Hello, I’m Brian Fritsch, Associate Director for the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, PCAC.
Last Thursday, Governor Hochul un-paused congestion pricing, regaining her mantle as a champion for transit riders. We thank her for standing in riders’ corner.
We only need to look across the Hudson to see what happens when elected officials don’t prioritize transit: a 15% fare increase for NJ Transit riders earlier this year and SEPTA facing a 20% increase and massive service cuts now.
We are grateful to our leaders for avoiding that fate. Yet, the November Financial Plan makes it clear serious challenges remain that could impact the experience for riders for the foreseeable future, including:
- How the reduced Congestion Pricing fee will actually affect the financial plan and its impact on service, and how bond markets will react to a lower fee structure
- How NYCT will grapple with its shortfall in needed maintenance workers
- The impact of lagging revenue numbers despite improved overall ridership and some improvements on fare evasion, particularly after student OMNY cards went into operation this fall
- And how the projected $14 billion in Federal support for the next capital plan comes together under a new administration in D.C.
One clear solution must be to continue to fight for equitable access to affordable transit by passing a Rider-First Fare Agenda, including:
- Raising Fair Fares to 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit and expanding it to the LIRR and Metro-North in the city. We are rallying tomorrow with Speaker Adams and other advocates—thank you for your ongoing leadership Board Member Jones!—to make our case to the city
- Improving CityTicket by offering weekly and monthly passes with discounted transfers to subways and buses
- Introducing an intracity Combo Ticket so that riders are incentivized to transfer between the commuter railroads in New York City
- Expanding A.M. peak fare discounts to seniors and people with disabilities across the railroads
These initiatives will cut fare evasion while increasing ridership and making the city more equitable and affordable. This is exactly what the Governor has been clamoring for and we hope it will earn everyone’s support. Thank you!