Cahill Reacts to MTA’S Revised Budget

Impact on Hudson Valley commuters unclear; urges MTA to work with state to eliminate toll and fare hikes

November 20, 2007

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) announced today that its July financial plan, on which it based its 6.5% proposed toll and fare increases for Metro-North rail service, MTA subways, buses, bridges and tunnels, underestimated current year revenues by $220 million. The MTA committed to use the additional funds to mitigate the proposed fee increases, but did not include any details on how the revised budget will impact Hudson Valley commuters.

“I have been and remain adamantly opposed to any toll and fare increases on Hudson Valley commuters,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “Our residents, already struggling to cope with rising energy costs, skyrocketing property taxes and a sluggish economy, cannot afford another increase in Metro-North fares or bridge tolls.

“Today’s announcement speaks volumes about the Authority’s propensity to raise fares first and ask questions later,” exclaimed Mr. Cahill. “Instead of simply revising their fee hikes the MTA should go back to the drawing board and work with the state to come up with a budget that eliminates any additional commuter costs altogether.”

What's New