The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's decision to raise the fares for a second time in two years displays the board's complete lack of consideration for the commuters of Long Island. They have held hearings all across the region, they have heard from many dissatisfied commuters and they have head the voice of many local officials. They have decided not to listen.

The Long Island Senate delegation sent two joint letters to the MTA voicing our collective disagreement with the MTA's proposals. I was joined by over 1,400 constituents who voiced their displeasure at the proposals But now it seems that the MTA was merely going through the necessary machinations to arrive at their original goal of raising fares.

The MTA has not been open to the variety of options available that could reduce the need for these moves and they are not willing to acknowledge any other possibility. The needs of the commuters must be heard and in this instance they have not. I continue to urge the MTA to review this unfair and poorly executed budget and to work with the commuters to forge a future that is workable and equitable. Ultimately, they work for the commuters and not the other way around.