fare hikes and servicecuts

In a release, Thompson says his weight-based fee plan wouldgenerate more than $1 billion in annual regional revenue for theMTA while promoting energy independence and reducing parkingproblems in New York City neighborhoods. Additionally, Thompsonsays, bringing back the commuter tax would produce approximately$762 million in annual revenue. The tax generated as much as $360million annually in the 33 years it was in effect.

Thompson's weight-based fee plan would cover private andcommercial vehicles in all 12 New York counties served by the MTA.It would assess a fee of $100 for vehicles weighing 2,300 lbs. orless, plus $0.09 for every pound of curb weight over 2,300. Forexample, the 2,293-lb. Toyota Yaris would cost an additional $100to register, while the nearly three-ton Lincoln Navigator wouldcost an additional $430. The fee would be assessed on top of theflat vehicle use tax of $30 every two years and existingweight-based state registration fees.