In the recent rush of publicity surrounding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's rate increase, an unsettling and little-publicized fact is emerging: suburban rail riders will shoulder much of the burden of this increase.

Media attention has been focused on the 33 percent increase in the base New York City Transit fare from $1.50 to $2, along with the 25 percent across-the-board increase for Long Island Rail Road tickets. Yet it is the average cost per ride for frequent riders that illustrates the disparity between the city and suburban commuter. The cost of a monthly Metrocard will increase $7, or 11 percent, to $70. The increase approved by the MTA will raise the average subway and bus fare to $1.30, which is lower than the 1995 average fare of $1.38.

Commuters from Long Island and upstate do not fare quite as well. An LIRR commuter from Bethpage will be subject to a $38 increase, or 25 percent, to $192 for his or her monthly ticket. Hempstead and Garden City commuters will also face a 25 percent increase, from $135 to $169, an increase of $34 each month. Other fees, such as the onboard ticket purchase surcharge, will be raised even more dramatically. Lastly, the majority of Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North riders incur additional expenses to reach their final destinations, and so will also pay the New York City Transit increase.

Current Fare	New Fare	Percentage Increase
Monthly Metrocard	$63	$70	11 percent
Monthly LIRR ticket
From Garden City	$135	$169	25 percent
From Bethpage	$154	$192	25 percent

While the MTA estimate of a two-year, $2.8 billion deficit has been met with skepticism and some calls for an independent audit, there is no debate that the financial picture of the authority has changed substantially, effectively ending seven years of rate stability. The Metrocard, which has been an outstanding success for the MTA and a substantial benefit for the regular riders of New York City Transit, should continue to provide all commuters with the benefit of frequent user discounts.

But these new rates, effective in early May, will have a far greater detrimental effect on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North riders, and further aggravate the divide between city and suburban residents. The MTA should have chosen an option that fairly distributes the fare increase among all riders. The Authority has in effect put suburban rail riders at an economic disadvantage. It is unfortunate that in these difficult times the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has chosen to balance their books on the backs of suburban commuters.

Senator Kemp Hannon