As usual, NYC is in an uproar over speculation about subway fares. In this New York Times piece, we see the discussion is about the middle class, of course!
Observation #1: The MTA has already done away with pennies, nickels and dimes, as the spokesman explains fares may only move in 25 cent increments. Better strategy: Start demanding payments in nickels, the the MTA can start melting them down to cover their deficit!
Observation #2: Many monthly pass riders use Transit-Checks, the program to pay for transportation to work with pre-tax dollars through your employer. So, every time the MTA considers the ratio of monthly pass price to single ride price, they're actually re-allocating federal tax loopholes.