The “Fix the MTA” bill continues to win allies. This time, Congressman Jamaal Bowman and Comptroller Brad Lander joined other New York state officials and activists in pushing for the bill to prevent fare hikes and improve transit service.
As revealed at a recent press conference, the “Fix the MTA” plan would make buses provide free service for 4 years, starting in The Bronx, designated as the poorest district in New York City, where workers Essentials have continued to rely on public transportation during the pandemic, and transit through Salsa County is often only possible via bus.
“For years, New Yorkers have been dealing with the failure of our public transportation system, and it is time they got serious about the solution,” said Congressman Jamaal Bowman (D-NY-16). “One of the best ways we can make the MTA better for our city’s working families is by making our buses free. New Yorkers have been struggling to afford the necessities of life, and we can and must ease their burden with free and more frequent buses.”
“Bronxians rely heavily on public transportation every day, especially bus service. With the Bronx already struggling with poverty and travel inconsistencies, any rate increases or service cuts would be devastating to the borough. I am proud to support the ‘Fix the MTA’ campaign as it would not only freeze fares but provide free bus service. This package would be a historic transformation and would significantly improve the quality of life for all Bronx residents,” said Assemblyman Kenny Burgos.
Rider Alliance Strategist Derrick Holmes said more frequent transit service during off-peak hours will restore valuable time that Bronx subway and bus riders need and deserve.
“The governor’s (Hochul) budget proposal creates a foundation that needs to be built in negotiations for transit to be better than it was before the pandemic,” Holmes added after insisting that funding for more frequent buses and trains will attract more passengers, improve safety, make New York a more equitable place to live, and “help us adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
Senator Nathalia Fernández urged not to wait and act as soon as possible: “The problem is now, the MTA crisis is now, and we cannot continue kicking the can down the road for future budgets and administrations.”