MTA Should Eliminate More Than 1,000 Jobs to Prepare for Budget Shortfall, Watchdog Says

A new report from the Citizens Budget Commission warns that the MTA faces a $300 million budget gap next year that could grow to nearly $900 million by 2030, as spending outpaces fare revenue. To close that gap, the watchdog recommends sweeping workforce reductions.

Among its proposals, the commission says the MTA could save $380 million annually by cutting more than 1,000 jobs on Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road. The savings would come from streamlining fare collection by checking tickets prior to boarding, reducing the need for staff to walk through trains during the ride.

The report also recommends allowing trains to run with one worker instead of two. On lines like the L and 7, which already use computer-based signals and fully automated systems, eliminating the operator role could save $36.5 million a year. Extending one-person operations across the entire system could save $500 million annually. An additional $315 million a year could come from requiring MTA retirees to pay higher healthcare premiums. The commission estimates its full package of reforms could save $2.5 billion each year.

The recommendations arrive as Transport Workers Union Local 100 negotiates a new contract covering 40,000 subway and bus workers. TWU of America President John Samuelsen dismissed the proposals, saying the same cuts have been floated for decades and would balance alleged deficits on the backs of working people. The MTA is expected to release its financial plan — which includes a 4% fare and toll increase — in the coming weeks, with the board set to vote on it in December.