Transit workers from the Amalgamated Transit Union and local elected officials claim taking a hot air balloon from Staten Island to Manhattan might eventually be a quicker commute if budget cuts go through. Right now the MTA faces a 20% budget cut. Union leaders say Staten Island already faces difficulty with limited transit options and additional budget cuts would mean even longer commute times.

"We have a message for those in DC who are filled of hot air that if you do not fund transit if you do not do what our people here in New York City need and depend on the we are gunna stick a pin in you and you are going to be out the door," said Ray Greaves, Amalgamated Transit Union Vice President.

Union members and transit workers are demanding the President and State Representatives restore funding to the MTA.