MTA dubbed 'corrupt' for halting projects in alleged scare tactic to pressure Kathy Hochul on congestion tolls

LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has suspended construction projects at two Queens rail stations, aiming to pressure Governor Kathy Hochul following her rejection of the congestion pricing plan, according to sources.

The MTA issued a directive for a contractor to cease work immediately on enhancing the accessibility of its Long Island Railroad stations in Forest Hills and Hollis for disabled riders—a strategy perceived by some as an attempt to compel Hochul to reinstate congestion pricing or identify an alternative funding source for its capital expenditure program.

MTA directed Forte Construction to stop work on Forest Hills and Hollis stations

“You are hereby directed to stop all work associated with the Forest Hills and Hollis Stations,” MTA Capital Construction CEO Steven Leidner stated in a letter dated June 17 to the head of Forte Construction, which was acquired by the New York Post.

The MTA had projected an annual revenue of $1 billion from the congestion toll, aimed at funding $15 billion in capital repairs, maintenance, and system expansion.

The contentious $15 congestion charge for drivers entering Midtown below 60th Street was set to start on June 30.

However, Governor Hochul postponed the program's implementation, citing concerns over the economic repercussions in post-Covid New York.

Meanwhile, Forte Construction was displeased with the directive to halt work on the LIRR projects, which was necessary to adhere to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

“It is understood that the stop work order is a result of lack of funding due to the pause in congestion pricing,” Forte Construction's spokesman, Tom Butler, stated.

He added, “The decision not only delays the necessary station improvements but jeopardizes the many construction jobs depending on this project.”

Retired judge Kathryn Freed believes MTA's issue is excessive spending

However, opponents argue that the MTA halting the projects demonstrates that the congestion toll was a cash grab and not truly aimed at reducing congestion.

“The MTA is an entity that answers to no one. The transit officials think they run their own fiefdom,” said Kathryn Freed, a retired judge and former councilwoman from the Lower East Side, who also co-founded the Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free initiative.

Freed, a plaintiff in multiple lawsuits challenging congestion pricing, stated that the MTA's issue is excessive spending and that transit officials need to cease attributing their financial difficulties to others.

The authority has been under continuous examination for cost overruns amounting to billions of dollars in constructing new subway tracks and for an annual loss of $700 million due to fare evasion.

Freed questioned, “Why do so many transit systems in the world work better? Why isn’t the MTA more efficient?”

Congestion toll opponents call for MTA to 'reduce costs for capital projects'

Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, an opponent of the congestion toll, stated, “This is a time for reflection. Are there ways to reduce costs for capital projects instead of thinking you’re going to get a blank check?”

Councilman Joe Borelli (R-Staten Island) stated that the MTA needs to cease its "gamesmanship."

Borelli noted that Governor Hochul appointed Janno Lieber as the CEO of MTA, “The governor should tell them to do what they’re f**king told.”

MTA officials are anticipated to detail reductions in the capital program during this week's meetings, stating that they cannot proceed with projects without extra funding.

Jamie Torres-Springer, the President of Construction and Development for the MTA, stated last week, "We have stopped work on the Second Avenue subway [expansion]."

The second phase of the Second Avenue Subway, valued at $7.7 billion, will add three new stations and extend the Q line into East Harlem. This expansion will also offer connections to Metro-North and the 4, 5, and 6 subway lines.

“There are a lot of projects we will not be able to build,” Torres-Springer highlighted that the agency's priority is to maintain the existing system in "good repair," rather than pursuing expansion projects.

“We have in a couple of cases issued stop work orders for projects that do not strictly meet the ‘good state of repair’ requirements. There will be implications all across the capital program,” he said.

Transit sources criticize MTA's announcement of cuts

Transit sources have described the MTA's move to announce cuts before Governor Hochul and the legislature could agree on alternative funding or identify savings within the agency as tantamount to mutiny.

“Governor Hochul has stated repeatedly that she is committed to funding the MTA and is working with partners in government on funding mechanisms while congestion pricing is paused,” stated Anthony Hogrebe, spokesman for Hochul.

An Albany insider has suggested that the MTA should cease its dramatics.

“The MTA knows that there’s no way the governor and legislature don’t deliver funding for their capital plan. And most of these projects are years away from being started, let alone completed,” the source said.

It further stated, “They’re just playing games and trying to scare New Yorkers to put pressure behind congestion pricing rather than coming up with alternative ideas and finding ways to save money.”

Transit advocates have aligned with the MTA, asserting that Governor Hochul is responsible for the turmoil due to the "pause" she placed on the congestion toll.

“This is a manufactured crisis we didn’t need to have,” Lisa Daglian, the head of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Council to the MTA, stated, "The safety of the riding public must be our top priority," even with a reduced construction program.

Internet slams Metropolitan Transportation Authority

As soon as the news surfaced on the internet, social media users started reacting to it. One said, "Audit the corrupt and mismanaged @MTA"

Another user added, "The government is insolvent"

One commentator wrote, "MTA trying to f**k over New Yorkers"

"NYers aren't scared in fact we are sick of the MTA and it's mismanagement. It will never be enough money for them. You think it stops after congestion pricing? Nope," a person said.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.