The 2012 budget is largely similar to the Final Proposed Budget presented to the board in November. Based on updated economic forecasts, it reflects an $87 million reduction to the amount of revenue projected to be raised through Metropolitan Mass Transportation Operating Assistance, a collection of taxes dedicated to support public transportation. As a result, the MTA projects an operating deficit of $68 million in 2012. The MTA intends to make up this deficit through management actions to reduce internal expenses by $35 million and releasing $33 million in general reserves funds.

"The reduction in projected subsidies underscores the fragility of the MTA's current fiscal stability," said MTA Executive Director Joseph Lhota. "It also indicates how important it is for the MTA to continue its recent efforts to reduce costs, even as we work to improve service."

The Budget recognizes a series of potential risks to the Four-Year Financial Plan:

• Worsening of the economy
• Additional reductions in state subsidies and dedicated taxes
• Expense reductions are not achieved
• Labor settlements fall short of three "net zero" wage initiative
• Funding for 2012-2014 Capital Program still to be approved

That capital program funding plan calls for using revenues already committed to capital in the budget to fund new bonds and it has three key points: it requires no new revenues; it protects the benefits of a capital program that delivers safety and reliability to the transit system and it delivers results including jobs and stability in the MTA's Capital Program.