Staten Island’s Paul calls for New York City Marathon organizers to pay more than $750,000 to cover the cost of toll revenue lost during the race, dumps MTA, writes in Wednesday’s Post In contrast, he claimed, “I can find that money in nine hours.”
Borough President Vito Fosella blamed the transit agency after it was revealed that the MTA was threatening to restrict the runners’ use of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge unless the New York Road Runner coughed up extra cash.
“It’s the wrong race to run,” Fossella fumed.
“We lose $700 million a year to fare and toll evasion. If we enforce the law, we can find that money in nine hours.”
As negotiations continued, the MTA warned the New York Road Runners that if tolls were not paid, race participants could only use either the upper or lower level of the bridge, but not both.
However, the nonprofit argued that if runners were banned from using both levels, it would likely be necessary to limit the number of entries to the iconic event.
The 46.2-mile race, which starts on Staten Island and is expected to draw 50,000 participants this year, has used both decks of the bridge for the past 36 years.
“The New York Marathon is the most iconic race in the world,” Fossella said. “I don’t know if it’s going to bring tens of millions of dollars of economic activity to the city. We should encourage people to come to the city and spend money.”
“Nothing surprises me anymore about the MTA,” Borough Prez added.
New York Road Runners CEO Rob Schimmelkjaer said the organization would increase the amount it pays the MTA to cover some of the costs of bridge closures for this year’s race. However, the MTA is taking a hard line.
“We have agreed to increase payments to the MTA in the form of both direct payments and subway and bus ad purchases,” Zimmerger wrote to Gov. Cathy Hokle in February, pleading for intervention. did.
“However, the MTA has made few concessions in these negotiations and continues to insist on reimbursement of 100% of lost toll revenue.”
But the MTA argues that Big Apple taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for a “wealthy” nonprofit that reported $100 million in gross revenue for fiscal year 2023.
“New Yorkers love the Sunday Marathon, 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 Catherine. 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.”
