MTA could raise subway and bus fares

MTA could raise subway and bus fares

FILE - This Wednesday June 21, 2017 file photo shows a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway train above ground in the Brooklyn borough of New York.. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is demanding the MTA restore around-the-club subway service in New York City, which has been reduced for cleaning during the pandemic. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

The MTA proposed a $19.2 billion budget Wednesday that requires massive cost-cutting and fare increases that could potentially see the cost of a subway or bus ride rise above $3.

The agency would still have a $600 million budget gap with the plan.

Ridership on subways and buses are still only about 60% of pre-pandemic levels.

(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)