MTA Joins Call For $25B In Federal Aid For Public Transit

NEW YORK, NY — Metropolitan Transit Authority executives are joining the call for $25 billion in dedicated federal aid for public transportation as Congress debates a massive coronavirus relief bill.

MTA Chairman and CEO Pat Foye was one of 10 public transit officials to co-sign a letter sent to congressional leaders Monday with the demand for federal aid. Public transportation agencies around the country are facing a crisis of declining ridership and tax revenue and increasing costs associated with efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Unlike many industries, public transit agencies do not have the ability to shut down and cut costs during the outbreak, the transit officials wrote.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority, which operates New York City subways and buses and regional commuter lines such as the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, has been deemed an essential service and is not required to shut down despite the statewide stay-at-home order that went into effect Sunday as directed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

"The goal of the federal package is to stabilize the economy and establish a back stop that will propel the country forward. Public transit agencies are literally on the frontlines of that effort: We are helping the heroes most critical in this time of crisis – healthcare professionals, first responders, and grocery, utility and childcare workers – do their job. It’s a responsibility we take seriously – no matter the cost," the letter reads.

Public transit agencies in some areas of the country have seen ridership plummet as much as 90%, officials wrote. Executives predict the funding gaps could result in tens of billions lost for transit agencies nationwide, potentially dooming critical projects to improve public transit.

"Bottom line: Any federal relief package will not maximize value for the country’s economy without a robust, targeted investment in public transportation. This is a matter of national interest and core part of any national recovery. Congress must act swiftly to provide real relief in real time; the financial health of the country depends on it," the letter reads.

Transit heads from cities such as Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Dallas, Atlanta, Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area and more joined Foye in signing the letter.

New York City congressman Adriano Espaillat made similar demands in a letter sent to congressional leadership this week.