The cash-strapped Metropolitan Transportation Authority is looking at massive budget cuts next year, and straphangers could end up losing some subway lines and bus routes completely.
An MTA source told NY1 on Friday that the W and Z subway lines are on the table for complete elimination and the G and M subway lines could also be shortened.
Riders might also face increased waiting times for trains at midday, decreased night subway service and the closing of four subway stations at night.
Overnight service may be eliminated on 25 bus lines, weekend service may be eliminated on 41 bus routes and another 21 bus routes may lose all weekday service.
Earlier this week, the agency said a new payroll tax meant to shore up its finances brought in about 20 percent less than what the state forecast, resulting in a $200 million shortfall.
Jay Walder, the MTA’s new chairman, is faced with closing a $340 million budget gap for next year. The deficit comes after New York State officials slashed transit funds by $143 million because of their own fiscal challenges.
The New York Times reports that Walder has ordered a 10-percent salary reduction for 6,000 non-union employees, including himself.
The New York Daily News reports the agency is thinking about ending free transit passes for city students.
The MTA is expected to unveil its full list of proposed service changes on Monday.
(Source: NY1)
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3 Responses
So justajew, the MTA is planning to close subway lines even it is a public sector agency. Wouldn’t it have been better if it was privately run? I know the answer to that. The only people who object to the privatization of the MTA is the Municipal Workers’ Union such as the S.E.I.U. who includes justajew and akuperma. Oh, well…..
Every few months, a press release is given out, stating that the MTA will have to close certain bus and train lines.
So they raised the Bus and Subway fare to $2.25 . They raised the Verizanno Bridge to $11.00 , and the Tunnels to $6.00. It would have been better that they shut these “extra” lines down 2 years ago, before they raised all the prices.
The MTA has been mis-managed for years now. The Municipal Workers Union has really destroyed any possible work ethics.
Buses and Trains are chronically late. The Bridges and Tunnels are always backed up. The MTA has paid exorbitant amounts of money for these “clean air” and Hybrid Buses.
Recently the MTA has upgraded their fleet of Toyota Prius’s to Toyota Hylander SUV’s.
Four years ago, the MTA “found” 250 million dollars that was misplaced. This year they miscalculated 200 million dollars. If 250 million dollars can go missing without anyone realizing, I think its time for a change.
I think its time for the MTA to step up to the plate with more accountability.
My friends at the MTA, Please remember this: You can run but you can’t hide….eventually you will get caught. Then and only then, will you pay the ultimate price.