Unlimited MetroCards expected to stay that way

The MTA Board will hold an official vote on the 2011 fare hikes during its special meeting on October 7, but agency CEO and Chairman Jay Walder expects the unlimited cards to remain unlimited. While speaking on the fare hike hearings during yesterday’s board meeting, Walder noted how public sentiment was firmly against the capped passes. “I think New Yorkers said they really like having an uncapped, unlimited monthly pass to go around the city,” he said said. “The likelihood is that you will see a monthly pass consistent with the monthly pass we have now…”It’s safe to say there wasn’t a lot an enthusiasm for a capped pass.”

The MTA had been toying with the idea of instituting a 90-ride cap on 30-day passes, and those MetroCards would have cost $99. With that plan seemingly off the table, the authority expects the 30-day cards to pass the century mark as a month of unlimited rides will soon cost $104. “It’s bittersweet,” said Gene Russianoff, whose Straphangers Campaign fought hard for the unlimited cards. “A $15 increase is a lot of money. It’s $180 a year that people are going to have to dig deeper into their pockets.”