All’s well that ends well for E-ZPassgate. This afternoon, the MTA issued a statement about the long-standing practice of issuing free ride perks to their board members. Said the statement:
In light of Attorney General Cuomo’s opinion, the MTA will amend its longstanding practice of issuing free passes on the agency’s transit network to its current and former board members.
Subject to approval of its Board, the MTA would rescind its policy of issuing free lifetime passes on its operating systems to former board members. Hereafter, pursuant to the MTA’s enabling legislation, active board members may only utilize passes on the transit network to the extent that such use constitutes actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official MTA duties.
I guess the MTA wasn’t so willing to fight to the death for the right to E-ZPass. Now we can go back to worrying about important issues like bedbugs in the subways.
8 comments
As it should be.
I wonder what else they are getting for free that they don’t want uncovered…
[…] The MTA blinked. […]
This is the kind of publicity the MTA should get everytime they screw up so they can be forced to act in a better way!
Wait… so the board has to vote on the board not getting perks? I am I getting this right?
I think al of this is a shame. If they didn’t go overboard with it (like one person having 8 passes) then maybe this wouldn’t be such a big deal.
Oh and I forgot to add this:
I guess I’m the only one who disagrees with most people about this. The people on the board giver their free time to serve, otherwise they would have to be paid (which would cost how much???). So instead they give them full access to the system they are volunteering for.
I would think that not only is that cheaper to allow CURRENT board members perks especially since they are handling MTA business from time to time. The E-Z passes should be limited to 2 per member and free passes to NYCT for themselves plus one.
As for past members, free rides on the NYCT system (and the plus one) and limited use of E-Z passes to weekends (if you give it to them at all) as a thank you and a hope that they still help out with business matters.
I am not really sure if that would break any laws considering use of these cards will not be daily for most of these individuals. So I am holding the number that the Daily news gave very suspect.
I understand that it is controversy… I just don’t think it is as extreme as everyone is making it.
I know most will not agree with me, but that is just how I feel.
Secret Conductor,
They are paid in power and influence. This isn’t a charity. Nobody works for free.
[…] E-ZPass gate three weeks ago, shortly before seeing their free perks disappear, the ever-generous MTA Board vowed to fight to the death for their E-ZPasses and the various sundry […]