The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Oct. 9 announced the dates and locations for eight public hearings that will be held throughout the region to solicit public input on proposed fare and toll increases. Hearing notices will also be published in regional newspapers this week and posted throughout the MTA's transportation network and online at www.mta.info.

In addition to the eight hearings, the public can provide comments at an interactive public engagement workshop, an online web forum (webinar), MTA Board and committee meetings from October through December 2007, and email or letter submissions. All public comments and feedback will help inform the MTA Board's decision-making process. At the December 2007 Board meeting, it is anticipated that the Board will consider the proposals, or variations of them, and determine which ones, if any, to adopt. More information on the proposed fare and toll changes is also now available on the MTA website.

"There are more opportunities for public input than ever before, and the MTA is committed to an expanded public process," said Elliot G. Sander, MTA Executive Director and CEO. "We have put forward some new ideas and I look forward to not only hearing what our customers think but engaging in a productive two-way dialogue."