New Funding Sources Needed to Prevent MTA Fare Hikes

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli

NEW YORK CITY—Unless the Metropolitan Transportation Authority finds new funding sources and fast, the authority may have to raise fares and tolls earlier than originally planned, according to an analysis of the MTA’s financial plan by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

The report, which notes the MTA’s system has deteriorated sharply in recent years, notes the performance of the Long Island Rail Road and the subway system has recently worsened. On-time performance on the LIRR fell sharply during the first half of 2017 and was on pace for the worst year in 17 years, largely as a result of an increase in delays related to Amtrak-owned tracks, signals and switches, as well as the LIRR itself.