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Cuomo, Andrew (American governor)

Cuomo Proposes Handing Over Subway Control to NYC Mayor Amid Criticism of His Own Tenure

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Andrew M. Cuomo, the former governor running for New York City mayor, has proposed that the state's Metropolitan Transportation Authority hand over responsibility for capital construction and maintenance to the city. Cuomo suggests that the mayor would lead a "construction management team" overseeing major projects at subway stations, the purchase of new train cars, and repairs to critical infrastructure. This plan may face long odds, however, as the transportation authority's board is controlled by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has a strained relationship with Cuomo.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cuomo's proposal would give the mayor significant control over subway capital projects, including major construction initiatives and infrastructure repairs.
  • The plan would require approval from the transportation authority's board, which is currently controlled by Gov. Kathy Hochul, making Cuomo's cooperation unlikely.
  • Cuomo's proposal may be seen as ironic, given his own contentious history with the M.T.A. and criticism of his focus on large-scale projects rather than maintenance initiatives.
  • Cuomo's plan would narrow in scope and focus only on capital projects, with the goal of improving coordination with city agencies and ensuring accountability.
  • The former governor argued that improving the subway system would boost confidence among residents and business leaders, who have lost faith in the city.
  • Cuomo has a history of intervening in M.T.A. decisions, including calling off a L train shutdown and ordering the agency to allocate funds for city transit improvements.

Statistics:

  • 3 million people ride the subway daily (NY Times)
  • The M.T.A. has a 17-member board, with 6 members chosen by the governor, 4 by the mayor, and 7 appointed by other state leaders (NY Times)
  • Cuomo's plan would give the mayor significant control over the M.T.A.'s capital construction and maintenance efforts (NY Times)
  • Over 29% of New Yorkers reported dissatisfaction with the subway in 2022, according to a Quinnipiac University poll (NY Times)
  • The subway's ridership plummeted during the pandemic, with a 83% decline in 2020 (NY Times)

Sources:

  • "Former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Proposes Handing Over Subway Control to NYC Mayor" by The New York Times

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