Hudson Valley residents commuting to jobs in Manhattan may be facing even more difficult challenges in their daily routines, thanks to a coalition of unaccountable agencies, politicians, and union leaders. The increased tolls and fares which have already been implemented on Hudson River crossings and the political push for congestion pricing are harbingers for future levies on drivers and riders north of New York City. Beyond the immediate question of higher costs, the larger issue of agency accountability must be raised.
Legitimate questions exist concerning how funds already collected by authorities imposing or seeking fare hikes have been spent, and what motivates the advocates for increased prices. Already, The AAA has petitioned the federal Transportation Department to review the Port Authority’s dramatic toll spikes, on the grounds that, in violation of a 1987 federal law, the monies will not be used for transportation purposes.
Indeed, the fact is that the Port Authority’s financial crunch is a result of its massive investment in commercial realty, not in bridges or tunnels. It is rather ironic that the PA was originally formed in the 1920’s to build a cross harbor freight tunnel from the mainland to NYC. It never attempted this task, and after a period of investment in other transportation projects, turned its attention, and its treasury, to commercial real estate, particularly at the World Trade Center site.
Not to be outdone, the MTA is, of course, claiming that it requires a vast infusion of cash, as well. However, the long history of questionable financial accounting and poorly executed projects (the 2nd Avenue Subway is a salient example) warrants prudent investigation of how any additional funds would be used. Combined with decades of exceptionally generous union contracts granted following illegal strikes, it can be clearly seen that any hikes granted to this agency will not improve transportation and will, in fact, reward exceptionally poor management and a “public be damned” union attitude.
Despite the extraordinary impact the Port Authority and the MTA have on our lives, we have no direct vote on their leadership, and only limited ability to review their finances.
Further adding to the potential misery, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the Working Families Party have resurrected, yet again, a controversial proposal to impose a fee on all vehicles entering the Manhattan business district. The concept has been repeatedly rejected by legislators and the public.
Bloomberg has made no secret of his belief that private vehicles should be excluded from most of Manhattan. He has pursued his car-free vision over the objections of many of his own constituents. In addition to its harmful effect on Westchester commuters, residents of New York City’s outer boroughs would be placed in the absurd position of having to pay to drive within their own city. However, now in his third and presumably final term, his need to be responsive to the wishes of area residents is limited.
The motivation of the Working Families Party is clear. Formed in 1998 by various unions, its primary focus is increased pay, benefits, and job security for union members. Fare hikes, increased tolls, and congestion pricing schemes allow more funds to be available for future union contracts.
The common problem facing commuters, therefore, is that neither the public authorities nor the politicians are directly accountable to them, nor do they share their basic interests. Absent active opposition from the general public, tough times face both drivers and passengers.
