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

Yesterday, when speaking to the media about appointing Joe Lhota as CEO of the MTA, Governor Cuomo -- again -- denied that he runs the MTA.

“Who’s in charge?” Cuomo asked reporters. “Who knows.”

Cuomo also pointed the finger at Mayor de Blasio, insisting -- again -- that the city doesn't pay enough to keep trains and buses running.

The governor of New York pretending that he does not control the MTA is troubling and bizarre. The transit system is, of course, the lifeblood of the city, and therefore state, economy. Subway service is so terrible right now that straphangers are literally risking their lives just to get to work.

And Cuomo, the one person who has the power to fix things, is acting out a charade that’s not fooling anyone.

The press corps was having none of it.

Cuomo can keep denying that the MTA is his responsibility, but that won’t make it so, and New Yorkers will continue to suffer the consequences.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Friday Video: Amtrak Is Way More Successful Than You Think

Why do so many people still treat Amtrak as a failure — and what would it take to deliver the rail investment that American riders deserve?

October 24, 2025

Hundreds of Community Groups — From the Conservatives to the Socialists! — Demand Daylighting

Two hundred New York City groups from across the ideological spectrum joined calls to ban parking at corners in order to improve safety and visibility, also known as daylighting.

October 24, 2025

OPINION: Canal Street — Not The Vendors — Is the Problem

If Zohran Mamdani becomes mayor — and is true to his vision for a fair, livable city — he will have to take on this long-ignored corridor. Here's how.

October 24, 2025

Vision Zero Cities: Bicycles Are Not Cars So They Shouldn’t Have to Follow the Same Rules

The default in nearly all states is to impose the same traffic rules on bicycles as on motor vehicles even though the needs of cyclists are so different.

October 24, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Today’s the Day Edition

Mayor Adams's new 15 mph speed limit is officially goes into effect today. Plus more news.

October 24, 2025

Cough, Cough: DEP Considers Largest Ever Exemption Request to City’s Anti-Idling Law

Academy Bus claims no technological alternatives exist for heating and cooling buses without idling. Advocates warn an exemption would "gut" the city's 50-year-old idling ban.

October 23, 2025
See all posts