MTA Preliminary Financial Plan

The MTA's Preliminary Financial Plan for 2008 to 2011 is a first set of proposals that will evolve during the next six months of public and internal review. That’s why you should study it, and then give us your comments and advice. You can send your comments by clicking on the link to the right.

Over the years the MTA has been very successful in providing the kind of service our customers need; as a result, today more people are using public transportation. Ridership on the MTA's subways, buses, commuter railroads, and bridges and tunnels is at record levels, and so are revenues. But steep rises in uncontrollable costs — pensions, health care, debt service, for example — have far outpaced the MTA’s revenue growth, and despite growing ridership and revenues, current fares and tolls still don’t provide enough money to cover expenses.

We know that our region's economy depends on preserving and expanding our network of services. We are totally committed to doing so, and the plan proposes no cuts in service.

The plan does propose a number of actions to close projected budget gaps. Basically, these fall into three groups: first, we are tightening our belts, instituting internal administrative efficiencies, and using technology better to cut costs. Unfortunately this can’t take us all the way to closing the gaps. And so we must also propose modest increases in fares and tolls in all our agencies.

Information will be distributed through take-ones on subways and buses and seat drops on commuter railroads. And the complete Preliminary Financial Plan as well as related information will be posted online. Please read this material thoroughly. Then ask questions and send your ideas using the link above.

Remember: it's about more than fares and tolls. It's about fiscal prudence and the health of our region's economy.