Good morning. I’m Jack Connors, Research and Communications Associate at the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, PCAC.
It’s the last Board of the year, and we’ve got things to cheer!
More riders on board; more frequent service is here;
And MTA leadership and Board, it wouldn’t have been possible without you.
Extra credit goes to Governor Hochul and elected leaders in Albany who know the value of transit to the region – thanks in great part to our friends in advocacy we hold dear.
But the fight isn’t over despite the budget zeros – thanks to MTA budget heroes Kevin Willens and Jai,
Congestion pricing is still not a cinch, with Governor Murphy playing the Grinch,
To the thousands of commuters from the Garden State who are stuck every day in traffic, with no other way. Elected officials like Gov. Murphy and Rep. Gottheimer are to blame, with no investment in NJ Transit and cancelled Bergen County Light Rail really a shame.
But our fight isn’t over, we still must win,
For cleaner air, less traffic and better trains, buses and subways congestion pricing is the lynchpin.
Losing momentum and the money we’d see could bring us right back to the 70’s.
Been there, done that, we don’t want it!
A snapshot of today is much better, with $1.6 billion for 18 contracts up for votes.
What’s at stake for the region’s riders if New Jersey wins out?
· $10B in critical subway and bus projects;
· More than $800M in critical cuts for Metro-North;
· Nearly $1B in critical cuts for the LIRR.
They add up to safety, resiliency, state-of-good-repair and the system’s future – things all riders depend on.
So it’s crucial that those who support congestion pricing weigh in, so the feds understand they’re just hearing from some pols being dim.
As we embark on our last-ditch holiday shopping, we also must thank the folks at this year’s pop-up market, truly show stopping!
Indeed, as we travel and revel and spread holiday cheer, we must thank the workers, nearly 70,000 strong, who keep our trains and buses chugging right 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 2024!