“Today’s vote by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to increase fares and tolls while cutting services is just another example of the lack of leadership in Albany and the inability of Governor Paterson, Speaker Silver and Senator Smith to think outside the box when it comes to solving the current economic crisis. The taxpayers of Nassau County have suffered enough already this year, and now those who simply wish to get to work or to use the services offered by the MTA will have to pay even more due to the fact that money from the federal stimulus package for the MTA has been squandered. With just one week remaining until a budget is set to be passed, I hope that the three New York City legislative leaders negotiating behind closed doors are actively looking for ways to make the MTA solvent once again and these fare increases unnecessary.”