MTA is a corporate entity separate and apart from the State of New York (the "State"), without any power of taxation frequently called a "public authority." MTA has the responsibility for developing and implementing a unified mass transportation policy for The City of New York (the "City") and Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, ...

The MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) is not owned by New York City; it is a New York State public-benefit corporation. While it serves the city, it is controlled by the Governor of New York and the state legislature. The Governor appoints the MTA Chairperson and the majority of the board members. However, the relationship is a bit complex: the New York City Subway infrastructure itself is actually owned by the City of New York, but it is leased to the New York City Transit Authority (an affiliate of the state-run MTA) for operation. In 2026, funding and major policy decisions—like congestion pricing or subway safety initiatives—primarily flow through the state level in Albany, though the Mayor of New York City does recommend four members to the 17-person MTA board to ensure the city's interests are represented.