MTA Cuts Looming
December 14th, 2009
The MTA’s Finance Committee approved a budget today that will severely decrease train and bus service across the city as well as end free rides for students. The MTA board will vote on the budget on Wednesday. The budget is expected to pass.
Cuts in the budget include the removal of 21 bus routes and the W and Z subway lines. Students would have to begin paying half fare in September and full fare in 2011. Around 700 transit workers are expected to be laid off and management will take a 10 percent reduction in pay. Service cuts are expected to begin in July.
MTA officials say the drastic steps are necessary as a result of a $383 million budget gap caused by state budget cuts, lower than projected tax revenue and a recent ruling that the MTA must pay workers an 11 percent raise.
By David King on December 14, 2009, 4:05 pmIn category: Albany, Eye on Albany, Transportation | No Comments »
