Good morning, I’m Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, PCAC. Here’s a little holiday spirit for you:
Twas the week before Christmas…and Hannukah…and Kwanzaa
And all through the subways and buses and Staten Island Railway, LIRR and Metro-North,
Riders were cheering, congestion pricing is nearing!!
New elevators and escalators (maybe Mets-Willets Point?),
Upgraded signals, power and resiliency, and station repairs,
Not to mention, shiny new train cars and electric buses galore!
More than six million a day rely on transit to move
It makes New York what it is, it gives us our groove
And so it was with delight that we learned there would be more
Bus service in the boroughs, connecting to the core
More frequent! More reliable! Express buses and locals, more options to ride.
Moving New Yorkers from Brooklyn to the Bronx and Staten Island too, and we can’t forget Queens (home to you know who)
And the wonder continues with the R211s, G train riders will think they’ve gone to heaven!
New dual mode locomotives will help keep the LIRR greener, with a more flexible ride while making the air cleaner.
Another big deal is the budget you’ll pass: $19 billion to keep us on track. As riders we’re pleased; the reasons are legion.
We’re hoping Judges Limon and Gordon deliver sweet news so congestion pricing can start to kick off the new year. We’ll all breathe easier and have reason to cheer.
An extra bonus for riders would be new discount fares! CityTicket Weekly and expanding Fair Fares! Let seniors and the disabled ride the morning peak, and whip up a new family fare so the whole gang can see the tree (more cheaply)
And as we travel and spread holiday wishes, we must thank the workers, nearly 70,000 strong, who move the region and riders along.
Before we depart with a swipe, tap or activation (pre-boarding), sending best wishes to all from PCAC for great holidays and an even better 2025!