not rise."

Though there is still a lot of work to do to increase service and reliability, these are great steps, he said.

State Sen. James Skoufis noted that Orange and Rockland taxpayers have long financed an enormous 'value gap' at the MTA, paying more into the system than residents get back in service.

"That’s why we fought so hard to successfully exempt our counties from this year’s increase in the MTA payroll tax; that’s why we successfully pushed for the largest west-of-Hudson MTA capital plan in the agency’s history; and that’s why we strongly opposed any increase in fares," Skoufis said.

Skoufis and Zebrowski said they wanted to thank MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and the MTA board.

Commuters from West of the Hudson River are critical to the New York City and state economies, said Assemblymember Chris Eachus.

"This freeze on fares that we fought for in the budget is a huge step in recognition of that, and in correcting the historical taxes-to-service imbalance that our residents pay to the MTA," Eachus said. "I thank my colleague Assemblymember Zebrowski for his tireless work leading the Corporations committee, and my fellow Orange and Rockland legislators for their commitment to ensuring the Hudson Valley gets its fair share."

The value gap — meaning Rockland residents pay more than the county receives in transit service and funding — equates to over $400 million in the past decade. Since the last formal study, the MTA has made zero improvements to the Pascack Valley Line rail service schedule and just one significant capital improvement, the Nanuet Train Station platform and shelter, Day said.

"Much still needs to be done to reform the MTA, and I will continue fighting for improvements," said State Sen. Bill Weber. "With that in mind, I have cosponsored legislation to force an independent audit of the MTA. Rockland County residents deserve better service from the MTA, but today's update of no west of Hudson fare increase is a good first step."

Day said he was pleased that the MTA has listened to our concerns.

"Rockland County commuters certainly deserve this exemption. I hope the Metro-North will additionally begin to finally improve and expand West of Hudson service from our County, specifically the Pascack Valley line service," he said. "Many may feel like their voice does not matter. This decision makes it clear that it absolutely does. I would like to acknowledge everyone who shared my concerns and contacted MTA, ultimately contributing to the turnaround decision."

SEE ALSO: Rockland County Exec Seeks Exceptions For NYC Congestion Plan