The MTA continues to push for a $30 billion plan to fix and upgrade the subway system, but a disagreement continues over how to pay for it.
NYC Transit President Andy Byford remains hopeful that New York City will help fund the proposal, which includes a new signal system that would reduce delays and allow more trains to run.
“The Fast Forward vision is a good one, but I’m not sure he understands that the city of New York - given all our other obligations - is not in a position to provide that financing,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
De Blasio said the MTA is run by the state and funding is their responsibility. He’s pushed for a millionaire’s tax to help fund the subway improvements.
In Albany, Governor Andrew Cuomo has countered with a congestion pricing plan. That would charge drivers for entering certain parts of Manhattan during peak times.
Neither plan has gotten significant traction.
Mayor de Blasio said he’ll be watching the vote in Albany next year on the new state budget. He admits he’d be worried if the spending plan doesn’t include the needed money for the subway system.
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