MTA Rescue Plan Hangs in Partisan Balance

New York, NY —

The MTA returns to the bargaining table in Albany this morning in an effort to hash out an agreement on it's rescue plan. So far, the Speaker of the Assembly, Sheldon Silver, says he's getting behind a limited bridge-tolling plan.

SILVER: I've said from Day One the MTA Board's doomsday budget which has tremendous fare increase, tremendous service cuts is unacceptable to me and unacceptable to members of my conference.

REPORTER: But the Senate minority leader, Dean Skelos, says he is not going to help get the plan passed in his chamber.

SKELOS: There is no support in terms of payroll tax. Again, I think that's counterproductive because people are just going to leave our state.

REPORTER: It's unclear whether the Democratic Majority Leader, Malcolm Smith has the will or the votes to pass the plan.

Joining me to discuss the latest developments is WNYC's transportation reporter Matthew Schuerman.