Good afternoon, I’m Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, PCAC.
Today, you’ll be asked to move forward 18 actions on contracts totaling more than $1.6 billion, the majority of which are Design-Build. What a great way to close out the year! We love to see projects that will improve the rider experience across the system, whether we directly see and feel them — like elevator and escalator improvements — or don’t, hopefully — like emergency alarm systems at Transit stations and substations. The work planned and being performed now will be great for the economy and for the longevity of our transit network.
That’s why it’s so important that key funding for the 20-24 capital program come through — specifically, the $15 billion from congestion pricing and almost $7 billion from new revenue sources. We know that some of that money is anticipated to come toward the end of the program, but we can’t continue to wait for congestion pricing. We are already seeing the price of delay.
The hold-up in congestion pricing money has caused a pause in Fulton CBTC installation — something riders need sooner than later. We applaud efforts to make other delays as painless as possible, but even a minor toothache can turn into root canal if it isn’t addressed.
Some projects are in Amtrak’s court, namely East River Tunnel and Penn Access projects; we hope to see them move expeditiously. We learned last week that an award for ERT is expected in the first quarter of 2024. Hopefully we’ll see work before the 11th anniversary of Sandy (finally!). We look forward to working with the LIRR team on what service will look like when tunnels are taken out of service. It’s critical that construction work is completed before Penn Access — another project at the mercy of Amtrak. It seems as though things are finally getting on track, but come on Amtrak, the region’s riders need the new service that will finally bring trains to the East Bronx. The cost of delay adds to the cost of congestion, and rider frustration. Let’s make the holidays super happy and get congestion pricing — and these critical projects — across the finish line.
Thank you.