Without federal aid, MTA fare increases, service cuts loom: comptroller’s report
Motorists and mass transit riders in New York already facing fare and toll increases next year and in 2023 could face drastic service cuts if the federal government doesn’t help the MTA out of a gaping budget hole brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report released Tuesday by the state comptroller.
Tolls and fares are planned to increase 4 percent in both years, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said. The MTA also plans to reduce its administrative staff by about 2,700 people through attrition.
Worse, subway and bus service could be cut as much as 40 percent and regional rail service to the northern suburbs, Connecticut and Long Island could be reduced as much as 50 percent if the MTA doesn’t receive federal funds it seeks. The MTA received $4 billion from the federal government earlier this year but has asked for an additional $12 billion. It is uncertain whether additional money for transit assistance will be included in future COVID-19 stimulus bills.