"Janno Lieber faced criticism over proposed MTA fare changes, with New Yorkers suggesting they are just a disguise for a price increase"

MTA Announces Subway Fare Hike, Labelled as "Fare Adjustment"

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced a subway fare hike, which will increase to $3 for most riders, starting soon. This decision has been met with criticism, as many see it as another burden for New Yorkers who already bear the nation's heaviest state- and local-tax burden.

Janno Lieber, the MTA boss, has referred to the fare hike as a "fare adjustment." However, this term has been criticized as an Orwellian-naming schtick to mask bad news and poor policy. The MTA collects revenue not just from fares, but also from city, state, and federal tax revenue, corporations, individual taxes, and the controversial "congestion pricing."

The "congestion pricing" tax, which is expected to rise, has been compared to the subway fare hike. Originally planned at $15 per trip, Gov. Kathy Hochul started the $9-per-trip tax and claimed it as a saving for New Yorkers. However, the price is expected to rise, making it a significant financial burden for many commuters.

The MTA has been accused of hiding behind "weasel words" when referring to the subway fare hike. Board member Neal Zuckerman referred to the increase as a "very gradual raise," while the MTA continues to divert money to projects like the politically-driven Second Avenue Subway expansion. The MTA recently approved a $1.9 billion contract for a part of this project, with the final cost expected to be at least $7 billion for three new stations.

One resident, Hannah Reed, expressed concern that the small increase in the subway fare makes a big difference. Emmanuel Vasquez, a straphanger, expressed frustration over the subway issues and frequent fare hikes. Despite ongoing issues with the subway system, the MTA does not openly admit the impact of their frequent fare hikes on New Yorkers.

The term "congestion pricing" is considered a faux-wonk term for a tax. Lieber & Co. are aware that their frequent fare hikes sting New Yorkers, but they do not admit it openly. The MTA's decisions continue to impact the lives of millions of commuters in the city, and the debate over fare hikes and taxes is likely to continue.