The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, along with its affiliate and subsidiary agencies, has discontinued its membership with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

In a seven-page letter dated April 8 to APTA President/CEO Michael Melaniphy, MTA Chairman/CEO Thomas Prendergast summarized the key reasons behind MTA's decision.

"MTA's decision to discontinue its Transit Member status with APTA was a difficult decision carefully made after many conversations among the MTA's agency heads and with APTA leadership," Prendergast explained in the letter.

APTA issued the following statement regarding the MTA announcement:

"We are obviously disappointed with NY MTA's decision as their membership is important to us," said APTA Director, Media Relations, Virginia Miller. "We are continuing the conversation with MTA and we are working hard to show the value of APTA membership to them and all of our members. We believe that continued partnership and collaboration among MTA, APTA, and the overall public transportation industry is important as APTA serves the public interest and represents all modes of public transportation.”