Rockland and Orange counties are not a piggy bank for the MTA

Karben blasts MTA commuter lot parking fees

Assemblyman Ryan Karben of Rockland County today blasted a Metropolitan Transportation Authority decision to institute new parking fees of up to $200 at the agency’s commuter parking lots in Rockland and Orange counties. There are already parking fees on east of Hudson train facilities.

“The MTA is giving city subway users a free ride while they pick the pockets of suburban commuters,” Karben said, “The MTA refuses to use its surplus to assist Rockland commuters and may reduce suburban ridership with these outrageous fees.”

Karben said a study done several years ago found that Rockland already contributes $32 million more to the MTA than it gets in services. These fees will increase that gap.

“Rockland and Orange counties are not a piggy bank for the MTA,” Karben said.