Stringer: Work Trends Underscore MTA Capital Plan Need

The long hours and commutes New Yorkers endure underscore the need for adequate transit funding, said city Comptroller Scott Stringer.

"The evidence suggests that New York City residents do work relatively more hours compared [with] residents of other major cities," Stringer said in an economic brief released March 18. "Long work weeks are especially common among certain professions."

His study showed that New Yorkers average 49.08 hours weekly, work and commuting time combined, topping a list of the 30 largest U.S. cities.

New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority's proposed $32 billion capital plan for 2015-2019 is $15 billion short. State officials last fall rejected the plan without prejudice.

"In addition to the challenge of finding more sustainable financing, the MTA should ensure that the investments it makes are those that bring the most value to the system's structural integrity," said Stringer. "Signal systems, track repair and maintenance must take priority over station renovations or redesign."

Staggered work hours, said Stringer, could ease pressure on the system.

The MTA's latest biennial toll and fare increases — 4% — are scheduled to take effect March 22.

A survey by transportation infrastructure company HNTB said local transit users feel they pay too much, and that most tri-state residents believe transit systems make a profit by charging more. The poll, of 1,033 adults taken between Jan. 5 and Jan. 23, also showed a majority believing fares based on distance and frequency of use are fair.