FTA Threatens MTA Funding Over Track Worker Safety Amid Rising Incidents

FTA's Safety Concerns

• ⚠️ The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is threatening to withhold funding from the MTA due to unaddressed safety risks for track maintenance workers.
• 🚨 This action follows the death of an employee in November 2023 and a serious injury in June 2024.

Escalating Incident Rates

• 📈 An FTA audit revealed 38 potential near misses for MTA workers in 2023, a 58% increase from 2022.
• 📊 The number of incidents in 2023 represents a 65% increase compared to 2021.

Union Advocacy for Safety

• ✊ The Transport Workers Union has been advocating for improved safety measures at the MTA for years.
• 🗣️ The union emphasizes prioritizing local workers for maintenance and ensuring their safety.

MTA's Response

• 🤝 The MTA states it has met with the FTA to discuss employee safety.
• ⚖️ The agency claims it is being unfairly punished in relation to congestion pricing discussions.