“It is astonishing to me that the MTA would threaten to hold New York City transit projects hostage for more city money”, said Borough President Melinda Katz. But Council Members Ydanis Rodriguez and Julissa Ferreras say the request would leave city residents paying more than their “fair share”.
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The governor pressed de Blasio to put in more city funds into the capital plan, while de Blasio charged that the state had raided a few funding for the MTA for other initiatives.
The gap has sparked a fight between Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Why should he, when Cuomo has a well-documented habit of diverting dedicated MTA funds to cover other state obligations.
A debate is brewing between Albany and the City Council over funding for the MTA. “That is why we’re making an historic investment – the City’s largest ever general capital contribution – while ensuring that NYC dollars stay in NYC transit, and giving NYC riders and taxpayers a stronger voice”.
MTA chairman Thomas Prendergast said he is pleased with the deal. All the governor has to do is promise not to divert MTA funds again.
Prendergast said the agency has “plenty of work to do and we’re eager to get started”.
“New Yorkers need new subway cars and buses, modern signals, a Second Avenue Subway to East Harlem, new switches, new tracks”, said Lisberg.
“Today’s announced agreement between the city of New York and the state is great news for the tens of thousands of New Yorkers who depend on a reliable mass transit system”, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, D-Bronx, said in a statement.
Because the city’s promised contribution is $700 million short of what the MTA sought, the agency will be forced to find efficiencies, including possibly scaling back the program.
The MTA board is slated to meet on October 28 to approve a capital plan, and new projects wouldn’t have been approved without the funding agreement. He originally asked the city for $3.2 billion; City Hall initially offered $627 million. Everyone grumbled about it, but paid the price anyway because, warts and all, this city’s public transportation system keeps everyone moving.
Transportation advocates say the work is essential to maintaining an aging system used by 9 million people daily.
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“Doing so could lead to fare increases and service cuts for riders”, the group said in a statement.
