The Fig File for 01.19.09

The Fig File for 01.19.09 by: Mike Figliola

The Fig File: Change Comes To DC - MTA Hearings Still The Same.

As millions gather in Washington to witness first hand the swearing in of our Nation’s 44th President;  a black man who defied all political odds and won the hearts and confidence of the beaten down Middle Class in America, New Yorkers will huddle around their televisions and radios to watch Barack Obama place his hand on the bible, say the magic words and usher Change officially to The United States.

There won’t be any change when it comes to the  MTA’s public hearings on fare increases.

In fact the entire blasted forum is hogwash. These Public hearings are nothing more than a public display to afford the MTA the right to say (but in language they would never use) “We gave the over burdened tax paying pathetic public a chance to complain and moan about the fare increases; increases that will be implemented regardless of their dissatisfaction or ability to pay them, but let the record show that we allotted our riders the chance to speak what was on their mind and hearts. All in favor of the fare increase say Aye.”

Here’s the official alibi from the MTA’s website:

Registration to speak will be open from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the dates of the hearings. All registered speakers will be heard. Oral testimony is limited to three minutes per speaker.

All speakers will be heard and you have 3 minutes? I.E. say your piece and single file out the door. Just read between the lines. Here's another  one to decipher: we recently had the MTA’s head honcho Lee Sander on the John Gambling Show and he had this to say:

Sander said that right now, he is guarded but optimistic after some very positive conversations with the Mayor, Speaker Silver and the next Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith about the MTA Budget situation. However, although these conversations were positive, Lee warns that this will still be a tough year.

Key phrase: this is gonna be a tough year. Translation: Brace for impact folks, you will absolutely be paying into the MTA’s monetary madness to the tune of a dollar more for single fare rides. A monthly cost of 103 smackers for your Metrocard. And that’s not all. Towards the end of the interview with John Gambling, Sander had this to say:

Sander said that the Obama Stimulus Plan could really benefit the MTA, but it won't be enough to relieve the 30 billion the MTA needs over the next 5 years. He said he met with the Obama Transition team, Senator Schumer and Governor Paterson so that NY and the MTA will get their fair share of the stimulus.

Even Obama’s Change can’t save the MTA, but I suppose the tax payers can - and that’s change I know first hand, we cannot spare.

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