During my time in the state legislature, every March officials from the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) would come to Albany to request more funding in the state budget to fill an operational deficit that continues to grow year after year. This past week, Governor Hochul approved a new $9 congestion pricing tax that aims to help support the MTA’s funding deficit. Over the past several years, the Governor and various lawmakers have introduced ways to raise revenue for the MTA. Many will recall when several years back, the MTA employer tax was forced upon every business—both small and large—in Orange County. The recently approved congestion pricing adds a surcharge for vehicles traveling in parts of New York City during specified times. Like many others, I oppose congestion pricing and carried a bill in the State Senate more than three years ago to repeal it. Before the MTA is funneled even a single additional tax dollar, there are a few simple steps that must take place. First, it was reported that the MTA lost over $500 million as a result of riders not paying their fares. Head-to-foot turnstiles would reduce fare evasion, yet have not been implemented by the MTA, and should be installed right away. Additionally, a top-to-bottom audit of the organization must be conducted to identify fraud, waste, and abuse. These simple first steps make sense for commuters and taxpayers alike. For commuters, it means the MTA can hold the cap on fares. Additionally, it could mean increased service to West-of-the-Hudson locations, like Orange County, that have had traditionally poorer MTA transit options. For taxpayers, it could finally mean an end to throwing seemingly endless money into this giant transit underperformer. While I was pleased several months ago when Governor Hochul announced an indefinite pause to the state’s congestion pricing plan, I’m tremendously disappointed that she and the MTA board approved its implementation. The cost of living is already too high in New York and adding yet another fee will put many past the breaking point. Congestion pricing is nothing more than a commuter tax that should be repealed immediately.
