As reported yesterday, the MTA will not be hiking subway fares in 2007. Your 2 dollar metrocard still isn’t safe though. A fare hike is likely in 2008 considering the MTA’s projected deficit of $1.8 billion dollars in 2010. Among other budget items, the MTA is committing a bunch of money to clean up their look: $50 million dollars to repaint subway stations and $19.3 million to replace damaged windows. Not just windows damaged by Map’s hammer attack either, but all windows with scratchiti and etch tags. The new windows will be protected with mylar, which is more easily replaced when marked.

The Scratch-Free window program, between 2007 and 2009, will provide replacement of all scratched subway car window glass and installation of four-ply Mylar on the R44 through R68A fleets, and installation of four-ply Mylar on the R142, R142A and R143 fleets. By 2009, all subway car window glass on the fleets will be scratch-free.

In a basement lab somewhere, writers are undoubtedly developing a more caustic plastic and glass eating etch.

Etchings on the window of the R train by thefangmonster.