Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Andrew Cuomo

Cuomo Budget Amendments Claim End to MTA Raids After This Year

The Cuomo administration's budget documents claim that raids on the MTA will end after this year.

In amendments to the state budget released last week [PDF], the Cuomo administration claims that its $100 million raid on dedicated MTA funds was a one-time deal that won't be repeated in the next three years.

In detailing its plan to close the state's deficit, the budget document lists the $200 million the state took from the MTA (it separately gave $100 million back) as part of the plan for FY 2011-12. For the next three budget years, the document calls for $0 in raids from the MTA.

That isn't really a promise of no future raids. Using funds explicitly intended to support transit to plug the holes in the state budget isn't something the Cuomo administration is going to advertise before it has to.

It is, however, a statement that the state does not currently plan to continue stealing from transit. If one year from now it becomes clear that the state intends to keep raiding the MTA, it will be that much more of a betrayal of transit riders.

Of course, the budget amendments also show a $2.2 billion dollar deficit remaining for next year even including the currently planned cuts. So don't get too optimistic.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

EXCLUSIVE: City Will Let Mopeds Use Queensboro and Brooklyn Bridge Roadways

DOT hopes to prevent conflicts between moped and bike riders by allowing the former on the main roadways on the Brooklyn Bridge and Queensboro Bridge.

March 13, 2025

Chinatown Pols Renew Push for Cars on Park Row, But Residents Say No

Politicians say getting cars back on Park Row is their top priority — but locals don't want that.

March 13, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Sunset on the Capitol Edition

Sometimes on a slow news day in the city, it's worth heading downtown D.C. — where everything is on fire.

March 13, 2025

Cabbies Call Parking Fines Too Harsh, Demand More Dedicated Curb Space

The TLC hopes to target repeat offenders and make streets safer by increasing penalties for for-hire vehicle parking violations.

March 13, 2025

U.S. DOT Orders Review of All Grants Related to Green Infrastructure, Bikes

Now U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is coming for our bike lanes!

March 12, 2025
See all posts