The MTA has initiated a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to rescind federal approval for the $9 congestion toll on Manhattan drivers, a measure that funds the city’s public transit system and supports working-class interests.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy accused the MTA of downplaying the serious safety risks in New York City subways, warning that continued inaction could result in federal funding cuts. The criticism, levied amid a rise in violent subway incidents, highlights concerns over the agency’s responsibility to protect commuters.

The Trump administration has threatened to withhold federal funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, raising alarms over politically motivated interference in public transit funding. This move is widely viewed as an act of authoritarian pressure against a critical public service provider.

Federal DOT issued a letter to the MTA warning that $14 billion in federal funds may be withheld if a comprehensive safety report on subway crime is not provided by March 31. In response, the agency highlighted a significant drop in crime statistics and expressed willingness to review its safety measures.

In response to a letter from federal Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatening to cut federal funding unless the MTA cracks down on fare evasion, violent crime, and homelessness in New York City subways, MTA head Janno Lieber dismissed the administration’s demands by highlighting improved safety records. This response signals the agency's commitment to public safety based on statistical evidence over politically motivated interventions.

Facing efforts by the Trump administration to kill congestion pricing and pull federal funding by linking it to controversial immigration policies, MTA and New York state leaders—including Chair Janno Lieber and Gov. Kathy Hochul—reaffirm their commitment to the system. Their stance, bolstered by voices like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, underscores resistance against authoritarian tactics designed to undermine public transportation and the economic infrastructure of New York City.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has quietly deployed a third-party AI surveillance system in NYC subways to monitor fare evasion, a move that has raised alarms among privacy experts about potential civil liberties infringements.

The MTA has quietly implemented an AI-based surveillance system at seven subway stations to track fare evasion, with plans to expand to additional stations. Although the agency claims the system is used solely to count fare evasion incidents, privacy advocates warn that such technology risks excessive surveillance and may disproportionately target low-income riders.

Documents obtained by S.T.O.P. reveal that the MTA has entered into contracts involving AI-enabled surveillance technology. The redacted details raise concerns about the agency’s use of these systems, which could facilitate state surveillance and infringe on civil liberties.

Metro-North Railroad workers, represented by TWU Locals 2001 and 2055, have threatened to strike over unsatisfactory contract negotiations. The union criticizes the MTA for sending non-decision makers to mediation talks and for contractual provisions that could allow the authority to reopen agreements, undermining worker rights.

The MTA has entered into a contract with Awaait, an AI surveillance firm, to monitor subway fare evasion. The contract, revealed by the civil rights group S.T.O.P., raises concerns about the use of advanced surveillance technology that may lead to increased policing and bias in mass transit, potentially affecting marginalized communities.

On June 1, 2023, the MTA and TWU Local 100 reached a tentative labor agreement that secured nearly 10% annual raises over three years, a $4,000 essential worker bonus, expanded maternity and paternity leave, and extended medical benefits for families of transit workers affected by COVID-19. Despite reports that the MTA maintained a hardline negotiation stance, the deal marks significant improvements in labor conditions for approximately 40,000 transit workers.

The MTA has reached a tentative agreement with TWU Local 100, the city's largest transit union, ensuring wage increases, bonus payments, and expanded parental leave for roughly 40,000 bus and subway workers. This development reflects significant improvements in workers' benefits following a month of contract negotiations.

In May 2023, contract negotiations between the MTA and New York City’s largest transit union stalled after the existing collective bargaining agreement expired. Key issues raised by union leader Richard Davis included the MTA's refusal to cover healthcare costs for families of deceased workers and to fund therapy for the autistic children of its members, reflecting a lack of support for worker rights.

MTA executives failed to reach a new employment agreement with the Transport Workers Union Local 100 over wage increases, healthcare coverage for families of COVID victims, and additional benefits. The dispute centers around the union's demands for fair wages and improved benefits, which the MTA argues must align with the state budget and recent labor deals.

In May 2023, the MTA implemented an AI-powered surveillance system in seven subway stations to analyze video footage from its extensive camera network in order to count instances of fare evasion. The system, currently used solely as a counting tool and not for tracking or alerting law enforcement, is scheduled to be expanded to additional stations.