Assemblyman Brian Miller (R,C-New Hartford), the Ranking Minority Member on the Assembly Transportation Committee, used this year’s Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Transportation to press state and transit officials on fiscal accountability, infrastructure priorities and the growing strain on local transportation systems across upstate New York.

Miller raised serious concerns about the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s soaring overtime costs, noting the agency spent roughly $1.5 billion on overtime last year. He questioned whether consistently exceeding overtime projections signals deeper management issues and asked how those overruns impact overall service and long-term financial stability. With back-to-back harsh winters driving up operating and energy costs, Miller also asked transportation officials how extreme weather is affecting maintenance schedules and facility operations. He pointed out that increased heating and operational expenses could further strain already tight budgets, potentially delaying needed repairs and system upkeep. Turning to efficiency, Miller questioned the effectiveness of the state’s cashless tolling system and whether the expected operational savings and improvements are being fully realized.

Miller also highlighted inequities in infrastructure funding programs that affect upstate communities. He raised concerns about the State Touring Routes program, noting that some counties maintain miles of state-designated touring routes but cannot access funding, while other municipalities have unspent allocations sitting idle. He pressed for a fairer distribution model to ensure all regions can address roadway needs. Miller sought an update on the State Rail Plan, emphasizing the importance of completing the long-overdue update to guide freight and passenger rail development across New York. Finally, he emphasized the importance of core

local infrastructure programs like CHIPS, BRIDGE-NY, PAVE-NY and funding for state touring routes, all of which remain flat despite rising material, fuel and labor costs.

“Transportation funding is about safety, economic growth and fairness for every region of the state. Upstate communities cannot continue to do more with less while costs rise and infrastructure ages. We need accountability in spending and real investment in the roads, bridges and transit systems that keep New Yorkers moving. Upstate taxpayers deserve to see their contributions returned in the form of safe, reliable infrastructure,” said Miller.

See Assemblyman Miller speak on the transportation hearing here.