Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The mass transit agency is staring at a prolonged fiscal calamity with further federal support at a standstill and its $51.5 billion capital program in jeopardy.

The Senate minority leader told advocates to lean on 21 key Republicans. "Everyone has friends and family in other states," he said.

The pandemic's effect on public transportation has revived debate about the role of bicycles, ferries, in-city commuter rail and other alternative modes.

Monday's first phase of emergence from COVID-19 lockdowns will put the city and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in a national spotlight.

Chairman Patrick Foye said the designation will better position the authority to cope with the revenue loss from the coronavirus pandemic.

Investors, while confident long-term about the transit authority, worry about immediate risks, Chairman Patrick Foye said in a letter.

The mass transit system still holds a strong presence despite three bond rating downgrades amid the coronavirus, Chief Financial Officer Robert Foran said.

President Trump named Sarah Feinberg, a former FRA administrator, and Chris Koos of Illinois to the board of the quasi-public national passenger railroad.

Congress should direct more COVID-19 relief dollars to higher ridership systems, think tank Regional Plan Association said.

While their regions, sizes and funding streams vary, several mass transit systems underscored the dire need for additional federal funding.