NEW YORK — With a strongly worded letter to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week made it explicit how he expects the agency’s capital funds to be spent, a message the MTA’s head says it will “fully support.”
In the letter, Cuomo said he wants rapid implementation of the MTA’s reorganization plan, which will consolidate back-office functions, create a single office overseeing capital construction, and reduce headcount. [See “MTA approves reorganization plan, task force to address delays,” Trains News Wire, July 26, 2019.] He also called efforts to improve train speeds, safety, address fare evasion, an initiative to deal with the homeless, and clean stations “are top short-term management priorities.”
The letter also indicated that increased revenues from New York City’s new Congestion Pricing, expected to start in 2021 [see “State budget will boost New York City transit funding through congestion pricing, other taxes”, Trains News Wire, April 1, 2019], will go a long way to completing long-term goals. These include ADA accessibility at more subway stations; installation of state-of-the-art signal systems; progress on long-delayed construction projects, such as the Moynihan Station and the extension of the Second Avenue Subway; increased service, and prompt delivery of new equipment.
In a statement, MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick Foye said, “We understand Governor Cuomo’s call to action and fully support the agenda he has laid out. The 2020-2024 Capital Plan is being developed and, when adopted, will support creating a transit system our riders deserve.”
State law requires the MTA board of directors, which next meets on Sept. 25, to vote on the capital plan by Oct. 1. It then requires approval by the New York legislature, which reconvenes in January 2020, and by New York Mayor Bill DiBlasio.
