Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
rivera.jpgPhoto: The Daily Politics

While Majority Leader Malcolm Smith insists he can round up enough votes to pass the latest Senate MTA rescue plan, The Daily Politics reports that Bronx Assemblyman Peter Rivera participated in a rally today outside City Hall in protest of the proposal's $1 taxi surcharge, a facet of the bill that has also drawn fire from Mayor Bloomberg.

Instead, Rivera thinks the answer to the MTA funding crisis is a tax on jet fuel, which ranks with the purchase of Canadian prescription drugs as the most far-fetched, nonsensical "solution" we've heard yet from Albany.

Of course, there's still time for more, so let's hear 'em: What's the wackiest thing you can think of to slap a tax on to fund the MTA? Pet food? Cell phone minutes? Shoe strings? Nothing, apparently, is off limits.

Except driving.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Streetsblog on the Road: Bike Share in Shanghai

The Chinese mega-city provides an example of great urban mobility, albeit with a side of authoritarianism.

January 23, 2025

Budget or Budge It? Gov. Hochul Continues Dawdling on the MTA Capital Plan

Gov. Hochul kicked off the state's budget process on Tuesday by doing exactly the opposite of what you do when you make a budget.

January 22, 2025

Council Transportation Chair Tells DOT That She’s Sick of the Streets Plan Excuses

Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers criticizes DOT's Streets Plan failure.

January 22, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Mayor Culpa Edition

"The party left me," Eric Adams told Tucker Carlson about the Democrats. Plus other news.

January 22, 2025
See all posts