U.S. Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,910,000,000 in federal funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), allocated in the CARES Act through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The funding will be used to offset major revenue losses for the agency, which operates the New York City Subway, Busses, and Metro-North and Long Island Railroads. The CoViD-19 crisis has had a major impact on the MTA’s system, resulting in a dramatic drop in ridership due to social distancing and stay-at-home requirements across the region. This funding will ensure that workers who rely on the MTA can continue to safely ride public transit as they support our communities during this crisis.
“We fought hard and overcame much opposition to deliver this massive $4 billion lifeline to the MTA and it heroic workers, who answered the call of duty during this unprecedented health and economic crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “We must invest in sustaining our mass transit system because a vibrant bus, subway and commuter rail network is fundamental to recovering from this crisis and rebuilding our economy. And we must remember those workers we have lost even while we reward those who risked their health during the crisis.”
“New York City is the epicenter of the CoViD-19 outbreak and this funding will ensure that the MTA can continue providing reliable public transportation services for residents, health care providers, and patients,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New York’s transportation system of subways, buses and commuter rails serves as a lifeline for essential workers and health care workers who rely on transit to get to and from hospitals and health centers. I am proud to have fought for this funding in the CARES Act and will continue pushing for additional federal funding and resources New Yorkers need during this crisis.
