The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is urging the New York State Legislature to provide an additional $33 billion, citing a continued funding shortage for maintaining and improving New York City’s public transportation system despite the recent implementation of the Manhattan congestion charge. At a New York State Legislature transportation budget hearing held on the 7th, MTA Chairman Jano Lieber stated, “We need a five-year program to improve aging public transportation and expand infrastructure through 2029. This requires $68 billion in funding.”
Lieber went on to explain that while the MTA plans to secure $15 billion from the toll revenue generated by the Manhattan congestion charge, this amount alone will not suffice. “We still need at least $33 billion more for the five-year capital investment program, and it is up to the governor and the Legislature to find a way to fill that gap,” he said.
State lawmakers, however, raised concerns about the MTA’s efforts to address intentional toll non-payment, which has been a significant issue. The MTA loses hundreds of millions of dollars annually due to this problem. In response, Lieber defended the MTA’s position, asserting that, “Just as the state supports education and Medicaid, government investment in the public transportation system should be considered by the same standards.”
The new budget for New York state must be processed by the state legislature by April 1, but it remains unclear how the budget will provide additional support for the MTA’s needs.
Meanwhile, the MTA reports that the Manhattan congestion charge, which has been in effect for a month, is showing positive results. The number of vehicles entering south of 60th Street has decreased by 1.2 million from the 5th to the 31st of January, compared to the same period last year. However, there is still a potential hurdle: former President Donald Trump can block the implementation of the congestion charge, leaving the future of the initiative uncertain.