The public authorities that run New York's commuter trains, toll highways, bridges, tunnels, power plants and more are beginning a new era of openness after years of secrecy. Mike Whittemore has more.

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After years of secrecy, the so-called shadow government is now being forced to open its books and shed some light on how they do business.

"These authorities were never required to abide by the general rules of behavior that governments are generally required to abide by. That change alone means they're going to make different and better choices," said Assemblyman Richard Brodsky.

The new law, which went into effect Monday, requires the hundreds public authorities that run New York's commuter trains and maintain highways, bridges, tunnels and power plants to be more transparent and even be subject to independent audits. Lawmakers say this reform will help illuminate how billions of taxpayer dollars are spent.

"Why did the MTA, for example several years ago, hide $500 million of cash and then seek a fair increase," Brodsky said.

The new law also makes board members accountable to their authority and the public, rather than the governor and the mayor who appointed them. And it's the job of this office to keep them all in check.

"We certainly have the authority now to recommend that board members be censured, that they be warned and in the most extreme cases, we can recommend to the governor or to the local appointing authority that board members be removed from office," said David Kidera, Acting Director for the Independent Authorities Budget Office.

But don't expect to see any changes the next time you hop on the Thruway or board a train.. At least not just yet. Kidera says it will take time to identify wasteful spending by the authorities, but the savings will eventually make them operate more efficiently.

"They'll have a sense they are getting more value for the dollar that is being spent by the authority whether it's through job creation or through cleaner, faster subways or through a thruway system that is properly maintained," Kidera said.

It's not just the Authorities budget office that has access to this information. It's now all available online. You can check it out by going to our Twitter page at twitter.com/capitaltonight.where we've posted a link.