Politics & Government
Wash Heights Pol Implores Congress To Act Quickly In MTA Funding
Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez wants Congress to act "NOW" to fund the MTA and avoid cuts.
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — An elected official in Washington Heights is worried that the possible massive MTA service cuts and fare increases will disproportionately impact low-income New Yorkers.
Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chairman of the Transportation Committee, sent out a news release Wednesday about the MTA's recent announcement that it needs $12B in federal aid to avoid service cuts of 40 percent, longer waits for trains and buses, and more than 7,200 employees permanently cut.
Rodriguez is worried those cuts will disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities.
"There is no doubt that the service cuts and fare increase the MTA could implement will disproportionately impact low-income, immigrant, Black, and Latino communities who are already facing many financial challenges," Rodriguez said in the news release.
Additionally, Rodriguez called it worrisome that New York City has already ended the gratuitous bus service and the overnight for-hire vehicle program.
"Congress must act NOW to provide the funds necessary to keep services running at an efficient and reliable rate for New Yorkers," Rodriguez added in the news release. "On the other hand, we need to see the MTA provide a plan for the return of overnight services or, at the bare minimum, provide viable alternatives for riders."
Rodriguez plans to hold a hearing soon to discuss the state of the city's transit system.
There is no doubt that the service cuts and fare increase the @MTA could implement will disproportionately impact low-income, immigrant, Black, and Latino communities who are already facing many financial challenges.
Full Statement: pic.twitter.com/ALBvpuw1nl
— Ydanis Rodriguez (@ydanis) August 26, 2020
Read More: MTA Warns Of 'Draconian' Service Cuts Without $12B In Federal Aid
