House Bill Could Cut $1.7 Billion in NYC Transit Funds

UPDATED WITH HOUSE REPUBLICAN RESPONSE: There’s more alarm about last week’s House vote to change the way public transportation is funded. A group of New York area lawmakers and transportation officials is worried that the Republican sponsored bill would slash $1.7 billion dollars from New York State coffers.

The group painted a doomsday scenario, in which major projects, including the Second Avenue Subway, could be halted in their tracks, where service could deteriorate and fares would head skyward.

“Over time if you don’t repair the system, if we don’t get the money necessary to do the repairs and renovations of the system, it will raise fares,” said Joe Lhota, Chair of the NY MTA.

Lhota is the brand-new chief of the NY MTA, but it’s relatively rare for an MTA chief to speak out on politics. Lhota is a Republican, who was a Deputy Mayor to Rudy Giuliani. ...................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://transportationnation.org/2012/02/06/house-bill-could-cut-1-7-billion-in-nyc-transit-aids/