Citing the worst financial crisis in MTA history, MTA officials announced a proposal to eliminate Metro-North train service on the Port Jervis line connecting commuters from Port Jervis to Penn Station in New York City and on the Pascack Valley line in Rockland County if they don't receive additional federal funding.

"We are acutely aware of the human toll that the mere discussion that these horrific actions will cause," said Patrick Foye, the MTA's chairman and chief executive officer. "But if the Senate doesn't act and we don't receive $12 billion in additional federal funding, we will have no choice."

For many local residents, these lines are their gateway to New York City, but the MTA said these cuts could save them millions.

"Eliminating west of Hudson service in New York could save $25 million annually in operating costs and avoid nearly $1.2 billion of capital expenses in the future," said Robert Foran, the MTA's chief financial officer.

Paul Donofrio commutes to New Jersey every day for work. Without the Port Jervis line, he doesn't know what he'll do.

"It's the only line that comes up this way; it's not like there's another one nearby," said Donofrio.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said he plans on fighting this proposal.

"I expect a lot of sabre-rattling because it's a tough budget year for everybody, but cutting off service for the entire this side of the Hudson River is just impractical," said Neuhaus.

Neuhaus said these cuts could devastate local commuters who rely on Metro-North to get into the city for work, school, and play.

"Thousands of people commute a day on it, and not to mention the county taxpayers pay $25 to $35 million a year just in the MTA payroll tax to fund the MTA," said Neuhaus.

For now, local riders are holding their breath and hoping the MTA gets the federal funding they're requesting.