The MTA is holding a series of public hearings this month on proposals that include raising base bus and subway fares by a quarter, from $2.50 to $2.75. The MTA is also proposing increases for Long Island Railroad, MetroNorth and its bridges. The agency says it needs to raise fares to balance its budget.

But that reasoning wasn't sitting well with a handful of people Monday night at the hearing at Hostos Community College in the Bronx. Lizette Colón said she doesn't want to hear any more about raising fares until communities in the Bronx are treated more fairly. Colón lives in Chelsea but works at Hostos, and she said she notices the differences between stations in Manhattan and stations in the Bronx.

"They don't look like we belong to the same city," she said. "They keep talking about 'The Tale of Two Cities,' we have been living it every single day, the people that work in the Bronx and that live in the Bronx. They do see the difference in terms of the services that they receive."

Another speaker, Louis Bailey, pointed out that fares have already been raised, but services are still lacking. He said there are several capital projects going on in Manhattan.

"What about the outer boroughs? I live in the Bronx," he said.

"Co-op City and the Soundview area are deserts for transit. We have to take a bus to a train, same for the Rockaways."

Others were concerned about potential increases to the base rate for seniors, which is currently $1.25 per ride.

"Some of the people in the community cannot afford to go up a dime," he said. "It's very difficult right now."

The MTA is planning several more public hearings this month.