MTA

March 25, 2009 -- “Today is a difficult day for the millions of New Yorkers who depend on our mass transit system. This morning the Board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) voted to raise fares for commuters, and significantly cut public transportation services. New York is facing its worst financial crisis in decades, and at a time when our colleagues and neighbors are losing their jobs and their homes, we cannot sit passively and allow the failure of a system that serves 8.5 million people each day. Though we did not create this problem, it is our duty to solve it.    » read more »

New Intermodal Center Links Ferry, Bus and Subway to Improve Transit Services

March 16, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today opened the new South Ferry Station in Lower Manhattan to the public. The Governor was joined by Senator Charles E. Schumer, Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand, members of the New York Congressional Delegation and New York City elected officials, as well as MTA Chairman H. Dale Hemmerdinger, MTA Executive Director and CEO Elliot G. Sander, to celebrate the project’s completion. South Ferry Station will become one of New York’s true intermodal centers with Peter Minuit Plaza and the planned new bus loop island linking the ferry, subway and bus services.    » read more »

Mayor Bloomberg, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, NYC Transportation Commissioner Sadik-Khan, And MTA Executive Director Elliot Sander Unveil Transit Signal Priority System; Federally-Funded Pilot Program Has Already Cut Travel Times For MTA Buses On Staten Island 17 Percent By Turning Traffic Lights Green As Buses Approach

March 19, 2008 -- Green-Lighting Buses Could Be Expanded Regionally if Congestion Pricing Passes

New York City Mayor Bloomberg rides MTA bus to demonstrate Transit Signal Priority System: Rides with U.S. Transportation Secretary Peters, MTA Executive Director Sander and Transportation Commissioner Sadik-Khan (Photo: Edward Reed)    » read more »

January 31, 2008 -- The recommendations offered today by the New York Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission will help us frame an important discussion as we consider thoughtful ways to improve our mass transit system, reduce congestion and keep our economy moving.

The economic impetus behind congestion pricing is strong, as is the potential for cleaner air, improved public health, and a steady and predictable source of funding to support the Metropolitan Transit Authority's (MTA) capital plan.    » read more »

December 10, 2007 -- "Based on the information that my staff and I have received and reviewed over the past few weeks, I am now satisfied that the MTA budget is a responsible plan that includes important cost reductions. I agree with Governor Spitzer that this fare increase is necessary to maintain an adequate level of service and balance the needs and obligations of all who use this critical part of the region's infrastructure.    » read more »

December 10, 2007 -- "I commend MTA Chair Dale Hemmerdinger and MTA Executive Director and CEO Lee Sander on the hard work that they and their staff have put into developing a fiscally responsible 2008 budget. Fare increases are a difficult reality, but they have been diligent in their efforts to save the base fare at $2, limit the increase on discount Metrocards, and ease the burden on those who are least able to afford any hike. They combed through the budget to find savings and also to identify revenues to keep fare and toll increases to a level that is fair to the users of the system.    » read more »

November 20, 2007 -- “I respect Governor Spitzer for making a tough decision and I congratulate him for leading from the front. The Governor and Lee Sander sat down with me and Dan Doctoroff to brief us about this announcement last night, and they committed to working with the City’s MTA board members to share all of the numbers that underpin this decision.    » read more »

November 20, 2007 -- "I have been closely following the public hearings on the potential fare hike by the MTA and I've listened to the public's serious concerns about paying more, especially while times are tight. At the same time, I am acutely aware of the need for state agencies and authorities to be fiscally responsible, pay down debt and plan for the future.

So as the MTA considered a fare hike, my chief concern was making sure that fiscal responsibility was observed and that all avenues were explored before imposing an added burden on the public.    » read more »