Malloy: Relationship With MTA Has Improved Since Metro-North Mishaps
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Friday he believes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has a ``more respectful attitude'' toward the state in the wake of various crises involving the Metro-North Railroad.
Malloy met Friday with Thomas Prendergast, who was reappointed the same day to another term as MTA chairman. Malloy was attending the Regional Plan Association Assembly in New York.
Malloy told The Associated Press that Connecticut has ``a much better relationship with the MTA'' since he became governor and Prendergast became the MTA chairman. Malloy said they've worked through some crises together and the MTA has ``a better and more respectful attitude'' toward Connecticut than in the past.
Malloy Weighs Funding Options For Conn. Transportation Overhaul
Malloy had been highly critical of the MTA and Metro-North last year following some high-profile accidents and other mishaps.
As WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reported, Malloy also talked about funding plans for his long-term transportation overhaul for the state.
Malloy said public-private partnerships certainly could be a way to help finance the $37 billion project.
As mayor of Stamford, Malloy often worked with the Regional Plan Association, and he noted that Connecticut's aging rail bridges – which daily carry New York and Connecticut commuters back and forth – could be one source of regional funding.
"Connecticut has really fallen well behind New Jersey and New York in our long-term investment in our transportation infrastructure," Malloy said.
Malloy also said public-private partnerships could also be essential in helping to fund development in and around bus and train stations in Connecticut.
