Dear Governor Cuomo:
On July 26, we, the riders of public transit, came together to discuss transportation issues in Flushing. The event, co-sponsored by Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) and Transportation Alternatives’ Rider Rebellion campaign, was hosted by Assemblymembers Grace Meng and James Brennan. City Councilmember Peter Koo, State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky also attended, as well as a large number of concerned Flushing residents who rely on public transit.
The most recent round of service cuts left New Yorkers with 36 fewer bus routes, two less subway lines and 570 less bus stops. Due to its reliance on bus service, your home borough of Queens was hit hardest. With fewer routes and less reliable service, increasingly overcrowded buses and trains make the daily commute extremely difficult for New Yorkers.
Yet we still have hope.
These are the top five problems and solutions that we identified at our transit town hall.
Problems:
1. Overcrowded Subways
2. Fare is Too High
3. Buses Don’t Follow Schedules
4. Overcrowded Buses
5. Increased Wait Time Due to Service Cuts
Solutions:
1. End the Service Cuts
2. Dedicated Bus Lanes
3. Increased Bus Service
4. Improved Communication About Service Changes or Unexpected Delays
5. Increased Subway Service
Your constituents have spoken. Public transit is not only critically important to the residents of Flushing; it is part of what makes New York City essential to the state’s economy. As governor, it is imperative that you lead the charge for the necessary funding to make our transit system great again. New Yorkers need you to support the Transit Rider Bill of Rights. And as you begin the search for the next chairperson of the MTA, we ask that the needs, concerns, safety, and well-being of transit riders guides your decision making process.
