Toll and Fare Prices May Go Up If MTA Will not Receive More Federal Funding
As of now, the MTA is at a shortfall of $3.9 billion, the money is needed to keep the system fully functioning, without funding Republicans propose a federal aid package that will force transit fares to go up and bridges to start charging a toll.
Back in March, the MTA received $3.9 billion in funds to help cover the deficit they were in after ridership depleted during the coronavirus induced lockdown. Although things are now opening, they predict a gap of $14 billion over the next 17 months as public transportation has not yet returned to its usual hustle.
“If the MTA does not receive funding if the state does not receive funding, then we can’t provide our funding to the MTA,” Andrew Cuomo said during a conference call. “That will raise fares for the New York City subway system, tolls on bridges and the fares on the Long Island Railroad. The funding has to come from somewhere.”
A plan proposed by Democrats incorporates nearly $1 trillion in bailout money for state and local governments.
Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit