HARTFORD — State Rep. David Scribner, ranking member of the legislature’s Transportation Committee, said he’s monitoring the proposed Metropolitan Transportation Authority rate hike in New York , which some residents here fear could lead to heavier use of Connecticut stations by out-of-state riders looking to avoid the increase cost. The proposed increase is for New York fares along the New Haven line to Grand Central station. MTA would use the extra money it receives from the increase to help reduce an $800 million deficit. Because of the increase, fares in New York , particularly in the city, would be more expensive than those in Connecticut. Scribner said he’s heard from Connecticut residents who worry that stations here, such as the one in Greenwich , could get a lot busier as people from New York border towns Rye and Port Chester flock for cheaper rides.
“Tax dollars from Connecticut residents go toward operation of our rail stations, so there’s a legitimate concern that their hard-earned money would end up subsidizing riders from across the border,” he said.
Scribner said that as ranking Transportation Committee member he will work to keep legislators in affected communities up to speed on the latest developments in this issue.
