THE CITY MUST HELP REVERSE THE DECLINE IN TRANSIT USE BY SUPPORTING PLANS TO FIX UNRELIABLE SUBWAY PERFORMANCE AND OPTIMIZING STREETS FOR THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF BUSES.
In addition, new capacity is needed to accommodate the mobility needs of a growing population, and foster our regional economy, including efficiency improvements to existing mass transit, evaluations of transit expansion, and new transportation options such as NYC Ferry and the Brooklyn Queens Connector (BQX).
MODERNIZE THE SUBWAY SYSTEM AND IMPROVE AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY
The precipitous decline of subway reliability and performance has underscored the need for massive, system-wide repairs and upgrades, as well as major reforms to management and operations. Carrying out this significant system overhaul to improve performance and capacity requires new sources of dedicated revenue to sustainably fund modernization and maintain a state of good repair. Beyond funding, the MTA requires a fundamental reimagining of its structure, practices, and vision for the future to meet the needs of all New Yorkers.
The subway must also be affordable and accessible. The Fair Fares Program, which provides half-priced fares for low-income New Yorkers, will help defray transportation costs for low-income
families. However, lack of Americans With Disability Act (ADA) accessibility excludes people with mobility disabilities from too much of the system, and must be remedied.
• FUND THE MTA CAPITAL PLAN
The MTA’s substantial capital needs require significant, dedicated funding sources. The City supports the congestion pricing plan enacted in the New York State Fiscal 2019-2020 Budget that dedicates revenue to a lockbox for MTA capital and prioritizes subway upgrades, bus improvements and expanding transit availability. The enacted budget also includes governance reforms to improve operations, management, and construction practices. With additional dedicated revenue from an internet sales tax, a progressive mansion tax, and a progressive real estate transfer tax, the budget provides significant revenue to help modernize mass transit and bring the system to a state of good repair.
