Hochul used her State of the State address to unveil a suite of policy proposals related to transit, including advancing the Brooklyn-to-Queens Interborough Express light rail project — but stopped short of committing new, dedicated funding to the MTA.
Brooklyn-to-Queens Interborough Express light rail project — but stopped short of committing new, dedicated funding to the cash-strapped MTA.include allowing New York City to control its own speed limit, expanding the MTA’s $5 CityTicket for commuter rail trips in the city to all hours of the day, and enabling the state Department of Motor Vehicles to more easily take reckless drivers off the road.
In a press release, the governor’s office said the light rail option was chosen because its rolling stock can use the existing railroad’s smaller right of way, unlike subway or commuter rail trains which require larger tracks. They also say it’s the most cost-efficient option for the corridor, though with a still-high total cost of around $5.
Hochul paid lip service to the MTA’s plight in her speech, deeming it “the lifeblood of the New York City metro region” and vaguely indicating plans to “invest in and ensure its long-term fiscal health.” In the State of the State book, Hochul went further in assuring straphangers that “long-term fiscal stability is essential to ensuring that New Yorkers can continue to rely on a world-class transportation system.
“I very much appreciate Governor Hochul’s statement that the MTA is the lifeblood of the New York City region that’s got to be funded and supported to provide great service,” said the chair. “What the MTA is facing is a fiscal crisis, brought on by the COVID pandemic, which cut ridership by a third and caused a multi-billion dollar hit. Reliable mass transit is key for millions of people for access to housing, jobs, education and healthcare and having the governor’s support is vital.
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