Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA Statement
| Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC) said: |
| “Many thanks to Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams for continuing to invest in transit, this time with a renewed focus on subway safety. Riders and workers around the city need to feel safe and be safe onboard, and these initiatives will help take back that sense of security so many have lost. |
| “Governor Hochul’s five-point plan will greatly expand the plethora of resources needed to address the growing needs of riders, workers, and those in crisis. The partnership approach to reducing both crime and recidivism is critical to ensuring that New Yorkers continue to choose transit as their safest and most reliable option for getting around. Protecting workers and riders through increased police presence, cooperation across agencies, and legislative reforms packs a one- two- three punch of immediacy to enhance safety underground. |
| “Reducing fare evasion, while ensuring that it is not a crime of poverty with improvements to and expansion of Fair Fares, will also help. Expanding mental health services, supportive housing, and other resources for those in need are key to a safer, more equitable city. |
| “There’s also safety in numbers and continuing to invest in reliable subway service is an investment in equity, and encourages New Yorkers to ride more frequently. We thank Governor Hochul for prioritizing transit both in her budget proposals and with this investment in protecting riders.” |