Statement By Andrew M. Cuomo Opposing Latest MTA Fare Hike
Cuomo Calls for Top-to-Bottom Review of Bloated Bureaucracy
“The MTA’s latest fare hike is unjustifiable and unacceptable.
"This is not about revenue; it’s about runaway expenses. The MTA has become a bloated bureaucracy with layers upon layers of unnecessary middle management. Instead of demanding more from riders, the MTA should start by holding itself accountable. Before raising prices yet again, the MTA owes it to its ridership to do a full top-to-bottom review of every contract and its own overgrown administrative structure to identify and cut the fat.
“To claim this increase is reasonable because Philadelphia or New Jersey raised fares even higher is a ridiculous canard. New Yorkers don’t want excuses that ‘others are worse.’ The standard should be excellence: The most efficient, safest, and best-run system in the country.
“Until the MTA proves it can control costs, manage projects, and deliver real service improvements, it has no right to reach into riders’ pockets yet again. Riders deserve value and accountability, not bureaucratic excuses and endless increases.”
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