Transportation Alternatives’ Statement On Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer’s Transit Speech

Transportation Alternatives' Statement On Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer's Transit Speech

This morning, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer delivered a speech on public transit at the Association for a Better New York. Borough President Stringer's speech included proposals for investing in and expanding New York's transit system.

In response, Transportation Alternatives' Executive Director, Paul Steely White, said:

"In town hall meetings across the city, we've heard from New Yorkers and they can't afford to continue to pay more for less when it comes to public transit. Borough President Stringer answered their concerns this morning and issued a challenge to his peers in government to champion innovative ways to invest in and improve our transit system. With two more fare hikes on the horizon, over eight million New Yorkers are looking for leadership to keep transit affordable and reliable."

The city and state rely on a first-rate transit system, but its funding is in a tailspin with elected officials asking riders to pay more and more, year after year. Albany's scheme to finance the MTA Capital Plan, which makes necessary station and track repairs, with massive debt will only increase pressure to raise the fare. The City of New York hasn't increased funding for bus and subway service since 1992. As a result, New Yorkers are saddled with the highest fare burden in the nation.

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