New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released the following statement today in response to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s improved revenue forecast and expectations of additional federal aid.

“Improvements in fare, toll and tax collections have put MTA’s short-term finances on a stronger footing than expected. These positive developments mean that MTA can avoid recovery-damaging service cuts or layoffs in 2022.

“Combined with a potential $6.5 billion — if not more — in federal relief, which the New York delegation is working towards, this could result in even better news for riders as substantial cuts could be put off until 2024.

“Perhaps more significantly, it opens the possibility that the MTA has the resources to further delay fare hikes until ridership, and the revenue that riders provide, are back on solid ground.”

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