Cuomo says capital plan would benefit transit all over New York State.

New York State Gov. Mario M. Cuomo yesterday said his transportation capital plan would benefit railroad and bus systems in addition to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

The governor said the funding plan includes $580 million in capital spending during the next four years for state transportation systems other than the MTA, which serves the New York metropolitan area.

Under the proposal, currently being debated by state lawmakers in Albany, the MTA would carry forward a five-year $8.6 billion capital plan, while the state Department of Transportation would embark on a five-year, $12 billion capital program.

Cuomo said the plan if enacted, would cover a gap in the MTA's budget, preventing a subway fare increase. The proposal would also divert some funds away from state transportation needs and provide the state with budget relief in fiscal 1994 and 1995.

"My plan does much more than benefit only transit riders on Metropolitan Transportation Authority buses and subways," Cuomo said in a statement. "In addition to the $12.1 billion it provides for roads and bridges statewide over five years, my plan protects transit riders around the state from fare increases."

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