The latest MTA budget proposal is currently being aired in public hearings across the five boroughs, and I recently expressed my serious reservations about it.
The MTA owns and operates the finest mass transit system in the world. It is safe. It is efficient. It is reliable. Everyday millions of people ride the subways and busses throughout the five boroughs, and depend upon it for their transportation needs. During the last economic boom time we enjoyed a corresponding boost in mass transit. Both ridership and revenue increased, and multiple new capital projects were begun. Those times have changed.
As budget negotiator for Queens I am well aware of the dire fiscal straits we are in. Agencies everywhere are being forced to make difficult choices in order to meet these challenging times. However even by these standards the recent “Doomsday Budget” approved by the MTA in order to address the $1.2 billion dollar budget gap is a drastic measure.
Fare increases of 23 percent, subway and bus service cuts, and eliminating the W and Z trains are just a few of the harsh proposals offered by the MTA. Perhaps worst of all however is the fare increase for Access-a-Ride service for disabled riders from $2 to $5.
While the Ravitch Commission has made alternative proposals to reduce the fare increase, I cannot support the plans to put tolls on formerly toll-free East River bridges. I believe such a move would unfairly burden Queens by causing us to take up a disproportionate amount of the budget gap.
Some fare increases are unavoidable, but a nearly 25 percent increase is unnecessarily severe. We do not yet know whether the state will be able to aid the MTA in this time of crisis, but the MTA should re-examine ways in which it can close the gap without such draconian measures as it currently proposes.
I urge them to take another look at their programs and projects, from MetroCard benefits to capital construction, and consider what can be deferred and what can be delayed.
Another possible way to close the gap is through federal sources. Depending on the final form that the proposed stimulus bill will take, there will be funds made available through the states for infrastructure projects. We should work to secure money for the MTA’s “Shovel Ready Projects,” and use the savings to close the gap rather than fare increases.
These are difficult times, and require difficult choices. As a member of the New York City Council, I am acquainted with the hard decisions we must make. As President Obama said during his inauguration, even the federal government will be reviewing its own programs, and those that work they will move forward with, and those that do not will be cut.
We in the city and state governments are currently undergoing this same review, and I would ask that the MTA join us in this. The times demand strong leadership and bold action, and I believe that between us we can successfully navigate through this crisis and emerge a stronger city.
Helen Sears is the Councilmember for the 25th District, representing Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, LeFrak City and Rego Park.
