U.S. Threatens Funding Cuts to MTA Over Worker Safety

The U.S. Transportation Department warns of withholding up to 25% of federal transit funding from New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority due to worker safety concerns. The department called for improved safety protocols following a fatality and an injury among MTA workers, requiring a risk assessment within 30 days.

The U.S. Transportation Department announced on Tuesday that it might withhold up to 25% of federal transit funding intended for New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The decision comes as a response to critical safety risks threatening track maintenance workers.

The Federal Transit Agency issued a formal directive in August 2024 to the MTA's New York City Transit. This followed insufficient improvements in safety measures, which proved inadequate following the tragic death of a track maintenance employee in November 2023 and a subsequent serious injury in June 2024.

The agency has demanded that the MTA submit a new, comprehensive risk assessment regarding its Rail Transit Roadway Worker Protection protocols within the next 30 days. This move emphasizes the department's dedication to enhancing safety standards for workers.