Congressman Bowman, Comptroller Lander support “Fix the MTA” package

Friday, Congressman Jamaal Bowman and Comptroller Brad Lander joined New York State representatives in support of the “Fix the MTA” state legislative package.

State legislators Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, NYS Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Assembly Member Kenny Burgos, Senator Andrew Gounardes and Senator Gustavo Rivera, along with Derrick Holmes, Digital Strategist at Riders Alliance also joined the press event.

The “Fix the MTA” legislative package would make buses free over 4 years – starting in the Bronx. As the poorest borough in New York City, where essential workers have continued to rely on public transit throughout the pandemic, and transit across the borough is often only possible via buses, legislators representing the Bronx are coming together to emphasize the importance of adequate investment in the MTA, a critical public good.

“For years, New Yorkers have been coping with the breakdown of our public transit system, and it’s long past time to get serious about fixing it,” said Congressman Jamaal Bowman Ed.D (NY-16). “One of the best ways we can improve the MTA for working families in our city is by making our buses free. New Yorkers have been struggling to afford the necessities of life, and we can and should ease their burden with free, more frequent buses. We need a realistic plan to stabilize the agency’s finances, because continuing to hike fares while service deteriorates is simply not an option for working class people. I’m grateful to Assembly Member Mamdani and his colleagues for their leadership here, and I know that together we can win the world-class, reliable, and affordable public transit system that every New Yorker deserves.”

"The MTA serves millions of riders every day and 12 counties across the state, yet New York City is being forced to carry the financial burden alone. If the State is ready to fix our public transit system, they need to collaborate with the City on an equitable MTA package that speeds up service and prevents a fare hike, so we can sustain this vital service and the New Yorkers who depend on it,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

"The MTA is on an express track towards fiscal calamity, and it is imperative we intervene to save and improve the nation's most important transit system. Freezing fares, improving service, and providing free bus service would be game changers that would set the tone for the rest of the country and put the MTA on solid footing for a better future," said NYS Deputy Majority Leader Gianaris.

“Riders are already struggling with the cost of transportation in our city: 1 in 5 low-income New Yorkers didn’t take a job opportunity or seek medical care because of the cost of transit. Means-tested programs, like Fair Fares, don’t go far enough - with only half of eligible New Yorkers even applying. Now isn’t the time to hike the fare to $3, it’s the time to give working class New Yorkers real economic relief, and we can do that by making buses free. This would disproportionately benefit low-income New Yorkers while making our bus system faster, safer and universally accessible— results that all New Yorkers will enjoy,” said Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani. “This is the year to take these transformative steps to Fix The MTA, and that begins with understanding that the MTA, like schools, bridges, and roads, is a public good that the state can, and should, fully fund in this year’s budget. In the words of MTA CEO Janno Lieber, we need to fund the MTA like it’s the fire department.”

"More frequent off-peak public transit service will restore precious time that Bronx subway and bus riders need and deserve," said Riders Alliance Digital Strategist Derrick Holmes. "The governor's budget proposal creates a floor that must be built on in negotiations to deliver better public transit than before the pandemic. Funding for more frequent buses and trains will get more riders on board, improve safety, make New York a more equitable place to live, and help us adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. In the context of a $227 billion state budget, including many billions in surplus, better public transit service for millions of New Yorkers is not a question of affordability, it's a matter of great urgency."

"Time and again, one of the most common issues I hear about from my constituents in the Bronx is inadequate bus service. Tens of thousands of people in our community here in the northern Bronx rely on buses every single day to get to work, to see family, to go to school, or to do whatever it is that needs to be done. Funding free and more frequent bus service would alleviate a significant burden for Bronxites and all working New Yorkers, and it's something we need to include in this year's state budget conversations as well as pass the entire Fix the MTA package," said Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz.

"Bronxites heavily rely on public transportation each day, especially bus service. As the Bronx is already struggling with poverty and inconsistencies with travel, any rate hikes or service cuts would be devastating for the borough. I am proud to support the 'Fix the MTA' package, as it would not only freeze fares but provide free bus service. This package would be a historical transformation and significantly improve the quality of life for all Bronx residents," said Assembly Member Kenny Burgos.

"The MTA is the lifeblood of our city, and I appreciate the Governor's recognition that the economic engine of our city and its surrounding suburbs cannot function without a reliable mass transit system," said Senator Andrew Gounardes. "The Governor's proposal for the MTA is a good start, but we need to do more to improve and enhance service. We can no longer continue to fund public transit on the backs of people who can afford it the least. Right now, every day across the city New Yorkers feel the real-life consequences of trains running late, delayed, or too far apart: workers miss meetings, kids miss morning assemblies, families miss crucial appointments, and more. This is New York — we can and must do better."

For some time now, we have been at the point where State and City officials need to step in and set the MTA on the right course. It is not acceptable for a failing system essential to millions of people to receive such a lackluster stopgap. The problem is now, the MTA crisis is now, and we can’t continue to kick the can down the road for future budgets and administrations,” said Senator Nathalia Fernandez.

ABOUT “FIX THE MTA”: The campaign, supported by Riders Alliance, the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, Transportation Alternatives, the Democratic Socialists of America, New York City Chapter, New York Communities for Change, and the Invest in Our New York coalition advocates for the “Fix the MTA” package of bills introduced in the NY State Legislature this session. The package makes the MTA safer, more reliable, and affordable by rejecting a fare hike; increasing service; and making buses free. The package Includes programmatic measures: to increase accountability through better reporting; establish prudent and accurate budget measures; and boost efficiency. Read more at fixthemta.org.