Once again the little man is being pushed and taken for granted while the fat cats sing their way to the bank.

Just one week after thousands of New Yorkers protested at City Hall - the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is projecting a $300 million budget gap in 2010 - even if it increases fares by as much as 30 percent in June and implements sweeping service cuts this spring.

Apparently, MTA officials hit the road for the capital Albany pleading and hoping the state Legislature would agree to a bailout, including putting tolls on the city's now-free bridges, but no deal has been reached at YBPNewYork.com's deadline for this column.

Without an MTA deal, according to reports, double-digit fare hikes and deep service cuts are almost certain this summer. The MTA is ready to set new fares on March 25.

With that said, a monthly MetroCard now $81, could rise to $103. Whoa!
And, according to a Newsday report filed by Michael Frazier, under MTA's so-called "doomsday budget," the average fare increase on the Long Island Rail Road would be about 26 percent.
In the city, the base subway and bus fare of $2 would rise to $2.50. Say, what!

Question: With the ever-increasing number of jobs being cut and people not being able to afford needed staples such as food, gas and for God's sake water, how did we get to this point with MTA - yet again?
Before MTA considers throwing its "doomsday budget" in the faces of commuters, it should consider outside opinions and alternatives rather than giving their commuters a possible stiff before entering a bus or train.
First suggestion, if MTA wants its commuters to stop driving, the authority should make commuting more efficient and cost-effective compared to driving - in other words don't hike the fares compared to how much commuters are paying at the pump.

Another tip? Possibly increase tolls and taxes at parking spots near some of the city's more congested areas. This would motivate frustrated commuters to use your services.

Last tip? Construct more park and rides near or within the boroughs' more heavily traveled areas and then transport those commuters to their targeted train stops. Building more park and rides could offer more jobs thoughout the authority's system - construction, bus drivers and station operators.

Yes, the economy is dragging each and every one of us down with it.

But times such as these should force higher-ups to think outside the box for alternative - greener - ideas that would benefit the common folk.

Now, that's a finger for you MTA.