Mixed Reaction for MTA Bailout Plan
New York, NY —
Recommendations from a six month study on how to save MTA's troubled finances are meeting with mixed reactions.
Congressman Anthony Weiner says taxing New York City-area companies and making drivers pay new tolls to cross the East River, as yesterday's Ravitch report suggests, misses the underlying point of the MTA's financial distress.
WEINER: If we're gonna have a conversation about saving this system. We're gonna have a conversation about doing things better at the MTA that cost cutting has to be part of the discussion. It was not today.
REPORTER: But Kevin Corbett, co-chairman of the Empire State Transportation Alliance, thinks the report offers a responsible approach.
CORBETT: This shares amongst many the beneficiaries, the business community and others who stand to benefit broadly from having a vital and thriving transportation network.]
REPORTER: A spokesman for the MTA says they already began tightening their belt long before the financial crisis, and continue to streamline their operating procedures.
