Judy Rife of the Times Herald-Record writes - “The Metropolitan Transportation Authority moved Tuesday to eliminate more than 1,100 jobs in an ongoing struggle to overcome stubborn deficits.

“This is just the beginning of a comprehensive overhaul of how the MTA does business,” said Jay Walder, the MTA’s chairman. “We will be reducing overtime, consolidating redundant functions and working with suppliers to lower costs.”

Walder described the layoffs as “extremely painful,” but a necessary element of the MTA starting to live within its means. The proposed reductions in transit service — the subject of upcoming public hearings — are another step in that same direction.

The MTA, which revamped its 2010 budget in December to close a sudden $387 million gap, is now facing a new $378 million shortfall.”

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