NEW YORK (AP) — New Yorkers won’t face higher fares or service cuts on buses and subways for the time being. Gov. Kathy Hochul and the head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said Monday the goal is to induce more people to come back to public transit. Ridership on buses, subways and regional rail lines fell by more than 90 percent last year and isn’t expected to reach pre-pandemic levels for a few more years. The MTA previously said fare hikes were likely unless federal coronavirus relief aid came from Washington. Under an agreement reached last week with New Jersey and Connecticut, the MTA will get about $11 billion in aid.
Photo: A newly installed high-powered laser system used to clear hazardous track debris which routinely causes delays and cancellations on the Long Island Rail Road commuter lines is demonstrated at a train yard, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, in the Queens borough of New York. . (AP Photo/John Minchillo)