MTA Seeks $750K Compensation from NYC Marathon, Sparking Debate Over Race's Economic Impact

• MTA demanding $750K from NYC Marathon organizers to compensate for lost toll revenue from closing Verrazano-Narrows Bridge during race • MTA threatens to restrict marathon's use of bridge, potentially limiting number of runners, if payment not received
• NYC Marathon generates over $425M annually for New York City, critics say MTA should focus on addressing $690M in fare evasion losses • Marathon organizers argue higher fees would force them to limit entries; say they’ve already agreed to increase direct payments to MTA • Some advocates say added $15 marathon fee could cover MTA demand; but marathon cites positive economic impacts, additional MTA revenue from race day ridership