MTA Service Restorations Highlight Need For Sustainable Transit Investment

Today's Daily News reports that the MTA will increase bus frequency and restore some of the routes and stops lost during the 2010 service cuts. They will also retain several stops added to the G Train in 2009. These service restorations are possible because the economy is recovering and generating higher tax revenues for the MTA.

"These service restorations are good news, but a public utility as vital as transit shouldn't be subject to the boom and bust of the economy" said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation. "Today's news highlights the need for dedicated, sustainable investment in public transit from the state government. Leaving transit funding to the whims of the economy is shortsighted and misguided. When the economy is struggling, reliable and affordable buses and subways are even more important to all New Yorkers."

In three consecutive budgets since 2009, state elected officials stole a total of $260 million from dedicated transit funding. These raids caused the worst service cuts and fare hikes in a generation: the loss of two subway lines, 32 bus routes and 570 bus stops.

"The 2010 service cuts are a stark reminder that we need more accountability from Albany when it comes to public transit funding," added White. "If our elected officials were serious about investing in a vibrant, modern transit system, we wouldn't be talking about service restorations; we'd be celebrating the introduction of new routes and lines to perpetually underserviced sections of the city."

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