Subway Riders Relieved Hike is Not More

New York, NY —

Yes, subway fares are going up, but not as much as they could have. That's the glass-is-half-full perspective of riders like Erin Roth. She's a Broadway dresser from Woodside, Queens, who buys an $81 monthly Metrocard.

ROTH: I don't think it's a bad hike, because we were supposed to have $103 dollars. Now it's only $89. So, I'll take $89 over $103 any day.

The MTA bailout plan will also include future hikes of 7.5 percent in 2011 and 2013. As well as a 50-cent surcharge on taxi rides, new vehicle fees, and a payroll tax in the 12 counties served by the MTA. The plan is expected to be approved today.