Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has sharply criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) CEO Janno Lieber, attributing the transit agency's significant budget shortfalls and escalating spending to their management. Blakeman specifically pointed to soaring overtime costs as a symptom of mismanagement, stating, "We don't have a revenue problem. We've got a spending problem."

Speaking at a press conference at Penn Station, Blakeman argued that Hochul is unfairly blaming MTA employees for the agency's financial woes. He highlighted a report indicating that the MTA is on track to exceed its 2025 overtime budget of nearly $1.5 billion, having already spent $764 million year-to-date on overtime, which is $176 million over its budgeted amount. The report also noted that nearly 1,000 MTA workers earned more in overtime in 2025 than their base salaries.

Blakeman, who also serves as the Nassau County executive, reiterated his support for MTA union workers, recalling his stance during a May strike where he backed union members despite a proposed 4.5% raise to their already substantial six-figure average salaries, which do not include overtime pay. He drew parallels between the MTA's financial situation and state government practices, stating, "They keep taking more and more money from people, from taxpayers, from people who pay the fares, and from electric bills."

The MTA faces additional financial challenges, including ongoing contract negotiations with union workers and significant fare evasion. Paid weekday train ridership has decreased by 8.1% since January 2025, and paid bus ridership has dropped 7.7% year-over-year since June 2025, according to recent figures. The agency's forecasted budget gaps are estimated at $295 million in 2027 and $507 million in 2028.

During a recent MTA board meeting, CEO Janno Lieber responded to Blakeman's criticisms, calling him a "no-show" on transit issues in Nassau County and questioning his expertise. "I have nothing to say about Bruce Blakeman’s wisdom on transit because I don’t know anything about it," Lieber stated.

Blakeman countered Lieber's remarks by criticizing the implementation of a congestion pricing toll, which charges drivers entering Midtown Manhattan a minimum of $9. Blakeman described the toll as a "tax on the middle class" and labeled Lieber a "joke," asserting that Lieber has overseen a deteriorating transit system, presided over fare increases, and acknowledged the substantial budget deficit.

Blakeman expressed confidence in his electoral prospects, citing a recent poll suggesting he trails Hochul by four percentage points, though other surveys show a wider margin. The poll also indicated a 38% approval rating for Governor Hochul. "People are unhappy, and change is about to come. And on Jan. 21 I expect to be the next governor of the state," Blakeman said. A spokesperson for Governor Hochul did not immediately respond to requests for comment.