MTA chairman Lieber and Senator Mattera argue about a $35 million security deal
New York State Budget Hearings Turn Chaotic During a joint budget hearing in New York, a heated exchange broke out between officials as the state’s Transportation Chairman, Jano Lieber, faced off against a Republican senator from Long Island. The source of tension? A controversial $35 million contract for private security services, which some argue is […]
MTA earns $62M above projections from congestion pricing
MTA’s Congestion Pricing Exceeds Expectations, Draws Criticism The MTA’s congestion pricing initiative, often met with disdain, has generated an unexpected $62 million more than anticipated. Critics argue this outcome only highlights their belief that tolls serve primarily as a revenue source. According to the MTA, the congestion pricing strategy amassed over $562 million in net […]
MTA leader Janno Lieber angrily confronts lawmaker about fare evasion: ‘Allow me to finish’
This explosion of tension seemed inevitable. During a heated session on Tuesday, MTA Commissioner Janno Lieber took aim at his agency for spending over $35 million on private security firms, whose guards were involved in dubious activities like opening emergency exits for toll violators. This exchange took place while Lieber was addressing the Albany Transportation […]
MTA subway restrooms in poor condition with many lacking toilet seats, paper, and soap: critical report
MTA’s Subway Restrooms in Poor Condition, Inspector General Reports The MTA isn’t exactly shining when it comes to maintaining subway restrooms in New York City. On Tuesday, the MTA’s Office of Inspector General revealed findings from inspections of 32 out of 125 subway facilities. They uncovered numerous issues, including missing locks and toilet seats, and […]
Transit union leader vows to invest heavily in opposing ‘uninformed’ Hochul on MTA workforce numbers
Transit Union Leader Criticizes Governor Hochul The president of a major transit union has lashed out at New York Governor Kathy Hochul, accusing her of being “ignorant” and wasting millions to portray herself as unyielding. He warned of an intense contract dispute, reminiscent of the 2005 strike that resulted in over 30,000 workers losing their […]
Dispute over NYC congestion pricing persists as Trump administration and MTA battle in court
Federal officials returned to court on Wednesday to challenge the Metropolitan Transportation Authority regarding its stalled efforts to eliminate New York City’s contentious congestion pricing system. The MTA and the Trump administration both sought a ruling from Judge Louis Lehman in Manhattan federal court about whether to halt or continue the much-debated toll collection. Earlier […]
Hochul’s eye-catching Second Ave. Subway proposal uses the MTA to draw attention.
New York Subway Issues Continue Amid Political Maneuvering The state of New York’s subway system could be vastly improved if not for the governors prioritizing headlines over substantial governance. Governor Kathy Hochul’s recently proposed Second Avenue project exemplifies this trend. On Tuesday, Hochul indicated that officials should abandon a century-old plan to extend the Q […]
$386 million locomotive deal reveals how MTA subtly raises contract amounts by hundreds of millions
MTA Expands Hybrid Locomotive Order Amid Bidding Concerns The MTA has signed a $386 million deal for hybrid locomotives, escalating a trend of avoiding public bidding while increasing costs for taxpayers. This new agreement, announced recently, allows vendor Wabtec to produce an additional 45 R255 locomotives. These locomotives are essential for moving trains and maintenance […]
MTA exploring AI to detect weapons and assess safety risks in real-time
AI Surveillance in Public Transport Transportation officials are looking into proposals from tech companies regarding the integration of artificial intelligence for real-time surveillance of subway cars and buses. This initiative aims to utilize thousands of video feeds to enhance public safety, as outlined in recent documents. Several responses to a request for information were submitted […]
MTA agrees to historic $182M settlement for the tragic 2015 train accident in a NYC suburb that resulted in 6 fatalities
The MTA is set to pay an unprecedented $182 million in settlements related to a tragic 2015 train crash in the northern suburbs of New York City that resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to more than a dozen others. This substantial amount was awarded in July 2024 after a jury in […]