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Fight Is On Over Cuomo Plan To End MTA Free Passes

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Jun 19, 2008 8:12 pm US/Eastern

Fight Is On Over Cuomo Plan To End MTA Free Passes

Some Board Members Threaten Revolt Against Cuomo's Plan To End Controversial Free Ride Privileges

Reporting
Marcia Kramer

NEW YORK (CBS) ―

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New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has threatened to take Metropolitan Transportation Authority board members to court – and even sue – if they don't give up their free rides.

The latest round of fireworks was sparked by the comments of a top MTA honcho.

MTA Executive Director Eliot Sander rode the Long Island Rail Road on Thursday, an unintended slap at board vice chairman David Mack, who made the stunning comment that he only rides the LIRR because he has a free pass.

"Why should I ride an inconvenience myself when I can ride in a car?" Mack said.

It was an apparent attempt by Mack to lead a revolt against the MTS's plan to take away free E-ZPasses, MetroCards and bus and train tickets given to present and former bosses.

AS CBS 2 HD reported exclusively last November, present board members have 34 free E-ZPasses and former board members have 52.

Because of CBS 2 HD's story, Cuomo demanded that MTA take back the freebies, and Mack's comments made Cuomo see red.

"You're serving on the MTA board," Cuomo said. "To say you would only use the facilities if they were free is outrageous."

And if the freebies aren't quickly by the MTA, Cuomo said he take the gloves off.

"We will take legal action that holds the board members personally responsible," Cuomo said.

Even Sander attacked Mack's comments.

"Personally, I disagree with David," Sander said.

Commuters do, too.

"If he's that willing to be in a car instead of MTA, maybe he's not dedicated to mass transit," said Matt Williams of the Upper West Side.

"If they're going on their own time they should pay, just like everybody else," Jeff Belson added.

"I think it should be revoked and maybe get a discount, like people who work in a store get a discount," another person said.

The MTA is scheduled to vote to take away the E-ZPasses next Wednesday, unless, of course, Mack leads a mutiny.

Late Thursday, Mack issued a statement saying he regrets his comments and that he will vote to revoke the freebies, but he won't try to influence other board members.

It's unclear how the rest of the board feels.

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