The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has offered New York City Marathon organizers compensation for toll revenue allegedly lost due to the closure of the Staten Island-Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to marathon traffic, according to documents obtained by The New York Times. He is seeking a payment of $750,000.
The MTA is seeking a $750,000 donation from Roadrunner for each year the bridge is in use, the New York Times reported. first reported. MTA officials reportedly said that if organizers, known as the New York Road Runners, refuse to pay, use of the bridge will be restricted to either the upper deck or the lower deck. The November event, which is expected to draw more than 50,000 runners in 2024, has featured both decks since 1988, according to the NYT. (Related: New York City plans to charge drivers $15 if entering downtown during rush hour)
MTA demands $750,000 in tolls from New York City Marathon runner who crossed Verrazano Bridge https://t.co/b45ANYiyHZ pic.twitter.com/ZYuLwlKlS9
— New York Post (@nypost) April 3, 2024
However, roadrunners will not be deterred, and the New York Times reported that they will be forced to reduce the number of participants or extend the event, resulting in longer road and bridge closures.
“New Yorkers love their Sunday marathons, but we can’t expect taxpayers to subsidize a wealthy non-governmental organization like the New York Road Runners by as much as $750,000,” said MTA Bridges and Tunnels Chairman. Katherine Sheridan said in a statement. “The MTA stands ready to continue working toward a final agreement with NYRR if, over time, it will lead to full reimbursement of lost revenue.”
However, the New York Road Runners have been paying fees to use the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge since 2021, and will pay $150,000 in 2023, according to the New York Times.
People online took to social media to point out that the revenue the race would bring to New York City was not taken into account.
“Has the @MTA lost its mind? The New York City Marathon is a major tourism event that brings tremendous economic benefits to New York City. Why would they actively work to make it unattractive to runners? Would they like to skip New York and go to Boston, Washington DC, or San Francisco instead?” Posted by Melissa DeRosa on X.
have @MTA where is my mind? The New York City Marathon is a major tourism event that brings significant economic benefits to New York City. Why do they actively work to make it unattractive to runners? Should they skip New York and go to Boston, DC, or SF instead?https://t.co/HSBRPqPDBn
— Melissa DeRosa (@melissadderosa) April 3, 2024
“As a marathoner who travels to races, I think #cashgrab by @MTA is short-sighted. The #nycmarathon is one of the world majors and attracts runners from all over the world. Runners add $$ to New York City’s economy. pour in,” another X user wrote.
As a marathon runner who travels to races, I feel the following: #cashgrab by @MTA Myopic. #nickmarathon is one of the world majors, attracting runners from all over the world. Runners pump $$ into New York’s economy.
i suggest @nyrr And those members let the MTA know that this is not cool. https://t.co/k646XqJlsE
— Susan Lee 李ui珊 (@susanleenyc) April 3, 2024
