MTA committee OKs fare hikes

It looks like Westchester residents will have to dig a little deeper into their pockets to commute into Manhattan.An MTA committee approved plans Monday that calls for steep fare hikes for commuters. The MTA says the increases are necessary to close a $1.1 billion budget gap.Under the plan, Metro-North fares will go up 25 percent. The cost of a monthly MetroCard will go up $22, from $81 to $101. A single subway or bus ride will rise to $2.50.The plan also calls for cuts in services, including fewer trains and less ticket windows being open.The full MTA board is scheduled to vote on the plan Wednesday. If the plan is approved, the fare hikes will go into effect June 1 .