The MTA’s $68.4B capital plan is a disappointing disappointment
The new capital plan proposed by the MTA can only be described as a passive-aggressive political maneuver.
It outlines a budget of $68.5 billion for the years 2025-2029, a figure the agency has no hope of meeting.
Essentially, the plan is a ploy to pressure Governor Hochul into resuming the push for “congestion” tolls in Midtown below 60th street.
MTA CEO Janno Lieber lamented on Wednesday, “The MTA proposes, Albany disposes. That’s really when the question about funding is going to be answered.”
In essence, Lieber and the board are unwilling to establish realistic priorities.
The MTA requires significant reform to reduce costs and complete projects on schedule.
It also needs political backing to confront the demands of its powerful unions, particularly on the Long Island Rail Road and the Transport Workers Union in the city.
Above all, the MTA must prioritize essential maintenance tasks such as signal and electrical-system repairs over extravagant projects like Hochul’s $2.75 billion Interborough Express light-rail line to connect Brooklyn and Queens.
If the MTA fails to prioritize subway maintenance, there is a risk of a repeat of the 2017 Summer of Hell, and potentially a Winter of Hell as well.
Hochul should be transparent about her intentions regarding “congestion pricing.” The tolls were temporarily paused to avoid backlash from suburban voters before the election, but if not permanently axed, they may resurface after the election.
The MTA, with a bloated $7.8 billion payroll, spent a record $1.37 billion on overtime last year.
However, the agency cannot address overtime abuses and fare evasion without significant political support, which would also help reduce overall subway crime.
In essence, the inadequate capital plan mirrors the lack of genuine support from politicians for an agency critical to the functioning of New York City.
The real losers in this situation are the commuters who rely on the MTA to keep the city moving.
