In total, the MTA projects a $14.5 billion budget from tolls, fares and taxes. That money will in turn will largely be spent on infrastructure and on settlements agreed upon with union groups earlier this year.
Credit: Miles Dixon/Metro
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority still expects to increase fares for bus, subway and rail services in 2015 and 2017.
The agency said the 4 percent increases, previously announced in December, will remain steady even as the MTA deals with increasing labor costs.
In total, the MTA projects a $14.5 billion budget from tolls, fares and taxes. That money will in turn will largely be spent on infrastructure and on settlements agreed upon with union groups earlier this year.
At least $478 million in labor costs are expected for 2014, and an average of $260 million every year thereafter through 2018.
Customers can expect some increased bus and subway services, which will cost some $10.1 million. For one, 14,000 weekend riders can expect an extended J train service to Broad Street stop by summer 2015.
And while the routes are still unknown, the MTA is slated to add two new Select Service routes in 2015
Lowered cost estimates for fuel and electricity, debt service and pensions also opened up $84 million in safety initiatives that the agency committed to on Monday, which means a total of $363 million will be spent on upgrades, repairs and training over the next four years.
Part of that training includes implementation of Vision Zero-related engagement with bus operators and possible pilot programs for new technology to help reduce collisions.
“Safety is the top priority for all of the MTA’s daily operations, and the investments announced today reinforce that emphasis,” MTA Chairman Thomas Prendergast said in a statement.
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