New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released the following statement today regarding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) adoption of its 2023 budget:

“The 2023 budget adopted by the MTA today is balanced using $600 million in undetermined funding or MTA actions. Using as-yet unspecified means to close the budget gap allows the MTA to put off answering tough questions until its February budget update. It also shows the uncertainties that cloud larger budget gaps in the outyears, which my office has repeatedly raised. Transit ridership remains well below pre-pandemic levels.

“The MTA’s revenue shortfall increases pressure to find added funding from public coffers and for the MTA to better account for its savings goals. As the MTA balances riders needs with its savings plans, it must communicate directly with the public on the impact these measures will have on straphangers and commuters and on its budget. We need the MTA to continue to provide service that meets demand if we hope to continue our regional recovery and increase ridership to return to a fiscally sustainable path.”

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