We testified before the New York State Legislature in Albany in support of sustainable funding sources for the MTA:
“Although each of our councils represents a different part of the region, they all agree: riders want a safe, affordable and reliable way to get where they’re going. Unfortunately, significant under-funding and disinvestment have left the system – and the riders – in a precarious position. The bad news is that deficits are only projected to increase, with a projected $500 million deficit next year and $1 billion in 2022. Matters will only get worse if the proposed fare increases don’t go through as anticipated. Unless new, sustainable funding sources are identified, we’ll either see even more painful fare increases, unpalatable service cuts, or both. We cannot afford to go back to the “bad old days” and lose the valuable transit resources that keep the region competitive.
The good news is that it isn’t too late to stop the cycle of despair and disrepair, and turn the ship around. First and foremost is the need to create steady and sustainable funding for the MTA’s Operating and Capital Budgets, and have a structure in place to ensure that those funds are used in the most efficient and effective manner possible. At the end of the day, time, money and strong leadership will be key to taking the agency into the future.”
Read the full testimony here: NYS Transportation Budget Testimony