Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s inconsistent stance on managing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has become a major talking point in his current run for New York City mayor, as many Democrats who once demanded his resignation now find themselves too scared to oppose his political comeback., as records show a pattern of both taking control and denying responsibility for the transit system.
According to Politico, during his time as governor, Cuomo showed two different faces when it came to MTA management. He involved himself in detailed decisions, from choosing subway tile colors to spending $250 million on decorative bridge lights, while at other times claiming minimal involvement in the agency’s operations.
“I have representation on the board,” Cuomo said in 2017, downplaying his role. “The city of New York has representation on the board, so does Nassau, Suffolk, Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, other counties, OK?” This statement contrasts sharply with his hands-on approach to many MTA projects.
How Cuomo’s MTA management style raises concerns about his potential mayoral leadership
Critics, including current mayoral opponent Zohran Mamdani, point to this inconsistent leadership as a red flag for how Cuomo might run New York City, especially given concerns about Democratic Party leaders’ reluctance to challenge the former governor. The former governor’s campaign responds by highlighting achievements like increasing MTA operating funding by $2 billion annually and completing long-delayed projects like the Second Avenue Subway.
The only difference between Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams is that Eric Adams is giving up @NYCHA to a MAGA billionaire, something that Cuomo hasn't yet done with the MTA. #DemExit https://t.co/gIRPw03CYt
— Louis Flores(@LouisFlores2025) June 23, 2025
Cuomo’s handling of the MTA during the pandemic has also drawn scrutiny. He ordered an unprecedented overnight subway closure for cleaning services in April 2020, but later denied responsibility for the controversial hiring practices related to these services when questioned during a mayoral debate.
The former governor’s position on congestion pricing has also shifted notably. After signing it into law while governor, Cuomo changed his stance in March 2024, questioning whether “now is the right time to enact” the tolls. This reversal has provided additional ammunition for his critics.
Transit advocates worry about what Cuomo’s mixed record might mean for New York City if he becomes mayor. John Kaehny from Reinvent Albany summed up these concerns, suggesting that if the MTA experience is any indication, it “bodes very poorly for the city.”
