NY: MTA Eye on Layoffs

July 22, 2011
The MTA is mulling laying off workers in an effort to slash $2 billion from the budget that funds mega-projects like the Second Avenue Subway, the agency announced yesterday.

The MTA is mulling laying off workers in an effort to slash $2 billion from the budget that funds mega-projects like the Second Avenue Subway, the agency announced yesterday.

The authority is looking to cut administrative payroll for its capital program by 15 percent, saving $150 million for expansion plans and system upkeep.

The workforce cuts would be done only as a last resort, and would not affect operations personnel such as station attendants and bus drivers, an MTA spokesman said.

"We are looking first at eliminating vacant positions and offering voluntary resignation packages," spokesman Aaron Donovan said.

"If we fail to meet our target using those methods, we would need to turn to layoffs."

The threat came as the transit agency revealed several measures designed to fill a $10 billion gap in its capital plan.

MTA chairman Jay Walder said $2 billion has already been saved through cost cuts. The agency is hoping to save the same amount with more belt-tightening.

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