Governor Andrew Cuomo says the city and the state should split the cost of running the MTA 50-50, but Mayor Bill de Blasio says the city can’t afford it.
“I've always said we cannot pay the costs of MTA. We need a long term sustainable plan,” de Blasio said.
The mayor has pushed for a millionaire’s tax to fund the agency, while Cuomo wants congestion pricing. But the governor has said the city needs to pay more.
“Why are we trying this nickel and diming approach saying let's take a little bit out of the City here and a little bit of City there?” de Blasio asked.
Governor Cuomo has also pushed for complete control of the MTA board. He currently appoints six board members, but wants the ability to appoint a majority of the members.
“I endorse the notion of accountability and I am willing to talk to the Governor's team about any governance plan that creates real accountability. But I do want to see the details and I do commend the Governor for stepping up and saying he wants responsibility for the MTA. I think there's something good there,” de Blasio said.
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