As other cities experiment with fare-free transit, some MTA board members are calling on elected officials to come up with new funding sources that would allow the financially strapped agency to let New Yorkers ride buses for free.
While MTA officialsthat higher-than-expected fare hikes may be needed by 2025 if ridership does not return to pre-pandemic levels, others say the time is now for mass transit to be funded similarly to the police, fire and sanitation services that are usually deemed “essential.”
Other sources have told THE CITY there are rumblings from Albany on legislative proposals for fare-free bus service.An MTA spokesperson declined to comment for this story, but CEO and chairperson Janno Lieber has repeatedly called for transit to be, saying that Washington, Albany and City Hall must find ways to help North America’s largest mass transit system get through its latest fiscal crisis.
“Our recommendation is not to kick the can, to careen 100 miles an hour toward the fiscal cliff,” Lieber said after the Nov. 30 board meeting, “but rather to come up with a plan now that makes sure that the riders can count on the system being there at a high level of service, at an affordable cost.”
Samuelsen, Jones and others concede that the idea of free bus rides could become a reality only if federal, state and city elected officials come up with alternatives for funding a transit system whose farebox revenues have been clobbered by the pandemic — yet service frequency and quality must not decrease.
Argentina Últimas Noticias, Argentina Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Appeals court allows New York to keep enforcing new gun law - New York Amsterdam NewsA federal appeals court panel said New York can continue enforcing a new state law banning guns from “sensitive” places like parks and theaters while the judges consider a legal challenge.
Leer más »
New York Times journalists, other workers on 24-hour strike - New York Amsterdam NewsHundreds of New York Times journalists and other staff walked off the job for 24 hours Thursday, frustrated by contract negotiations that have dragged on for months in the newspaper’s biggest labor dispute in more than 40 years.
Leer más »
Appeals court allows New York to keep enforcing new gun lawNEW YORK (AP) — A federal appeals court panel said New York can continue enforcing a new state law banning guns from “sensitive” places like parks and theaters while the judges consider a legal challenge.
Leer más »
Cosby, NBC, studio face new sex abuse lawsuit from 5 in NY - New York Amsterdam NewsFive women who have long accused Bill Cosby of sexually assaulting them early in their careers have filed the latest lawsuit against the 85-year-old comedian — and this one calls NBCUniversal, a studio and a production company complicit in the abuse.
Leer más »
Ruff seas: New York puppy escapes owner, swims across Hudson to New JerseyA New York City puppy went on a multiday adventure after he escaped his owner and swam across the Hudson River to New Jersey, being rescued several days later.
Leer más »
New York Common Pantry opens new location for seniors in the South BronxThe community food pantry serves more than 500,000 people annually to help reduce hunger and food insecurity.
Leer más »