Good morning, I’m Brian Fritsch, Associate Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, PCAC.
We are glad to see continuing increases in ridership, a testament to the importance and ease of the railroads in our region. And we’re impressed by the railroads’ continued successes in completing accessibility and state-of-good-repair projects while maintaining record on-time performance – but we hope and expect the railroads will continue to also focus on the “little” things that go beyond the numbers and have outsized impacts on riders’ experiences. This includes ensuring the Grand Central passage is open at stated (or expanded!) hours and improving the transfer opportunities at Jamaica Station so that “ON TIME” riders are actually able to make their connections and avoid lengthy delays.
Similarly, as the reconstruction of the East River Tunnels begins, we hope and expect early and frequent communication with riders so they can smartly adjust their schedules, just as you will, to be as efficient as possible. Losing 23% of the tunnels’ capacity through 2027 is daunting, but we’re grateful we have a well-functioning alternative at Grand Central Madison to give riders options.
This work is getting underway just as we mark the 12th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. It underscores just how expensive, complicated, and disruptive these projects are and what immense challenges lay ahead for both railroads. Last week, a UN report stated that the Earth is currently on pace for a catastrophic average temperature rise that will drastically increase the severity and frequency of dangerous heat waves, destructive storms, and other disasters.
We know another Sandy will come, and we must prepare. The resiliency plan released last year and the capital plan rightly identify many of the system’s challenges, but if Congestion Pricing is not unpaused and the next plan is not fully funded, riders will be left without a train to catch. Governor Hochul, act now and unpause the pause before we are all washed away at the station. Thank you.