Hochul Pushes for MTA Federal Funding to Fix Transit Now

New York Governor Kathy Hochul demands MTA federal funding increases today. She and lawmakers urge Trump to support transit repairs swiftly. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Hochul, alongside Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, wrote Monday. Their letter to Trump and Republicans seeks a larger federal contribution soon.

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The trio highlighted that MTA serves 43% of U.S. transit riders annually. Yet, it receives only 17% of federal transit funds, creating significant unfairness.

They argue mass transit needs federal support matching its national importance now. New York deserves a fair portion to meet commuters’ daily travel demands effectively.

Previously, the federal government allocated $13 billion for MTA’s 2020-2024 plan. Hochul’s 2025-2029 budget proposal requests $14 billion for critical infrastructure upgrades soon.

Monday’s letter hints lawmakers may push for even more federal dollars. The MTA’s new $65 billion plan includes modernizing outdated subway systems rapidly.

Addressed to Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and congressional leaders, it presses hard. They want the next funding bill to reflect MTA’s ridership accurately.

MTA Federal Funding Talks Intensify

Meanwhile, Hochul negotiates with Trump over congestion pricing and other MTA funds. Trump opposes the toll on Manhattan drivers and pushes for gas pipelines instead.

Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis insists MTA must address internal issues first. She supports talks but blames Hochul for mismanagement and wasteful spending practices.

State budget talks continue, with Hochul, Heastie, and Stewart-Cousins seeking solutions now. They aim to fund the state’s portion of MTA’s ambitious capital plan soon.

MTA officials estimate lawmakers must secure $33 billion for the new plan. Hochul suggests raising a payroll tax on large NYC businesses to help.

However, Heastie insists federal government should contribute more before state taxes rise. This standoff complicates efforts to close the funding gap efficiently.

Last week, Duffy demanded subway crime data from MTA Chairman Janno Lieber. He threatens to cut federal transit support if MTA fails to comply soon.

MTA Federal Funding Faces Opposition

Duffy also ordered MTA to halt congestion tolls next month, sparking legal battles. MTA vows to defend the program and keep it operational despite pressure.

On Saturday, Duffy criticized Hochul, calling NYC’s subway system poorly managed. He claims she could fix safety and cleanliness issues in hours.

Hochul has deployed National Guard to assist NYPD with subway security checks. Yet, Duffy argues her efforts fall short and questions additional funding requests.

Negotiations intensify as MTA’s future hinges on federal and state decisions now. Lawmakers and officials race to secure funds and improve transit for millions.

Source: gothamist.com

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