Public transit systems across Upstate New York are experiencing a surge in demand, prompting them to seek additional state funding to support this growth. As the state budget remains unresolved, both the State Senate and Assembly have incorporated increased funding for non-MTA transit systems into their One-House budget proposals.
Transit organizations are advocating for a 15 percent increase in State Transit Operating Assistance (STOA) for all non-MTA transit systems, both upstate and downstate. They are also pushing for a more stable and permanent source of funding to ensure long-term sustainability.
Currently, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has 18 dedicated revenue sources, including congestion pricing and the Payroll Mobility Tax, which account for nearly 99 percent of downstate funding. In contrast, upstate transit systems have only four dedicated revenue streams, making them more reliant on state funding.
Miguel Velázquez, President of the New York Public Transportation Association (NYPTA), emphasized the importance of securing additional revenue sources. “One of our asks is to come up with other dedicated sources of revenue so that we can not only sustain and address this budget deficit and structural deficit, but also plan for the future,” Velázquez stated during an interview with CBS6. “We need to know how much money we’ll be getting and what services we’ll be able to provide.”
A proposed bill aims to establish a $25 vehicle registration fee for all counties outside the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District. This initiative is seen as a potential solution to generate additional revenue for upstate transit systems.
Key Points from the Discussion
- Growing Demand: Public transit systems in Upstate New York are facing increasing demand, necessitating more funding to meet the needs of residents.
- Budget Uncertainty: The state budget remains in limbo, creating uncertainty for transit organizations that rely on state funding.
- Funding Disparity: The MTA has multiple dedicated revenue sources, while upstate systems have limited options, leading to greater reliance on state support.
- Advocacy for Stability: Transit leaders are calling for a more permanent funding source to ensure long-term planning and service reliability.
- Proposed Solution: A bill proposing a $25 vehicle registration fee for non-MTA counties is being considered as a way to generate additional revenue.
