Duffy criticizes Hochul's MTA funding request in New York

Sean Duffy, the U.S. Transportation Secretary, criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul for asking the federal government for more money for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Duffy described the MTA as "horribly run" and said the state is mismanaging funds. Hochul recently argued that the MTA does not receive a fair share of federal funding, despite carrying a significant number of riders. She, along with state leaders, wrote a letter asking for a change in the federal funding formula. Currently, the MTA serves about 43% of the nation’s mass transit riders but only receives 17% of federal funding. The conflict comes amid ongoing discussions about congestion pricing in Manhattan. Hochul's plan to charge a toll for entering Midtown is intended to reduce traffic and generate revenue for the MTA. However, Duffy has threatened to deny federal approval for this pricing plan. Both officials are also engaged in a dispute over transit safety. Duffy wants assurances that the subway system will be improved before agreeing to any further funding. He stressed that the federal government needs to hold New York leaders accountable for commuter safety.