Good morning. I’m Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Committee to the MTA, PCAC.
The critical importance of the Long Island Rail Road to Long Islanders became crystal clear over the course of the strike and the days leading up to it. The role the Rail Road plays in moving hundreds of thousands of daily commuters – and to the region’s economy – cannot be over- or under-stated. In the days leading up to 12:01am on May 16, riders wondered if they would be able to get to work, appointments, graduations, school, and to see the Mets, Yankees and Knicks. At the beginning and end of the day, people just want to get where they’re going and home again.
To MTA, LIRR, and union leadership, and especially Governor Hochul: You collectively got it done and we thank you. From all we’ve heard, you came to consensus on a contract that is in the best interest of the entire region, that doesn’t break the bank, helps bridge the affordability gap for workers, and won’t increase fares or reduce service for riders. We also hope the Board will vote to pro-rate refunds for the entirety of missed service, including the weekend.
A tremendous shout-out also goes to the rock stars, like Charlie Zhen, who organized the buses and teams that staffed them, working long hours in the hot sun and behind the scenes. We were happy to join them in the mornings, and also to be on the first train from Jamaica to Atlantic Terminal yesterday. And the workers couldn’t have been happier to see riders return.
As the official voice of riders, please know that PCAC and LIRRCC appreciate you all.
Even as this consumed much of our focus, other important issues moved ahead this month – like the city budget cycle, where Speaker Menin and the Council continued to fight for expanding and improving Fair Fares. We are committed to working with them for increasing and expanding eligibility, and automatic enrollment. Let’s make Fair Fares more fair for more people.
Thank you.