The MTA allocated a remarkable $1.5 billion for overtime pay last year, which agency Commissioner Jano Lieber expressed pride in during a recent discussion.
This figure represents the highest overtime expenditure in the 60-year history of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, showing a significant jump of approximately 27% from $1.36 billion in 2024, as indicated in the agency’s financial statements.
Lieber highlighted that the overtime spending surpassed what was budgeted by over $300 million last year, noting in a budget hearing that he views overtime positively rather than as an issue linked with night and weekend work.
When asked by Congressman Brian Miller about potential concerns regarding the surge in overtime expenses, Lieber responded, framing it as a productivity indicator rather than a concern.
Lieber pointed out that the total surpassed the MTA budget by over $300 million, attributing this increase to “regular pay increases” and attempting to connect unplanned expenditures to construction and maintenance activities.
He remarked, “People focus on just one figure. Overtime trends at the MTA are encouraging, largely due to our increased capital operations.”
Internal MTA financial reports from 2025 indicated that overtime costs were “unfavorable,” exceeding agency expectations, even during months when overall operating expenses were manageable.
Lieber linked excessive overtime to management practices and labor regulations, urging lawmakers for support to streamline these labor rules and improve conversations with unions.
He suggested a more efficient administrative response could help address issues, particularly regarding automatic overtime accrual during employee sick leave.
When questioned about whether the MTA is “chronically understaffed,” Lieber dismissed the notion, stating current vacancies are just part of regular employee turnover as people retire or transition to different jobs.
According to agency documents, the MTA’s overtime expense in 2023 was about $1.35 billion.
