05 May 2011
To examine the changes necessary to reduce annual operating deficits and stop the continuing cycle of increased fares and decreased services
UNY Old Westbury
10:30 AM to 03:30 PM Archived Video
Senate Standing Committee on Investigations and Government Operations
Chair: Senator Carl L. Marcellino
Public Hearing: To examine the changes at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) necessary to reduce annual operating deficits and stop the continuing cycle of increased fares and decreased services
Place: SUNY Old Westbury, McGuire Theatre, Campus Center, Room J,
Old Westbury, New York
Time: 10:30 A.M.
Contact: Debbie Peck Kelleher (518) 455-2390
Media Contact: Kathy Wilson (516) 922-1811
ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY
SUBJECT: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Finances
PURPOSE: To examine the changes necessary to reduce annual operating deficits and stop the continuing cycle of increased fares and decreased services.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) provides public transportation in and around the New York City area, stretching into seven counties in New York State and two counties in Connecticut. The system includes the Long Island Railroad, the Metro-North Railroad, the Staten Island Railway, Long Island Bus, MTA Bus, New York City Transit, and the bridges and tunnels into New York City. The MTA has an operating budget of $13.3 billion with 66,549 employees for 2011.
In September 2010, Comptroller DiNapoli released the “Financial Outlook for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority,” providing a detailed look at the recurring structural imbalances projected to be $1 billion for 2011, and doubling by 2014 to $2.1 billion. The MTA is implementing a number of cost saving actions to close these gaps. Even with these actions, the MTA will have a budget deficit of $1.6 billion in 2014.
The purpose of this Committee Hearing is to investigate the serious and recurring financial problems at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The Investigations and Government Operations Committee will convene to examine what changes need to be made to reduce these on-going deficits and stop the continuing cycle of increased fares and decreased services.
Oral testimony will be accepted by invitation only and limited to 10 minutes in duration. 15 copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements. Written testimony will also be accepted and may be sent to the contact person listed on the reply form. In order to further publicize the hearing, please inform interested parties of the Committee’s interest in receiving written testimony from all sources.
In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Legislature, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Legislative facilities and activities.
Senator Carl L. Marcellino, Chairman
Senate Standing Committee on Investigations and Government Operations
