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Orange County lawmakers are pushing to sever ties with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) due to dissatisfaction with rail service improvements. The county, located in New York's Hudson Valley, contributes to the MTA through various taxes but receives limited service in return. State Senator James Skoufis and Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson are leading the effort to withdraw from the MTA, citing the lack of a one-seat ride into Manhattan and no plans to expand train service.
The proposed measure would eliminate local MTA taxes on gas, real estate, payroll, and car rentals. Additionally, the MTA would no longer be required to enhance rail service west of the Hudson River. Skoufis expressed frustration, stating, "My constituents are being pickpocketed left and right," and emphasized the need for Orange County to part ways with the MTA.
The New York Post reported that Orange County officials have long been discontent with the MTA's service, and Skoufis previously threatened to support a lawsuit against the MTA's congestion pricing program. The legislation to withdraw from the MTA has the backing of all state lawmakers from the county. MTA officials have not yet commented on the proposal.