MTA passes huge NYC service cuts to shut deficit

[The Northerner]

Source: Reuters

NEW YORK, Dec 16 (Reuters) - New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority approved drastic service cuts on Wednesday as part of its new budget to close a deficit of nearly $400 million.

The service cuts would include closing two subway lines, cutting station agents, slashing weekend and overnight service, and forcing pupils to pay for their travel to school.

But MTA Chairman Jay Walder, at a webcast board meeting, promised to review the cuts over the next few weeks to see if their impact can be reduced.

...

There is still a risk that subway, bus and commuter rail fares and tolls on bridges and tunnels will have to be raised this year if revenues again fall short, Walder said. Fares and tolls are scheduled to rise in 2011 and 2013.



Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1611539320091217?type=marketsNews

[WriteDown]

1. Eventually, Long Island is going to be like a prison....

Its going to be impossible to pay the tolls or the rail fare to get off the LI.

[alcibiades_mystery]

2. This is going to be a massive blow to the specialized high schools

Or at least to their attempt to recruit low-income students.

[Libertas1776]

3. I love how Keith

made the MTA one of his worst people in the world last night, talking about how every 18 months or so, the MTA claims to have a budget shortfall and initiates these service cuts, and how they have been pretty much doing this for 30+ years. It's one of the longest running scams in NYC history.

[sabbat hunter]

4. and sadly

the MTA is far better than the system that preceeded it. I am hoping that the new independent audit board takes a very close look at the MTA's books to see where all the money is going.