As Larry pointed out in comment #8 above, the MTA is actually quite efficient by international standards. Could it run better? Sure, but that’s true of any organization, public or private. Boondoggles aside, high MTA costs are simply not the problem in this situation.

The W and Z lines are not the only services at risk. The MTA is targeting Long Island Bus services for cuts, as well as reducing the frequency of trains on LIRR lines. I do think we could live with fewer LIRR trains. The bus service, I would like to save because it serves the poorest people. Not only will the MTA hike bus fares to $3.50, they will eliminate free transfers.

So much for your curiosity, Mark, about anything east of the East River.

Moreover, I don’t believe the payroll tax is a perfect solution, and I share your concern that it would place a burden on businesses — I don’t want my company being given an incentive to cut me loose and employ someone who lives elsewhere in the country. I would much prefer to see the reinstatement of the commuter tax, which would address the uneven tax burden among those who consume city services, like the many Long Islanders who commute into Manhattan every day and get free police protection, free fire protection, free sanitation service, etc.

However, as imperfect as it is, I’d rather see a payroll tax than watch the city’s economy wither, which will certainly happen if transit service cuts interfere with people getting to their jobs. Without subways, the LIRR, and other people movers, the city’s central business district would begin to lose its luster, and ultimately wither, costing jobs for city and suburban residents alike.

Your contention that the payroll tax will destroy small business on Long Island fails to account for the fact that Long Island would have only a tiny fraction of its current population — and businesses, and customers for those businesses — if it were located upstate instead of adjacent to New York City.

Whether you admit it or not, Long Islanders receive huge benefits from proximity to the city. To name but one, many residents of Nassau and Suffolk are employees of the City of New York. Many others are pensioners of the City of New York. Add those who get public sector paychecks to those who get private sector paychecks and you have quite a few people directly dependent on the city’s well being. If they suffer, they have less money to patronize your local businesses, and then the businesses suffer.

It is hypocritical and pathologically selfish for Long Island residents like yourself to want to reap the benefits of proximity to New York City while avoiding the responsibilities. Your are part of a one of the greatest metro areas in the world. Grow up and act like it.

Even if the wast accounts for a small fraction of the budget shortfall, the perception sticks in riders mind’s…

Again, fighting over scraps. C’mon, people. Common sense. Having used this bridge for recreational biking, I’ll only say that w/ the limited space, this is NOT a speedway. I don’t dismount either. Nor do I use those obnoxious bells. Just strategically (and with caution) navigate as conditions merit. It’s not rocket science!

Giving over a car lane for a dedicated bike lane would be great, but I’m not holding my breath.

Residents of NJ and CT are still required to pay massive NY State income taxes when they commute into NYC. Adding up the $, it’s pretty clear those state dollars are spent outside NYC.

As t pointed out eloquently, the spirit behind the commuter tax needs to be rethought. I guess that’s why Ravitch came up with the payroll tax. I’m of two minds about it — I fear my out-of-state employer may look at a sudden payroll cost increase and give my job to someone elsewhere in the country. But I’ve also castigating the electeds who opposed the Ravitch plan because it’s probably as good a solution as we’re going to get.