Today, President Carol Kellermann issued this statement on behalf of the Citizens Budget Commission (CBC):

"The Metropolitan Transportation Sustainability Advisory Workgroup Report released today provides a sober look at the fiscal and managerial challenges facing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). CBC supports its recommendation to establish a congestion pricing zone in Manhattan and to devote all resulting revenue exclusively to MTA capital investments.

Other praiseworthy recommendations related to cost containment and transparency include an independent audit of capital costs and state of good repair needs, procurement reforms, and flexibility in closing subway lines for construction and maintenance.

The lack of unanimity on all recommendations included in the report is emblematic of the difficulty in achieving consensus on methods to improve the MTA's fiscal health. Nonetheless the MTA and its partners in Albany and New York City should address this critical situation and seek greater agreement than was possible among the Workgroup during its 16-week lifespan."