Mineola, NY - Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi yesterday urged the postponement of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) 33% fare hike scheduled to take effect on May 1st following a State audit that said the MTA shifted millions of dollars in surplus money in order to justify the increase.

In a letter to MTA President Peter Kalikow the County Executive wrote, "Your commuters and my constituents must know that they are getting a 'straight story.' As you know, many Nassau County residents use the Long Island Rail Road to commute to and from work and as we try to promote to the use of mass transit to ease traffic congestion and help the environment, this recent dispute over the status of the MTA's finances sends the wrong message."

The audit from the State Comptroller's office released on Tuesday found that the Authority used two sets of books for its financial plans. One set remained public, while a second set, for strictly internal use, showed the authority posted a substantial surplus for 2002 that was large enough to shore up its budget problems, which were cited as the cause for the 25% fare increase.

"If we are to retain the faith of the public in the 'system' and in government, we must all continue to act in their best interests and provide full and open disclosure," added the County Executive.