Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) today joined fellow lawmakers in demanding greater oversight of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), calling attention to legislation (A.6088) that would mandate a comprehensive forensic audit of the agency by a certified independent accounting firm.

As the governor and the MTA challenge the Trump Administration’s cancellation of New York City’s congestion pricing scheme, officials claim the agency’s financial stability is in jeopardy without imposing yet another tax on commuters. However, mounting evidence of systemic mismanagement raises serious concerns about how the MTA handles taxpayer dollars.

Reports reveal the MTA has failed to collect $800 million in toll revenue due to fare evasion, amassed $5 billion in unpaid tolls, and even falsified critical inspection reports.

“The MTA has a long and troubling history of fiscal mismanagement, yet instead of addressing these failures, they’re demanding another handout from hardworking New Yorkers,” said Bendett. “Before the state forces yet another tax onto commuters, we need full transparency and accountability. A forensic audit will expose where the money is going and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly.”

Bendett remains committed to holding the MTA accountable and ensuring New York’s commuters are not forced to pay for the agency’s continued mismanagement.