Twice in the last two years, the Paterson and Cuomo Administrations have raided funds dedicated solely to transit, taking a total of $260 million for other purposes.

The diversion of dedicated transit funds has threatened system state of good repair and system improvement projects and directly triggered the worst transit service cuts in a generation in June 2010. These included eliminating 36 bus routes; 570 bus stops; all or parts of three subway lines; and burdening millions of city and suburban riders with greater waits, more crowding, extra transfers and longer trips. Commuter rail riders have had their trains eliminated and stops added to remaining trains. Paratransit service for individuals with disabilities has been made even less convenient or, in some communities, eliminated completely.

This bill would prevent future raids on transit funds and create new transparency when the Legislature uses transit funds for other purposes.