MTA announces it could eliminate service to parts of Hudson Valley if it doesn't get federal funding

The MTA made a bombshell announcement Wednesday that it may eliminate service to parts of the Hudson Valley unless it gets federal funding.
It said that it might have to eliminate lines in Orange and Rockland counties.
In an emergency meeting, MTA President Pat Foye said ridership at the agency is down 75%, worse than even during the Great Depression.
It estimates ending service on the Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines, which could save nearly $25 million.
Critics say this will be catastrophic to workers who have to commute. They say it's only a matter of time when jobs start welcoming employees back into their buildings and there will be more commuters with no means of travel.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day, who is a co-chair of the state's Metropolitan Transit Council, says he won't let this idea see the light of day.
"We will not tolerate it, we will not stand by and abide by it. Whatever step we have to take to make sure this never happens, we will...and I do, as a member of NYMSIG, have options for me, and I will not hesitate to use those options as appropriate," he says.
Area state senators and Assembly members say there would be no reason for taxpayers to continue funding the MTA if they decide to stop service.
"Should west-of-Hudson face disproportionate cuts relative to other branches of the MTA, we will begin taking the required steps to remove our counties - and tax dollars - from the agency and either initiate a public takeover of the system and/or contract directly with New Jersey Transit," they say in a statement.