It's easy to dismiss the financail woes facing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority as solely a New York City-based concern.
But cuts by the major transit provider won't just impact the five boroughs, but the surrounding region stretching into its Mid-Hudson service area.
Sen. David Carlucci in a statement on Friday urged the federal government to take action and provide aid to the MTA amid a proposal to eliminate West of Hudson service.
“The federal administration needs to fund the MTA now and stop pointing fingers," Carlucci said. "The proposal to eliminate West of Hudson service will devastate Rockland County’s economy and make our area a commuter desert. If the MTA removes service, I will introduce legislation to allow Rockland to leave the MTA agreement.”
The MTA is facing a funding crunch as the pandemic has dropped ridership to historic lows and drying up toll revenue in the process.
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have both called for federal aid, saying a tax increase won't solve the immediate crisis facing the authority.