If you are feeling the effects of increases in fuel costs, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) may be feeling your pain. In fact, they may be willing to pass some of that pain onto their commuters.

The MTA is considering fare increases of 8 percent on July 1, 2009 and another 5 percent on January 1, 2011 as part of its budget and financial plan for 2009-2012.

In a letter to MTA board chairman H. Dale Hemmerdinger and MTA board members from MTA executive director and chief executive officer Elliot G. Sander, it was expressed that measures have to be taken to combat sobering developments in the MTA's financial plan.

The letter, which can be found on the MTA's website, mta.info, explains that declining real estate tax revenue and soaring fuel costs have contributed to the financial challenges the MTA faces.

According to the MTA 2009 preliminary budget presentation, the MTA expects to close 2009 with a cash balance shortfall of $216 million deficit. Among the measures the MTA is considering is raising fares for transit riders including those who use the Long Island Rail Road and bridge and tunnel drivers.

The increases mentioned in the budget presentation include 8 percent next summer and then another 5 percent on Jan. 1, 2011. The MTA expects the increase of 8 percent to generate $202 million for 2009 and $405 million for 2010. The 8 percent increase in addition to another 5 percent increase in 2011 is expected to generate $687 million in 2011 and $699 million is 2012.

The MTA board will adopt the budget and schedule public hearings for changes in fares and tolls and for service reduction, if necessary, in December.

"With middle-class families having to do more with less and tightening their belts just to make ends meet, the MTA has a responsibility to go back to the drawing board and review its proposal. I encourage the MTA to take a hard look at all of its expenses to identify additional savings so the agency doesn't balance its Budget on the backs of commuters," said State Senate Majority Leader Skelos.