Board members of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority [1] unanimously voted Wednesday morning to revoke their privilege of free travel. The vote occurred after growing pressure from Governor David Paterson [1] and State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo [2], who argued that the free perk violated a no-compensation for board members law.

Except for official business, MTA Board members must pay the same price for a MetroCard as any other transit rider. Except for official business, board members will no longer be able to use the free, unlimited E-ZPass for personal use on railroads, subways, and buses, said The New York Times [3].

At a time when gas and food prices seem to rise unstoppably, Governor Paterson said that encouraging free transit for board members would show "an utter contempt for average New Yorkers."