| Releases
& Statements
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 30, 2007
Contact: Sarah Krauss
(212) 669-4193; (917) 541-0936
Release #: 039-2007
Public Advocate Gotbaum Calls for Comprehensive Review of MTA Spending to Cut Waste, Divert Fare Hike
Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum sent the following letter to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, calling for a comprehensive review of MTA spending in order to cut wasteful spending and help divert another fare hike.
Public Advocate Gotbaum wrote, "Many New Yorkers, especially the working poor, can't afford another fare hike. These families live paycheck to paycheck with not a dime to spare. That's why I am calling on you to review all MTA expenditures and cut the waste before asking New Yorkers to dig deeper into their pockets to pay for higher subway, bus and train fares.
"In the past, the MTA has been careless and reckless with its budget. You went millions of dollars over budget for the construction of 2 Broadway and were willing to sell the valuable Hudson Yards for hundreds of millions less than what they were worth. All this while complaining of budget shortfalls and calling for fare hikes.
"I hope that such egregious money-mismanagement is not the case today, however I am sure that a thorough agency spending review will help you save money and maybe even save New Yorkers from having to pay a higher fare.
"For example, several times a week, I receive from the MTA newspaper clips. Each mailing costs your agency about $2.50, not including the costs of paper and labor. Additionally, every month my office receives multiple copies of the MTA Report to the Finance Committee and Board Action Items. Conservatively, mailings to my office alone cost your agency $1000 a year. If you mail these packets to 100 officials, the cost just for these mailing could add up to $100,000 or more. When my office called and asked that all this be emailed to us, we were told you "don't have an email list." I suggest you create one.
"I am sure that there are many more examples of wasteful spending that could add up to millions of dollars in cost savings.
"No one wants another fare hike. And many can't afford it. A simple, but comprehensive review may help divert an increase or lessen its cost. You owe it to the millions of people who ride the MTA lines to conduct this review."
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