Quinn Says MTA Troubles Show Why We Need Pricing
Care of the Observer Politicker comes this video from earlier today. Speaking at City Hall, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn turns around a question from a reporter on whether the MTA can be trusted with congestion pricing revenues, given that promised upgrades tied to the recent fare increase will be delayed. Quinn calls the MTA's actions "outrageous," and suggests the congestion pricing lock box will give the city more control over the transit agency.
Said Quinn:
"To me, this is a strong reason why we need congestion pricing. It's a reason why we need a separate, sustainable revenue stream targeted at capital expansion of mass transit in the City of New York ... We need that money to go somewhere separate, where the MTA's board is not the final and only authority over it."
The Observer's Azi Paybarah says Quinn is "optimistic" that pricing will get approval by the council.
Standing behind Quinn is the undecided Bill De Blasio.
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Bravo!
Comment by gecko — March 26, 2008 @ 8:02 pm | Link
I think the Speaker's comments are outrageous. First, don't forget that it was THE CITY's MTA Board members who insisted that the new service be put off unitl March until the MTA saw how its budget was holding up. Now that tax revenues are down, how are they are supposed to expand service when they will have trouble keeping up the service they currently offer. How about a little responsiblity here. She should be ashamed of herself.
Comment by Mr. Transit — March 27, 2008 @ 5:37 am | Link
What was the name of that cat in Alice in Wonderland?
Comment by gecko — March 27, 2008 @ 8:06 am | Link