NY1
Updated 11:14 AM
Doomsday Cuts Protested By Transit Advocates
Riders across the city are hitting the streets in protest today, one day before the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board votes on proposed cuts to the system aimed at trimming its deficit.
Community leaders and high school students gathered this morning in front of Brooklyn's Maxwell High School, one of several protests planned throughout the city.
They were demonstrating against the MTA's proposal to a gradually phase-out the popular student discount MetroCard program, meaning more than half-a-million kids would have to pay full fares by 2011.
Students say if it goes through, they won't be able to afford getting to school.
"We already have hardship now in terms of the recession. Kids will drop out of school, they won't come to school,” said community advocate Kevin McCall. “They will hop the turnstiles, crime will go up."
"If they cut the school MetroCard, no child is coming to school,” said a student. “Do you know how much money parents have to pay a week for their child to go to school? And some parents don't even make that much money, so if they cut the MetroCard, nobody is going to be coming to school."
The MTA is also proposing several service cuts to bridge a $383 million budget gap.
The plan would eliminate the W and Z subway lines and dozens of bus routes, shorten the G and M lines, and reduce service during off-peak hours.
The service cuts would take effect next spring.
The agency is expected to pass the measure. NY1 will carry the vote live tomorrow morning, beginning at 9:30.
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