PR07-02-017 February 01, 2007
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THOMPSON REPORT: MTA DELAYS IN REPAIRING AND FUNDING NYC RAILWAYS PUT RIDERS AT RISK

Urges adding $673 million more for NYC Transit repair and upgrade work
Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today issued a report that faults the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for jeopardizing the safety and security of riders by consistently delaying critical infrastructure work in New York City.
A Review of MTA New York City Transit "State of Good Repair" Capital Expenditures found that since 1982, when the first MTA Five-Year Capital Plan was issued, large disparities have emerged between the commuter railroads and New York City Transit (NYC Transit) in achieving what the MTA itself considers a "State of Good Repair."
"New Yorkers are being shortchanged," Thompson said. "The MTA's efforts to bring the bus and subway system to a State of Good Repair have progressed slowly, raising concerns about rider safety and security. Service still has not reached the levels of reliability, safety and comfort New Yorkers require and deserve."