Malcolm Smith Takes His Turn Playing MTA Bailout Magician

Word from Albany is that Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith expects a vote on the MTA bailout proposal to happen tomorrow. Today he is meeting with the two Democratic senators from Nassau and Suffolk Counties respectively who appear to be the last holdouts in getting a plan passed. Doesn't it give you a fuzzy feeling knowing that the possibility of paying $100 for a monthly Metrocard to ride a bus line that no longer exists now rests in the hands of Long Island legislators? Smith didn't really provide a boost of confidence today when he said, "The governor offered a suggestion that we think was a very interesting idea, one that has merit. And we're hopeful that today, once we complete all our negotiations, we'll be putting a final bill on the floor. Or we may have to ask for a message of necessity, which the governor would have to do." Paterson's latest "secret plan" to reimburse local school districts for the payroll tax needed for a bailout won over two Westchester senators—no word on what might be used to entice their Long Island colleagues.

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By Billy Parker in News on May 4, 2009 1:40 PM

Comments [rss]

abcohen

MTA needs to be broke down into segments - Buses and subways shouldnt be tied together... neither should metro north or long island railroad... and the bridges and tunnels should also get their own departments.

That way more oversight is given to each area, more responsibility on waste and greed will prove that branch needs to be fixed...

I'm sure in the end you'll see the LIRR and MetroNorth are making way more money then other branches...

I also think its time to stop discounting fares for seniors and students. Sorry for the harsh sounding tones but really when the bus services disappear the seniors will really be at a lost (they use it 3-1 over the subway).

In the end you'll see the two things that are hurting the MTA - 1) subways 2) bus service.

With out increase the charge for either of this services you're putting everything else at risk in future years.

Endless Ike

Bubba,

not all of them, just sheldon silver

Qraymond

I am no fan of the Speaker, but in this instance he has held up his end of the bargain and is behaving responsibly. You should direct your ire at the State Senate, and specifically the GOP and DINO's who have taken our transit system hostage.

Bubba

We also need to vote ALL of these bums out of office.

Qraymond

We need to de-couple MTA funding from the taxes on real estate transactions-- the income year-to-year is obviously way too variable.

We also need to punish the hold-out legislators in the State Senate.

Endless Ike

It shouldn't rest with long island legislators, frankly its absurd that a system used by millions of people everyday isn't operating at a profit.

Unions, graft, and waste will get you everytime.

Frankly, I hope the bailout gets shut down, the system hits rock bottom and all the skeletons get flushed out of the toilet.

Qraymond

ALL transportation systems are subsidized. Do you think the tolls you pay fully cover the cost of the highway you drive on? No way.

Actually, the MTA's farebox ratio is excellent compared to other city's systems. "Letting the system hit rock bottom" would only hurt the working people of NYC and destroy our economy.

You are correct though in your estimation that this should not be in the hands of Long Island Legislators. They are playing with fire, and should expect our representatives to hold their interests hostage in the future as well if they continue to jeopardize our transit system.