STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.—With the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) proposing toll and fare increases for New York City earlier this week, calls for accountability are growing, particularly from Staten Island officials.
Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, a Republican representing Staten Island’s East Shore and part of South Brooklyn, has renewed his insistence on conducting an audit of the MTA.
In a recent statement, he characterized the agency’s congestion pricing plan as a ‘cash-grabbing scheme’ that has unfairly burdened commuters.
Tannousis expressed strong discontent, saying, ‘Now, those same officials want to stick their hands back into the pockets of those who commute to and from work and school. This black hole of taxpayer dollars must be closed.’
He is advocating for federal intervention to hold the MTA’s leadership accountable.
Responding to the criticism, an MTA spokesperson pointed reporters to a recording of the agency’s Wednesday board meeting, during which officials outlined their reasoning behind the proposed fare increases.
MTA Chief Financial Officer Jai Patel reported a more than 10% drop in revenue compared to 2019, but highlighted improvements by noting a $200 million reduction in the agency’s deficit over the past year.
As for the proposed changes, train and local bus fares would rise from $2.90 to $3, while the base fare for express buses would increase from $7 to $7.25 per trip.
Tolls on MTA-managed bridges and tunnels would also see increases, with one-way E-ZPass tolls at crossings like the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge rising from $6.94 to $7.46.
Despite the fare hikes, officials confirmed that existing resident discount programs, such as the Staten Island Resident Program, will remain in effect under the new toll structure.
The MTA stated these fare increases are necessary to keep pace with inflation and meet revenue goals, reinforcing the importance of maintaining service levels in the face of economic challenges.
Tannousis is not alone in his criticism; other Staten Island elected officials have voiced frustrations over the toll increases. Borough President Fossella described the fare hikes as a slap in the face to express bus riders, especially in light of deteriorating service characterized by delays and cancellations this past summer.
In 2024, Tannousis plans to introduce legislation aimed at auditing the MTA.
The proposed bill would not only repeal the MTA’s congestion pricing plan, which he has described as a ‘money grab,’ but would also seek to reform the MTA board structure.
This legislation proposes expanding the board from 16 to 17 voting members, ensuring that each of New York City’s five boroughs has a mandatory appointed representative.
Furthermore, the bill would require an audit of the MTA’s budget by an external accounting firm, a measure strongly advocated by those opposing congestion pricing.
With these developments, the future of the MTA and its financial practices remains a focal point of scrutiny among Staten Island’s representatives.
image source from：silive
