This is the third report released by the Office of the State Comptroller on the State’s Dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund.

This report, one in a series of reports by Comptroller DiNapoli on public authorities in New York State, summarizes the revenues, expenditures, employment and certain other key data of the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA).

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest commuter railroad in the nation. In 2016, the LIRR carried 89.3 million riders, the most since 1949.

In 2017, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) had its worst on-time performance in 18 years. An estimated 9.2 million riders were inconvenienced by trains that were late, canceled at the terminal before departing, or terminated en route before reaching their destinations.

New York State’s prison population has been decreasing, but the number of older inmates has been on the rise.

Unlike the State and local governments, New York State’s public authorities are permitted to structure bond issues with the payment of principal heavily weighted to the end of the repayment schedule.

The growth in the number, cost and influence of public authorities has necessitated increased oversight and disclosure of their activities.

While LIPA appears to have adhered to established storm protocols in response to Hurricane Earl, opportunities exist to improve these policies and procedures.

In late May 2012, the New York State Thruway Authority announced that it was beginning the process of imposing a 45 percent average toll increase for larger commercial vehicles. This increase, intended to take effect on September 30, 2012, comes after the Thruway Authority has increased tolls for all classes of vehicles in 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Growth in the number, cost and influence of public authorities has necessitated increased disclosure and oversight of their activities, which historically have been less transparent than those of State agencies.