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Newsday has a good article looking at the transportation issues the next governor will deal with - the biggest being the MTA. The MTA, which already announced fare hikes for next year, faces insane budget deficits in the coming years: $905 million in 2008, $1.13 billion in 2009, $1.48 billion in 2010. The Straphangers' Campaign's Gene Russianoff says of the MTA, "They borrowed a ton of money to fix a system, and now the bill is coming due."
Here's Newsday's summary of the the two candidates' stances:
SPITZER:Notice there's nothing about the Moynihan Station project. Gotham Gazette had an excellent look at Spitzer's stances on various transportation projects back in August. Bruce Schaller wrote: "If Spitzer can follow through as governor on truly setting priorities for getting [the Second Avenue Subway, the LIRR link to Grand Central, and replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge] in the ground, he will leave a legacy." Now, we just want to know how Spitzer plans to deal with the MTA's deficits.
- Give priority to projects such as Second Avenue subway and LIRR link to Grand Central Terminal, which he calls essential to providing transit capacity to handle job growth in Manhattan and commuting growth from Long Island.
- Reform transportation agencies.
- Complete major regional projects around the state, including construction of Interstate 86, aimed at expanding economic activity from the Pennsylvania border to the New York State Thruway in Orange County.FASO:
- Would use revenue from state sales tax on gasoline and diesel for "pay as you go" financing for roads, bridges and transit plans statewide.
- Complete Second Avenue subway project, LIRR-Grand Central link.
- Has called for negotiations with MTA's unions to focus in part on better productivity.
At any rate, it's been said the MTA can wait for a fare hike until 2008 - should be interesting to see what happened when Spitzer and MTA Chairman Kalikow clash.
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I'm still baffled by the Second Avenue Subway. It's not like there is much growth potential in housing or office space along the corridor it will serve. Seems an incredibly expensive way to cut a few minutes off UES commute times.
The problem is that Moynihan Station will primarily serve non-NY voters.
The purpose of the 2nd Avenue subway is to alleviate overcrowding on the Lexington Avenue line, which is reaching dangerous levels. Imagine the carnage if terrorists ever bombed that line during rush hour.
The 4,5, and 6 trains have a higher combined ridership than any mass transit system in any other city in the country, and by a significant amount. That's just too many for a single subway line to handle.
Someone please tell me why the MTA "gave away" millions of dollars last year with a "holiday" freebie campaign. Seriously, what were they thinking? Morons.
Bicycle use is already sky high and with the numbers of bike lanes and amenities in the next 3 years expected to rise...hmmm?
If they raise the fare 25-50 cents, watch the number of subway riders drop as people realize they can save a bundle riding a bike.