A New York State budget hearing erupted into a furious exchange when a Long Island senator directly confronted the MTA chairman over a controversial $35 million security contract. The core of the dispute: accusations that the hired guards were seemingly allowing fare evasion to continue unchecked, fueling concerns of widespread waste within the agency.
Senator Mario Mattera relentlessly questioned Janno Lieber regarding the substantial contract awarded to Allied Security Services. Mattera argued the deal represented a troubling pattern of financial mismanagement, especially as fares for paying riders continued to climb. He pointed to mounting evidence suggesting the security measures weren’t effective.
The initial exchange quickly escalated when Lieber objected to Mattera’s line of questioning, defensively stating the guards were New York residents, not outsiders. This sparked further contention, as Mattera pressed Lieber on reports detailing guards permitting individuals to bypass turnstiles, even when facing difficulties with the new payment system.
“Why do we have people helping people avoid tolls?” Mattera demanded, referencing circulating video evidence. Lieber’s response was equally forceful, attempting to interrupt and defend the contract, leading to a shouting match. “You’re rambling,” Mattera retorted, escalating the tension.
Lieber insisted the security presence had reduced fare evasion by a significant margin – over one-third since the contract’s implementation. However, the two men continued to talk over each other, culminating in Lieber shouting, “shut up,” a remark that immediately drew condemnation.
Mattera demanded and ultimately received an apology from Lieber for the outburst. The committee chairman, J. Gary Pretlow, intervened, slamming his gavel and issuing his own sharp rebuke: “Raising voices will not be tolerated.” The room was filled with frustrated shouts from all sides.
A security guard, speaking anonymously to a local newspaper, revealed a common sentiment encountered on the job. Riders frequently dismissed their authority, stating, “You’re not a cop, you can’t stop it.” This highlighted the limitations placed upon the contracted security personnel.
Senator Steve Chan, a former police officer, characterized the guards as ineffective “scarecrows,” advocating for a return to more robust law enforcement intervention. He urged the MTA and city officials to empower police officers to issue summonses and make arrests for fare evasion.
Other senators echoed these concerns, calling for a comprehensive audit of the MTA and its subcontractors. Senator Bill Weber argued the security expenditure was merely the latest example of a costly and unproductive transit project, demanding greater accountability and transparency.
The hearing laid bare a deep frustration with the MTA’s spending and a growing sense that current security measures are failing to address the issue of fare evasion, leaving paying riders to shoulder the burden of a flawed system.
