In response to a budget shortfall, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) proposed system-wide fare hikes and service cuts, including the elimination of bus service that connects Bronx riders in northwest Bronx neighborhoods.

If the proposal is implemented, the Bx10 bus, which joins Norwood to Riverdale, will cease nighttime operation. The Bx34 bus, which connects Fordham Road to Woodlawn via Bainbridge Avenue, will be eliminated altogether.

“To fulfill our obligation to close a $1.2 billion deficit, the MTA had to draw up many painful proposals,” said MTA spokesperson Aaron Donovan in an e-mail. “Bus routes were identified for weekday elimination based on ridership, revenue and service duplication.”

According to the MTA, the Bx10 carries an average of 10,197 riders a day and ranks 96th out of 194 New York City bus routes for ridership. The Bx34 carries a daily average of 4,972 riders and ranks 140th. The busiest routes in Manhattan carry over 100,000 riders daily, the MTA says.

Since the Bx10 and Bx34 are not fully duplicated by other lines, many riders will have to transfer at least once and walk longer distances if the cuts are implemented. Those who can’t walk up and down subway steps will have even fewer options.

“We know [service cuts are] going to affect residents because people have come to our office to complain,” said Community Board 7 District Manager Fernando Tirado, adding that the fare hikes – which could rise up to $3 (from $2) for a one way trip — would be particularly hurtful.

“The elimination of the Bx34 and [reduction of the] Bx10 will be a major problem for our seniors especially,” said Sister Catherine Naughton, who does senior outreach for St. Brendan’s Church in Norwood. “It’s going to severely limit their travels.”

The MTA is a state authority that oversees mass transit in New York City and seven adjacent counties. Revenue is drawn from rider fares and from dedicated tax streams — a portion of New York’s 8.375 percent sales tax, for example, goes to the MTA. The 17 board members, who are nominated by the governor and confirmed by the State Senate, are required to balance the authority’s budget.  

The cuts, proposed by the MTA on Nov. 20, are not final. A special commission, appointed by Governor David Paterson and headed by former MTA chair Richard Ravitch, recently recommended the state raise taxes to increase cash flow to the MTA, mitigating service reduction and fare hikes.

On Dec. 17, the MTA will vote on the principles of its budget proposal. Later in the winter, the agency will hold public hearings on the fare increases and vote on the exact increase amounts.

“The fare increases are envisioned to be implemented in June,” Donovan wrote. “Service cuts would have staggered implementation dates in the first half of 2009.”

The state, however, could pass tax increases to replenish MTA coffers and minimize cuts. Stipulations to save particular bus lines would not necessarily be included in the legislation, but lawmakers could secure commitments from the MTA to prioritize areas important to their constituents.

Cate Contino, coordinator of the nonprofit New York Public Interest Research Group’s Straphangers’ Campaign, said raising taxes would be a way to maintain reasonable service and fare levels. “New York City riders already pay an overwhelming proportion of the transit operating budget through fares,” she said.

In November, the MTA reported that 69 percent of subway operating costs and 39 percent of bus operating costs were funded by riders. Contino says the national average is about 37 percent.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, whose district encompasses much of the northwest Bronx, agreed that raising payroll and commuter taxes was prudent. “Cutting services ends up costing us in the long run,” he said. “We should be improving service to encourage people to take public transportation. Service improvement is a revenue producer.”

Dinowitz cautioned, however, that state tax increases couldn’t fix everything. Limited fare hikes are inevitable, he said, and the “MTA needs to look at how it can save money. How much [of the deficit] is due to MTA incompetence?”

MTA hearings on fare increases should be scheduled in coming weeks. Details will be posted on the MTA’s website at least 30 days in advance, the agency said.

Meanwhile, riders await the outcome. “I really need this bus, because I have a bad problem with my back,” said Sharon Bryan, who boards the Bx34 at Bainbridge Avenue and 212th Street after work. “It would take me an extra half an hour to get home if I didn’t have it.”