1) Yes, the MTA is a state agency. But because the MTA Bus Company consolidated the operations of seven former city-franchised private bus companies, the MTA Bus Company is funded by the city. So Bloomberg can reasonably say to Albany: “If Albany is not going to let my constituents get the top quality bus service they deserve, Albany can pay for that service. I am withdrawing City funding to the MTA Bus Company until Albany approves bus-mounted bus-lane enforcement cameras.”

2) If that is too complicated, he could make the point with red light cameras. Put ‘em up anyway without approval and see what happens.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080626/ap_on_bi_ge/oil_prices_117;_ylt=AgAVVNzOCeAb7yqqIuDdPX.AsnsA

However, bus riders CAN take pictures of violators and put them on a site a la “Hall of Shame”

Think of it as the Uncivil Servants blog but for bus lane violators.

Who’s up for creating such a site? (Which, of course, streetsblog would hopefully provide links to)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2199633/Student-unveils-world%27s-first-cardboard-bicycle—which-works.html

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/02/13/milans-ecopass-called-a-success-one-month-after-its-introductio/

I don’t think they can do that. There is always a chance that people would photoshop the vehicles of other people they don’t like in.

City bus riders have the power to take pictures of bus-lane violators.

The city has the power to create a website where the pictures can be posted.

The NYPD has the power to use the images on the website to issue tickets.

None of this requires the approval of the state, even though the MTA is a state agency.

All you need is a chart with fare revenues, city aid, state aid, MTA taxes, toll transfers, health care and retirement costs, debt costs, capital costs, and (non-health care and retirement) operating costs, adjusted for inflation.

The MTA could if it were willing to risk the wrath of the legislature, post the offending vehicles on a website, and try to use shame as a substitute for fines. But it is unlikely to do so. The legislature is in charge.

To declare New York City independence, put video cameras on buses (News)

Ever since the fiscal crisis of the mid-1970s, New York City has operated under what author Ken Auletta calls “fiscal martial law.” We cannot set a budget without state approval. We cannot control our own subway system or raise a tax. In fact, due to an overreaching state Constitution, we cannot take governmental action in any area where Albany decides only it can legislate. …

Michael Bloomberg, who by any reasonable standard has been an excellent mayor, can place himself into rarefied air with a simple act of defiance: placing a few enforcement cameras on buses despite Albany’s lack of permission. What could Albany do? Send in the National Guard to remove them?