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‘Behind the 8-ball’: MTA chair says agency will ‘shrink’ improvements after congestion plan paused
By
Charles Lane
Published Jun 10, 2024
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Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images
By
Charles Lane
Published Jun 10, 2024
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While warning of a previous era when transit “was in the toilet,” the head of the MTA vowed to move the agency forward by reordering and shrinking the agency’s list of planned improvements following Gov. Kathy Hochul’s announcement of a “pause” to congestion pricing.
“We're behind the 8-ball right now,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Leiber said at a news conference on Monday. “That's why we're taking these frankly very serious steps to carve up the capital program and make sure we don't let the system fall into disrepair — back into the 70s and 80s.”
He added, “I grew up in New York in the 1970s, when the transit system was in the toilet. We got where we are today by taking on real problems."
In his first public appearance since the $15 tolling program was derailed last week, Leiber called for an intensive review to “reprioritize and shrink” the agency’s capital program, but also to continue defending the multiple lawsuits against congestion pricing.
Lieber also said former MTA Chair Tom Prendergast will consult the agency on the cuts to the capital plan.
“We're going to make sure that we keep moving forward on the details of the congestion pricing program,” he said, “to make sure that we're ready if and when we get the green light.”
Lieber’s announcement came after Hochul said Monday morning that she was “confident” other funding sources could be found for the MTA’s capital programs. She did not immediately say where that funding would come from.
Lawmakers left Albany this weekend without a solution after Hochul stunned many with an “indefinitely pause” to congestion pricing, which would have charged drivers a $15 base fare to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. The toll revenue and associated bond financing was required by law to bankroll $15 billion in upgrades to subway stations, commuter railroads and the MTA’s bus fleet, including accessibility improvements and necessary maintenance.
The MTA also planned to use the money to pay for the extension of the Second Avenue subway into East Harlem.
Leiber called for a report on how the agency will move forward before the next MTA board meeting later this month, adding that he was “incredibly moved” by the support New Yorkers showed for the transit system.
“Loving the MTA is not a 365 job for New Yorkers, but in the last week we have felt it,” he said.
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transportation
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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