Op-ed | MTA moving forward after Election Day
Photo by Dean MosesThe MTA and transit safety became a central theme in the weeks leading up to the midterm elections. I can understand why — transit is a bipartisan issue that affects all New Yorkers, and the system must be safe if riders are going to use it.
But with the dust now settled on Governor Hochul’s victory, we can continue our focus on efforts to carry out the MTA’s core mission: providing strong and safe service to support the region. Governor Hochul has been on board since the beginning, digging in early and often on MTA issues. After Hurricane Ida, she was there with us surveying the damage and strategizing on federal relief funding. When the threat of fare hikes and service cuts loomed large, the Governor delivered a budget that allowed us to avoid both. And she’s not been afraid to think big, whether it’s transforming Penn Station or creating transformative Brooklyn-Queens connections with her Interborough Express proposal. Now we’re heading into a critically important legislative session where this kind of steadfast support is more meaningful than ever. It’s no secret the MTA’s finances are in dire straits due to ridership drop-off post-COVID; we’re just a few years away from a daunting $2.5 billion annual recurring operating deficit. I’ve been vocal about the need for a new financial model, one that depends less on fares paid by riders, and instead treats and funds mass transit like the essential service that it is. But that’s on our legislative partners in Albany to decide and having an ally in the governor’s office driving the discussion will help the cause. We’ve come too far to let the MTA flounder now. Weekday subway ridership is up more than 70% since the beginning of 2022. The subways smashed ridership records the weekend of the New York City Marathon, with 2.1 million customers on race day. That’s 85% of pre-COVID ridership. Access-A-Ride paratransit service did even better, hitting 100% of the 2019 baseline. It’s a sign that the City’s recovery keeps making progress. We need strong mass transit to keep that momentum going. The MTA is doing its part, working with the City and State to promote subway safety and push back on fare beating, tackle service issues and post-COVID staffing shortages, while expanding accessibility for all, redesigning the bus network to increase speeds and advance equity, and strengthening and expanding the system to meet the needs of our changing region.Janno Lieber is MTA chair and CEO.
Please follow us on Google to support us United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Phil Tank: Ukraine war, election lies show Remembrance Day still vitalThe assault on democracy, for which so much Canadian blood has been spilled, continues with the war in Ukraine and in lies about elections.
Read more »
Election officials shouldn’t have to brave threats on election day | PennLive EditorialWe regret election officials in Pennsylvania have become targets for extremist
Read more »
Defeated Rep. Maloney’s vintage wheels destroyed in Election Day fireNot only was New York Democrat Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney defeated by GOP challenger Mike Lawler, but he also lost two “freshly restored vintage cars” in a massive fire.
Read more »
Louisiana Mayor Running for Reelection Died in Car Crash on Election DayVelma Hendrix, the 84-year-old mayor of Melville, Louisiana, who was running for reelection, was killed in a car crash on Election Day just hours before the polls closed, local authorities announced.
Read more »