Good morning, I’m Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, PCAC.
Money may make the world go ‘round, but our region wouldn’t move without the MTA. That’s clear with the continuing increase in ridership across transit and the railroads. The good news is it’s also being reflected in Year-to-Date operating revenue and is above the Financial Plan Forecast. Yes, toll revenue is up too, but that’s also good news, since some of that money helps pay for critical improvements to our vital transit infrastructure.
We remain concerned about the vacancy rates and the positions they represent, including too many maintenance and operating openings in Transit. I’m sure we were all hoping to be past the “we’re running as much service as we can…” notifications. Hopefully the work being done in the system and the new rolling stock will help bring more people in, along with the ads you’re running.
The change in the alcohol advertising policy will surely garner comments. Clearly, this is/was/and could be a significant source of revenue. Ensuring that timing of when ads are up is adhered to could be challenging, especially as it relates to typical student commutation hours. We hope someone is on top of holidays, half-days, and the like. I’m curious as to whether this will also eventually apply to cannabis, currently excluded along with tobacco products.
The Procurements have gone or will go through their appropriate committees, but one stood out: ratification of the Gatekeeper System contract for LIRR A/V Recording Monitoring upgrades. This is critical to continue the safety enhancements of PTC on the M3s, M7s and dual mode locomotives. An unfunded mandate, but critical to the safety of riders. Another key procurement is finally getting rid of those “rust bucket” M3s.
Overall, things seem to be in a stable place, finance-wise. Until we see what hell the feds unleash upon us. We are extremely fortunate to have Governor Hochul and our elected leadership in Albany, all committed to the region’s millions of riders and the economic engine of the state. Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail in Washington as well.
Hey, we can dream.