On Sunday, June 23rd, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the suspension of construction projects at two Long Island Railroad stations in Queens. This move is widely viewed as a tactic to pressure Governor Kathy Hochul to restore the recently paused congestion pricing plan or find alternative funding sources for the MTA’s capital program.
The halted projects, aimed at making Forest Hills and Hollis stations more accessible to riders with disabilities, have drawn criticism from various quarters. The MTA had anticipated generating $1 billion annually from the $15 congestion toll, which was supposed to take effect on June 30th, to finance its $15 billion capital improvements plan. However, Governor Hochul shelved the plan over concerns about its economic impact on post-COVID New York.
In a letter dated June 17th, MTA capital construction CEO Steven Leidner instructed Forte Construction to stop work immediately. Forte’s spokesperson, Tom Butler, expressed disappointment, stating that the decision jeopardizes necessary station improvements and construction jobs. Critics argue that the MTA’s actions reveal that the congestion toll was more about revenue generation than reducing traffic congestion.
Opponents, including retired judge Kathryn Freed, co-founder of Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free, criticized the MTA’s financial management. Freed highlighted the authority’s history of cost overruns and fare evasion losses, questioning why the MTA isn’t more efficient compared to other transit systems globally. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella and Councilman Joe Borelli also condemned the MTA’s tactics, urging the authority to reduce costs rather than rely on additional funding.
Amid these developments, MTA officials are expected to detail further cuts to the capital program, emphasizing the need to focus on maintaining the current system rather than expansion projects. Jamie Torres-Springer, the MTA’s construction and development president, confirmed that work on the Second Avenue subway expansion had been halted last week. This $7.7 billion project, which includes extending the Q line into East Harlem, now faces an uncertain future.
Governor Hochul’s spokesperson, Anthony Hogrebe, stated that the governor remains committed to funding the MTA and is working with government partners on alternative financing mechanisms. Despite this, transit advocates like Lisa Daglian, head of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Council to the MTA, blamed Hochul for creating a “manufactured crisis” by pausing the congestion toll, stressing that public safety should be the top priority.
As the MTA and state officials continue to navigate this funding impasse, the future of essential transit projects remains in limbo, impacting commuters and construction workers alike.
