This year, the MTA will get up to $40 million more in state funds than expected, funds that should be used to improve bus services in Co-op City according to Assemblyman Benedetto. To that end, the Assemblyman has sent out a letter to acting MTA Chairman Fernando Ferrer voicing this concern.

“The bus services in Co-op City have been unacceptable since the 2010 MTA budget cuts,” said Assemblyman Benedetto. “I have made it a high priority for these routes to get full restorations for the senior citizens of this community. Hopefully, with this extra funding, we can finally resolve this long fought issue.”

Overall, the state budget plan would provide the MTA with nearly $4.25 billion – an increase of $358 million, or approximately 9%. The MTA’s latest financial plans projected receiving all but $40 million of that.