Citizens Budget Commission President Andrew Rein issued this statement on the 10-Point Plan to Transform and Fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA):

"Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio’s 10-Point Plan is positive progress to address key needs of the MTA. The plan’s congestion pricing parameters, regular fare increases, and acknowledgement of the need for additional resources are important to support the MTA’s finances and capital plan. The plan also appropriately prioritizes use of these new revenues on investments to restore the system.

Importantly, the plan recognizes the need for cost containment and management improvement. Critical to those efforts will be the participation of labor and increased productivity by all segments of the workforce.

To provide additional revenues the agreement proposes dedicating funds from new internet sales taxes and excise taxes on marijuana. These taxes have not yet been enacted and are uncertain; ideally they should be allocated in the budget process and not 'earmarked' in statute.

Clarification is needed on Regional Transportation Committee’s (RTC) role in reviewing the capital program and toll and fare increases required to fund it. The RTC should not become an obstacle to timely approval of the capital program or fare increases."