We've never met a government agency that doesn't like to get its grubby hands on our money. The New York MTA is no exception.
It's demanding $750k from the organizers of the New York City Marathon -- the largest marathon in the world -- for crossing the Verrazzano Bridge, citing the lost revenue from blocking traffic on the day of the marathon.
Today's cover: MTA demands NYC Marathon cough up $750K toll for crossing Verrazzano Bridge in latest money-grubbing scheme https://t.co/sYQq6kgVrw pic.twitter.com/r44tODLNbC
— New York Post (@nypost) April 4, 2024
The MTA is making a mad dash for cash. The latest target: runners for crossing the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
The transit agency is waging war against the organizers of the New York City Marathon — demanding $750,000 to make up for toll revenue lost for shutting down the span during the world-famous race.
And if New York Road Runners doesn’t pay up, it’s threatening to restrict use of the bridge, which could reduce the number of runners who can compete.
Negotiations have been underway for months over the NYC marathon – a major event that attracts 50,000 runners and generates more than $425 million each year for the Big Apple.
Estimates of toll revenue for the Verrazano is about $1.6 million a day. But when you consider the marathon generates $425 million in revenue, we think the MTA could let this one slide, no?
So if you want to run a marathon you have to pay a fortune but if you sneak over the border you get thousands of dollars free!
— Ultra MAGA Joyce Day (@Daytobehappy) April 4, 2024
Law-abiding citizens are always easy targets for the government, because they're law-abiding citizens.
Government bureaucrats who serve themselves instead of the public.
— Carolina Brew (@deeplens) April 4, 2024
Always.
Ridiculous
— MoSmith (@MoSmithHMC) April 4, 2024
It is ridiculous, but wholly unsurprising.
Too bad they can’t run the NYC Marathon in the subway. The revenue loss would be much smaller since so many already evade the fees.
— Nureochiba (@Th14278048David) April 4, 2024
And face zero consequences for doing so. But don't give the MTA any ideas; they'll throw in a 'subway usage fee' if they think they can make a buck off of it.
By the way, it costs $255-$315 to run in the NYC Marathon.
NYC will lose the Marathon also and they deserve it.
— MetsmanatShea (@MetsmanatShea) April 4, 2024
We're sure another intrepid city with a better vision of the future would gladly take the marathon and the revenue.
Simple solution.
— Charlie Bronson (@wildeyiscoming) April 4, 2024
Start in Brooklyn and bypass Staten Island completely.
The borough will raise hell and force MTA to have a change of heart.
A very smart idea. Make the MTA feel the heat.
The Big Apple is Rotten to It's Core .. https://t.co/5ClS3mWZbE
— Lawyerforlaws (@lawyer4laws) April 4, 2024
Rotten, indeed.
Fewer tax payers & more non-taxpayers guarantees that states, counties & cities will find "ways" to fill their coffers.
— Mary Jane⤵ (@Sarcasm_DuJour) April 4, 2024
That is what this is in spades.
Downward spiral. https://t.co/uXQSAB6DJy
When more people are taking out of the system than paying into it, that creates problems.
And it is a downward spiral.
So the MTA is adding arrogance to its incompetence and corruption skill sets. https://t.co/3SGi3j88bh
— John Busch (@johnabusch) April 4, 2024
Quite the skill set, really.
Nothing like living under Democrat Rule
— 🇺🇸GODnCOUNTRY🇮🇹 (@GioMAGA2024) April 4, 2024
You get what you vote for https://t.co/PJd7twuKm0
And you get it good and hard.
Fitness is white supremacy so… https://t.co/LabLdjeTh7
— Carolina Brew (@deeplens) April 4, 2024
Honestly, we're surprised places haven't tried banning marathons and other events like it using this exact argument.
You have to pay extra to literally just breathe NYC air https://t.co/k6puiMufas
— Lady J (@LadyJ__AllDay) April 4, 2024
Pretty much.
Is this The Onion? https://t.co/v9i6youwOL
— bballdad4️⃣4⃣7⃣4⃣5⃣ 📺 🏀🖋⚡️⚾️ 🐦#36🇨🇦 (@bballdad44745) April 4, 2024
You can't parody insanity like this.
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