Gov’s Executive Budget Proposal Invests in Riders

January 21, 2025

The following statement can be attributed to Lisa Daglian, Executive Director, Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC): “Getting riders where they need to go safely, reliably and affordably is critical for the economic health of our region. Simply put, New York cannot function without a transit system that is able to move millions of people daily: the future of the city, region, and state would be incredibly bleak. “We are grateful that Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget rightly pledges support for the MTA’s 25-29 Capital Plan and subway safety, highlighting two critically important priorities. The projects in the capital plan are essential to ensuring the MTA’s subways, buses, and trains run reliably for riders without disruptive diversions or delays, as well as smart expansion projects like the 2nd Ave Subway, Interborough Express, and Penn Station Access. But expansion projects cannot take priority over State-of-Good-Repair – the literal nuts and bolts of keeping the system running safely and reliably. It’s essential that the hole in the capital program is filled, and we have no doubt that the Governor and Legislature understand these priorities and will reach an agreement on funding for these essential projects. “Riders also expect and need to be safe and feel safe throughout the MTA system, as the Governor’s recent announcement for more police officers overnight on trains as well as a host of other safety-related initiatives. Other policy proposals will help to speed the ride: including ‘block the box’ violations in Automated Camera Enforcement will help buses – and everyone on the road – move faster; upgrades to Metro-North service on both sides of the Hudson; and improvements to legislations that protect transit workers and riders will help keep us all safer. “Beyond these objectives, PCAC also believes that supporting targeted fare discounts — our Rider-First Fare Agenda — will provide more equitable access to affordable transit, without breaking the bank. With the recent start of congestion pricing and a regularly scheduled biennial fare increase approaching later this year, the time is right to get New York riding the MTA. We look forward to the Senate and Assembly’s One House Budget Bills and engaging with them and the Governor’s office to ensure the MTA has the resources and support necessary to keep New York moving.”