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Riders struggle with impending fare hike

By Marlene Naanes, amNewYork Staff Writer
More stories | MNaanes@am-ny.com

February 11, 2008

It's already a struggle for Mattie Dubose to scrape together $24 for a 7-day unlimited ride MetroCard, at times having to borrow money from friends for her fares.

Dubose, 42, of East New York, is attending nursing recertification classes in hopes of earning more than the $800 a month she makes at her part-time job as an office clerk. Unable to pay her cable and cell phone bills, even a $1 hike in her weekly MetroCard makes a difference.

"It really angers me," Dubose said of the fare increase set to go into effect March 2. "I gotta be here at my program everyday and I definitely have to be at work. ... It's not even a luxury."

When the subway and bus fares increase early next month, many New Yorkers on tight budgets will be forced to pour over their finances looking for something to sacrifice. For Dubose, it'll be the occassional hot dog she has for lunch. For others, it's forgoing a cup of coffee or trimming the grocery bill.

"Every nickel counts," said Marilyn Caldwell, 42, who earns $500 a month for her part-time job while she goes to school full-time for occupational therapy. "What if you have nothing to sacrifice? What if you never eat out?"

The Bronx resident buys a 30-day pass, which is partially subsidized through a program at work, but when the monthly fare increases from $76 to $81, the extra $5 for the MetroCard will come out of her pocket. Caldwell said she plans on cutting down her grocery budget or hunt for better sales.

Luis Rodriguez will give up a cappuccino or a slice of pizza he would buy in between his two jobs as a home health aid and certified nurse's aid. The South Bronx resident, who makes $900 a month, has already whittled down his spending so he can send money to his family in Florida.

"I used to go to the movies a lot, but now I buy the DVDs on the street," he said. "I buy everything black market now."

Credit counselor Sandy Shore said part of saving money is spending it wisely. For example, coffee lovers save money buying a pound of coffee and a coffeemaker for their desk rather than purchasing cups throughout the day.

"You get the same exact thing for less if you just plan ahead a little bit," she said.

Money-saving tips:

- Economize when you go out. Avoid popcorn or soda at the theater or a glass of wine or dessert at a restaurant.
- Buying "cheap" meals at fast food joints or snacks out of vending machines add up. Home cooking is less expensive.
- If you buy most of your food at convenience stores, try to schedule a stock-up trip to a less-expensive supermarket once a month.
- Revisit cable and phone package deals. They may have expired, or you may not need a service like call waiting on a land line.
- Renting movies on-line or through the mail can replace pricey cable channels or going to the movies.
- Stop spending money on bottled water when you can get it for free.

Source: Sandy Shore, credit counselor.