As budget negotiations continue into a holiday-filled week, we have faith that our elected leaders will bring home something riders can celebrate: a fully funded MTA that treats transit like the essential service it is. With so many major issues on the negotiating table, it’s critical that dedicated, stable and recurring operating revenue remains top of mind – especially after the overarching agreement by the Governor, Senate, and Assembly on the need to ensure a stable future for our transit system and its riders. Subways, buses and commuter rail are the connecting tissue for a safe region with affordable housing and available jobs and must be part of the big picture. Ensuring stability with a combination of sound proposals like the Governor’s modest PMT increase— possibly joined with a corporate income tax, city funding for student MetroCards, portions of future casino revenue, and new fees would bring riders and the MTA into a new funding paradigm that secures a solid operating future and opens the door for service increases.
During Ramadan, Passover, and Easter season, it’s time to turn over a new leaf for transit this Spring: riders from Montauk to Wassaic, and Poughkeepsie to Tottenville are counting on the Governor, Senate, and Assembly to come together and pass a budget that fully funds the MTA with dedicated, recurring, and stable revenue.