The MTA continues to face a dire financial crisis as it runs out of federal relief funds. With congress on recess, it's unlikely help will come anytime soon.

When ridership fell during the height of the pandemic, the federal government gave the MTA $4 billion. That money ran out last month and the MTA has now requested $12 billion in additional funding from the feds.

Fiscal watchdogs say the MTA needs to take drastic action, and soon.

The Citizens Budget Commission's Denise Richardson says the agency should consider the continued suspension of overnight subway service and charging subway riders higher fees during rush hour.

“Changes have to be made in the way we’re used to seeing the MTA,” she said.

The MTA is holding an emergency board meeting later this month to discuss the agency's financial crisis.