The Empire Page

Yes, it’s hard to believe, but MTA President Jay Walder is actually speaking honestly about the MTA’s problems. As the MTA is making its budget requests and unveiling its new capital plan, President Walder is actually admitting the authority must change the way it does business.

Instead of just l0oking for the usual legislative handout and fare increase to solve the MTA’s budget woes President Walder is speaking about significant management and contracting reforms. He seems to acknowledge that much of the MTA’s budget woes come from how the MTA manages its money instead of just how much money it gets.  The news that he is looking into cancelling $40 million worth of contracts should be a welcome relief to straphangers. This blog has pointed out how much cost overruns have cost the MTA and without real contracting reform their will be no way to solve the MTA’s structural deficit problems. For too long taxpayers and ratepayers have been made to pay the price for the MTA’s mismanagement.

The capital plan also has a hopeful change of direction. Instead focusing its funds on a few big ticket items, the Walder-led MTA is looking to spread out the funds so that stations with needed repairs get it. Many stations are falling apart and are not getting the care they need causing a crisis in many communities.

The MTA’s track record is such that one cannot fully trust the implementations of good intentions. However, Jay Walder’s words are to be applauded and it is up to the legislature to make sure they are followed up with actions. Any future state aid should be contingent on reviews that show that the MTA’s new direction is being implemented.