MTA Joins Other Transit Agencies Around Country Calling For Federal Relief

Public transit agencies from across the country, including the MTA, are urging Congress to approve another round of federal stimulus aid.

They're asking for $33 billion to cover lost revenue. For the MTA, its finances are dire and the new program that shuts down the subways for cleaning every night is expensive. MTA Chairman Pat Foye says he doesn’t know how much that will ultimately cost.

“The unplanned expenses, compared to our financial plan, which our board approved in December last year, is going to be ongoing and substantial,” he said.

The agency already received one round of federal funding, but says it's not enough to cover the massive drop in ridership.