Yes, tax Airbnb hosts —but legalize them first

In its struggle to balance its budget and still keep the trains and buses rolling, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is looking for new sources of revenue. One idea floated by MTA board member, finance committee chair and Gov. Cuo­mo appointee Larry Schwartz is a dedicated tax on Airbnb rentals. It’s well worth considering.

Anyone operating a de facto hotel without license should not do so with impunity, especially when one can compete unfairly by avoiding taxes. If the gig economy is really to be a permanent part of city life, it can’t be part of a black market. And the so-called bed tax would generate significant revenue: an estimated $70 million a year from Airbnb alone. That will help, in a modest way, to forestall fare increases that certainly affect those of low income.