A Billion Dollars in Injuries Makes Transit Pricey

"New York commuters, motorists and workers for the state's mass transit agency are seeking $1.2 billion in claims for injuries and damaged property, a report said on Thursday, a day after the agency warned it may have to hike fares for the second year in a row.

"It's about safety and savings," state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said, noting the Metropolitan Transportation Authority already has paid out more than $1.1 billion on these kinds of claims since 1996. "The costs to settle judgments and claims will remain a significant budget expense," the Democrat added.

On Wednesday, the authority's executive director, Elliott Sander, warned Albany legislators that a funding shortfall could force the MTA to boost fares by 25 cents."