Blakeman targets MTA leadership, congestion pricing while riding LIRR
Speaking aboard a Long Island Rail Road train, the Republican candidate for governor said that if elected, he would work to eliminate congestion pricing.
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Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman sharpened his criticism of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Wednesday, arguing that the agency's leadership is responsible for many of its ongoing challenges.
Speaking aboard a Long Island Rail Road train, the Republican candidate for governor said that if elected, he would work to eliminate congestion pricing, the toll that charges most drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street.
"The problem with the MTA is the leadership of the MTA," Blakeman said.
Blakeman called congestion pricing "a tax on the middle class," arguing that drivers are being forced to pay to use roads they have already funded through taxes.
State officials and the MTA have defended the tolling program, saying the revenue is critical to funding major transit improvements throughout the region.
MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber dismissed Blakeman's criticism, saying the Nassau County executive has failed to support projects that have benefited Long Island commuters.
"This is a guy who's been a no-show on transit through his entire time as Nassau County executive," Lieber said.
Lieber pointed to expanded LIRR service under the MTA's current capital program.
"We've increased Long Island Rail Road service by 40%. He opposed all the projects that enabled us to increase service," Lieber said.
Blakeman also criticized the MTA's planned 4% fare increase, which is expected to take effect in March. He argued the increase could have been avoided if state spending priorities had been different.
"The fare hike wasn't necessary because we are spending over $8 billion the last four years on illegal migrants rather than spending it on our infrastructure," Blakeman said.
Lieber responded by questioning Blakeman's record and qualifications to weigh in on transit policy.
"He's known mostly as a guy who specializes in losing elections for a long time. I have nothing to say about Bruce Blakeman's wisdom on transit," Lieber said.
MTA officials say the agency's 2026 budget is balanced and includes nearly $600 million in annual savings achieved through operating efficiencies.
In response to Blakeman’s comments, Ryan Radulovacki, spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul's campaign, wrote, “When Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funds to speed up transit and create jobs, Bruce Blakeman did more than let it happen, he agreed that attacking New York to push MAGA’s agenda was the right idea – Governor Hochul is going to keep putting New Yorkers first as she always has, while Blakeman wants whatever Trump wants, no matter how this state gets hurt.”
