Braunstein: New MTA Surcharge Piled on in 2013

Can you spare a dollar? The MTA thinks Northeast Queens transit riders should drop one for the environment every time they buy a new MetroCard.

Starting in 2013, the MTA will be charging a $1 surcharge on new MetroCards purchased at LIRR machines, according to Assemblyman Ed Braunstein.

Braunstein said the MTA justifies the surcharge with the argument that recycling MetroCards is good for the environment. The only hitch, which the MTA could not immediately respond for comment on, is that LIRR ticket machines do not allow users to recycle cards.

“Unlike MetroCard vending machines, LIRR vending machines are incapable of refilling previously purchased cards,” said Assemblyman Braunstein, adding, “Therefore, the MTA plan to promote refilling MetroCards by adding a $1 surcharge for new cards serves no purpose at these machines and is .

Braunstein, who is on the Assembly’s Transportation Committee, argues that many of his constituents purchase their new MetroCards at LIRR station vending machines because they are the only available outlets. He said the agency to not to impose the fee.