Ben Kallos, Re-Elect to New York City Council in 2017 - Transportation

Curbed De Blasio’s Proposed Millionaires Tax Backed By More Than Half of City Council by Zoe Rosenberg

Feed — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 02:22:16 +0000

Curbed

De Blasio’s Proposed Millionaires Tax Backed By More Than Half of City Council

https://ny.curbed.com/2017/10/26/16552712/millionaires-tax-bill-de-blasio-fair-f...

Zoe Rosenberg

10/26/2017

The 27 City Council members who have announced their support for the project by way of a letter to the MTA board and its chairman, Joe Lhota, include Jimmy Van Bramer, Margaret Chin, Laurie Cumbo, Rafael Espinal, Ben Kallos, Brad Lander, Carlos Menchaca, and Jumaane Williams.

The De Blasio administration is doubling down on its proposed millionaires tax, with the announcement that 27 of the City Council’s 51 members are now on board with proposal.

The Fair Fix plan, as the mayor’s office refers to it, calls for a 0.534 percent increase on the income tax rate for incomes above $500,000 for individuals, and $1 million for couples. That constitutes less than 1 percent of the city’s taxpayers, or about 32,000 people, according to the mayor’s office, but its benefits to the community could be substantial.

The tax is projected to raise $700 million in 2018, and climb to $820 million by 2022. Those funds could then be used for core infrastructure improvements on the subway, to things like signal fixes, news cars, and track maintenance.

The time for those fixes is now. Systemwide delays currently cause an estimated $864,000 a day in lost work time, according to a study released by the Independent Budget Office in mid-October.

A companion study by the agency released yesterday also found that the average number of passenger hours lost to delays systemwide during the weekday morning rush has increased by 45 percent from 2012 through May 2017, from just over 24,000 hours to nearly 35,000 cumulative hours daily. (The New York Times has dug in to the human cost of these delays.)

The money generated by the Fair Fix tax would also be used to fund half-priced MetroCards for low-income New Yorkers, a measure that De Blasio’s office has in the past skipped allocating funds for in the fiscal budget, maintaining that all matters MTA are the state’s purview. The mayor’s office projects that over 800,000 New Yorkers would qualify for half-priced MetroCards based on their incomes.

“NYC needs a long-term solution to improving the MTA and delivering the reliable, quality service New Yorkers deserve,” said Council member Rafael Espinal in a statement. “Asking those at the top to do a bit more will go a long way in funding this crucial service, which keeps our city running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

Issue:

Transportation

lester shane

lester shane — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 23:59:08 +0000

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Mayor de Blasio Launches NYC Ferry Service Connecting Astoria, Roosevelt Island, LIC and Manhattan

Feed — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 09:55:23 +0000

Transportation

Mayor de Blasio Launches NYC Ferry Service Connecting Astoria, Roosevelt Island, LIC and Manhattan

“We are finally using our waterways to improve commutes for thousands of Roosevelt Islanders who will be able to take the new ferry. Roosevelt Islanders can travel by air (by tram), land (by car, bus, and train) and now water (by ferry), all offering improved commutes. After advocating alongside the community since before I got elected and continuing that fight for ferry service every day since then, I am proud to be a part of a City government that finally made it a reality,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “Thank you to Mayor Bill de Blasio and Economic Development Corporation President James Patchett for reclaiming our waterways and bringing ferry service citywide.”

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today officially launched NYC Ferry's Astoria route, with the first trip departing from Astoria at 6:30 a.m. headed to Wall Street/Pier 11. The Astoria route connects residents and workers in Astoria, Roosevelt Island, and Long Island City to Midtown and Lower Manhattan, shortening commutes for thousands of New Yorkers. Passengers are also able to transfer free of charge to NYC Ferry’s East River, Rockaway and South Brooklyn routes at East 34th Street and Wall Street/Pier 11.

NYC Ferry now carries approximately 12,000 daily riders, and the Astoria route is expected to add another 1,800 daily riders. Boats will run every 25 minutes during rush hours. Residents of Astoria Houses will be able to reach East 34th Street in just 29 minutes, cutting those commuting times by nearly half. Detailed timetables for the Astoria route, along with a map of all 2017 routes, can be viewed here.

“The amazing success of NYC Ferry is a tribute to the can-do attitude of New York City and underlines the tremendous need to connect underserved communities to jobs, schools, health care and parks. We will continue to improve public transportation options and quality of life for all New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The opening of the Astoria Route follows the successful launches of the Rockaway and South Brooklyn Routes, and the integration of the East River Route. Combined, the routes have served over 1.5 million riders to date.

Due to high demand, NYC Ferry recently announced that it will be adding capacity to three of its twenty boats. These new boats will be outfitted with bigger engines and a capacity of up to 250 passengers.

“NYC Ferry is off to an amazing start, serving more than 1.5 million riders in less than four months,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO James Patchett. “With today’s launch of the Astoria Route we’re expanding this great service to thousands of families in Western Queens and Roosevelt Island. New Yorkers that have faced limited access to public transit will now have a fast, comfortable, and affordable way to connect to good jobs and opportunities across the city.”

“Once our best-kept secret, New York City’s waterways are becoming one of our most celebrated public assets. And aside from a waterfront park, there’s no better place to enjoy them than from a ferry,” said Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP.

“NYC Ferry’s arrival this morning at Astoria, Roosevelt Island and Long Island City is a very exciting development,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “Under the Mayor’s leadership, New Yorkers have been offered a new transportation option that is fast, affordable, and convenient – and with 1.5 million rides so far, commuters are clearly voting with their feet. Congratulations to our colleagues at EDC for reaching yet another great milestone this summer.”

“The excitement and anticipation for ferry service has spread across New York Harbor and now with the launch of the Astoria Route, several additional communities, historically underserved by transit, now have a new affordable and efficient way to connect to Work. Live. Play,” said Cameron Clark, Senior Vice President for NYC Ferry Operates by Hornblower. “We are thrilled to launch the final route to complete the 2017 expansion of ferry service, and we encourage all Riders to download the NYC Ferry app, hop on board and let us elevate your commute.”

“Manhattan is the economic heart of our city, and every new transit link to and from Manhattan makes the city stronger,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “Mass transit between many of the neighborhoods on this ferry route has become a crowded, complicated hassle, requiring two- and even three-seat rides on packed buses and subways. This new, one-seat ride to and from midtown and the Financial District could be a big help to commuters from Roosevelt Island and Western Astoria, and will be a boost to Roosevelt Island’s Cornell Tech campus.”

“I am thrilled that the NYC Ferry Astoria Route is officially opening. With stops in Astoria, Roosevelt Island, Long Island City, East 34th Street, and Wall Street, this Route will connect many different communities in the 12th Congressional District which I’m privileged to represent. NYC Ferry service is a boon to commuters, tourists, and New Yorkers trying to experience a new neighborhood. I’m proud to work with Mayor de Blasio in support of expanding this important addition to New York City’s transportation options,” said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney.

“Increased access to reliable transportation options, including ferry service, is among the most critical needs for Western Queens’ residents. As we welcome new ferries, I will redouble my efforts to ensure our subway system improves during the current MTA crisis,” Senator Michael Gianaris said.

“NYC Ferry is a true testament to the Mayor Bill de Blasio’s commitment to improve and expand public transportation. In less than four months, it has served more than 1.5 million riders and now it is coming to Roosevelt Island, which will greatly benefit from an additional mode of transportation. This is a tremendous investment in our transportation system that will provide much needed access to the waterfront communities,” saidAssembly Member Rebecca Seawright.

“Building resiliency and greater connectivity into our transportation network is key to a successful system," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chair of the Transportation Committee. “With the inaugural ride from Astoria, residents from this great Queens community will have a faster ride into Manhattan that is fun too!”

“The new Astoria ferry route will be life changing for the people of Western Queens, cutting travel time in half for many public housing residents and those living along the East River in Long Island City and Astoria,” Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer said.“I hear every day from my constituents of the need for reliable transportation options to get to work, school, and other appointments on time. Starting today, this new ferry route will bring a faster, smoother commute, and I’m thrilled to join my constituents today for the inaugural ride!”

“I’m excited to join our community for this inaugural ferry ride along the Astoria route. After years of advocacy and planning with the neighborhood, we’re happy to open this new route. The NYC Ferry system expands public transit options for Western Astoria residents and will help revitalize Hallets Peninsula. Thank you to Mayor de Blasio for his bold vision in helping to ensure this innovative and sustainable form of transportation is available for Astoria,” said Council Member Costa Constantinides.

“This new route, with a stop at the 34th Street hub in my Council District, is a great addition to New York City’s transportation network. I look forward to working with the de Blasio administration to ensure we continue delivering a superb, speedy, and safe transit option on our waterways,” said Council Member Dan Garodnick.

“On behalf of the Astoria Houses Residents Association, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome a new era of transportation to Hallet’s Cove today. The start of NYC Ferry service right across the street from Astoria Houses means that our residents will now have access to a fast, affordable way to commute to other parts of the city, especially to Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, and free transfers to other NYC Ferry routes. This is a win for Astoria residents, families and job seekers alike,” said Claudia Coger, President of Astoria Houses Residents Association.

“Cornell Tech is proud to be a part of the Roosevelt Island community, and the campus has committed $2.5 million to support the new NYC Ferry service to the island. The new ferry will provide another seamless connection for island residents, students, faculty, staff, the companies at The Bridge, and visitors to travel seamlessly between Roosevelt Island, Manhattan, and the growing tech community in western Queens. The Cornell Tech campus is all about openness and collaboration, and we can’t wait to welcome New Yorkers when we officially open next month,” said Meghan French, Senior Director of External Relations at Cornell Tech.

“Roosevelt Island is just that: an island. Linking it by ferry to the rest of the city is a goal that I have been personally working towards for over a decade, and this is a very exciting day. And just as exciting is that riders from Astoria, Long Island City, really anywhere in the city, can now commute downtown to Pier 11 by ferry, since all routes end on Wall Street,” said Jessica Lappin, President of the Alliance for Downtown New York.

“The Hunters Point Park Conservancy is happy to support NYC Ferry which help to alleviate the inundated 7 train. We look forward to welcoming NYC Ferry’s Astoria Route, and we appreciate the support NYC Ferry has provided the Hunters Point Park Conservancy,” Rob Basch, President, Hunters Point Park Conservancy.

“The members of the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association view the Astoria Ferry essential in the mission to bring the quality of life in Old Astoria to the highest possible level achievable. Expanded transportation options will increase investment in infrastructure, private enterprise, cultural institutions, services, education, and all other components that create healthy communities,” said Richard Khuzami, President of the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association (OANA).

“This expansion of the ferry system is tremendously exciting – providing key north south access for our residents, visitors and workers to all the great culture, jobs, restaurants, bars and waterfront parks – and access across the river to the great innovation opportunities at Cornell Tech and the medical corridor along the eastern shore of Manhattan all the way to Wall Street,” said Elizabeth Lusskin, President of the LIC Partnership, the local development corporation for Long Island City. “The success of the Hunters Point South ferry stop has shown how well this quick and enjoyable ride can bring LIC residents to the rest of the city, and the rest of the city to our community. The new LIC stop in Gantry Plaza State Park will be an essential gateway. This is a great ‘sea change’ for our neighborhood.”

“Roosevelt Island residents have long hoped for modern Ferry service for our unique community and we are very thankful to the City for this much needed additional means of transportation. I am very excited the day has arrived to take our first scenic trip!” said Susan Rosenthal, President and CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation.

“The Astoria Ferry is helping to better connect our waterfront spaces and communities to one another and to the City at large. Hallets Cove and the Hallets Point Peninsula are special and historic places in our community and the Astoria Ferry will shine a light on our special section of Queens,” said Katie Ellman, President of Green Shores NYC: It’s Your Waterfront.

“The opening of the Astoria Landing is going to be major game changer in an area that has often been underserved and overlooked” said Bishop Mitchell Taylor, Co-founder and CEO of Urban Upbound. “The transportation disparities that Astoria residents have suffered will finally be relieved.”

“Astoria residents have suffered too long in their transit desert, but a real oasis has appeared at last, with NYC Ferry offering fast and efficient waterborne transit to Manhattan. The new Astoria Route is one more piece of the growing and popular citywide ferry network. Waterfront Alliance salutes the de Blasio administration for rolling out this new service on time and on budget. Bravo!” said Roland Lewis, President and CEO, Waterfront Alliance.

“Manhattan CB1 is excited about the expansion of ferry service to Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan. This is evidence of the rebirth and vibrancy of this vital central business district. Using waterborne transportation has obvious advantages and we are encouraged by the expansion of public transportation,” said Anthony Notaro, Chair of Manhattan Community Board 1.

“How many adjectives are there for wonderful? We are thrilled about the opening of the Astoria ferry landing. We are anticipating great success in Astoria and look forward to more ferries and more landings servicing NYC in the near future,” said Florence Koulouris, District Manager of Queens Community Board 1.

Once the NYC Ferry system is fully operational, the combined routes will cover more than 60 miles of waterway at $2.75 per ride, the same cost of a subway ride, and the cost of a 30-day unlimited ferry pass will be $121, mirroring the cost of a 30-day MetroCard. This price builds on Mayor de Blasio's commitment to ensuring that NYC Ferry is affordable to New Yorkers. The two final routes, Lower East Side and Soundview, will launch next year.

A recent survey conducted by New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) of over 1,300 riders found that 93% of customers gave NYC Ferry a satisfaction rating of seven or higher on a ten-point scale, with 66% giving the highest possible score. Findings also show that 87% of riders are New York City residents, with 85% of weekend riders and 90% of peak-hour riders residing in the five boroughs.

NYC Ferry homeport construction is currently underway at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The 56,000-square-foot maintenance and storage facility will include berthing space for up to 25 boats, supplies and parts, and utilities, including a 40,000-gallon diesel fueling system. The homeport will also be the site for routine maintenance, including exterior and interior cleaning, restocking of food and beverage items, fueling, and basic repairs. It will be fully outfitted by early 2018.

Additionally there will be a new ferry landing at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on the East River Route, slated to start service by fall 2018. NYC Ferry is hiring for various jobs, including captains and deckhands. Jobseekers can apply directly through Hornblower’s website, www.ferry.nyc. NYC Ferry will ultimately provide 200 jobs, all of which will pay the City's Living Wage or higher and includes comprehensive benefits.

Ferry riders can download the NYC Ferry app to purchase e-tickets, allowing for easy scan-and-go boarding, get detailed maps and schedules, and receive real-time notifications and service alerts. Use of the app provides a more environmentally friendly service by reducing the use of paper tickets, although ticketing kiosks will also be available at each landing. The NYC Ferry app is live and available for download in both the Apple and Google Play stores.

For those seeking inspiration for their NYC Ferry travels, NYC & Company has listed suggested places to check out by neighborhood at nycgo.com/nycferry and encourage sharing experiences on social media using the hashtag #seeyourcity.

AM New York MTA’s subway plan needs more details before city will cough up more money, City Council says by Vincent Barone

Feed — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 14:02:15 +0000

AM New York

MTA’s subway plan needs more details before city will cough up more money, City Council says

http://www.amny.com/transit/mta-s-subway-plan-needs-more-details-before-city-wil...

Vincent Barone

08/08/2017

The lawmakers also demanded answers for why capital construction costs so much. At $4.5 billion for three new stations, the Second Avenue subway’s first phase was the most expensive subway project in the world, according to transit experts.

“In other parts of the globe, when subway systems are being built or expanded, they do not remotely come close to the challenges we are facing here in New York City,” Hakim said. “You see it when you go by an open utility construction pit and you look in at the maze, the spaghetti of utilities.”

Still, several council members felt that New York was falling behind other cities.

“What does Russia know that we don’t?” asked Manhattan Councilman Ben Kallos, who wondered why Moscow runs more trains per hour than the MTA.

Hakim pointed out that Moscow doesn’t run a 24-hour subway system. “Try to get the subway in Moscow at 2 o’clock in the morning; they’re closed,” she said.

http://cdn.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.13956635.1502237440!/httpImage/image.jpeg_gen/derivatives/landscape_1280/image.jpeg

Issue:

Transportation

DNAinfo.com 15 Bus Countdown Clocks, New Citi Bike Station Added to Upper East Side by Shay Weaver

Feed — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 07:22:01 +0000

DNAinfo.com

15 Bus Countdown Clocks, New Citi Bike Station Added to Upper East Side

https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170804/upper-east-side/bus-stop-countdown-clo...

Shay Weaver

On Thursday, Councilman Ben Kallos and DOT Borough Commissioner Luis Sanchez announced 15 countdown clocks have been installed or will be at stops along the M15, M31, M57, M66 and M72 lines.

The clocks will appear at 70th, 72nd and 75th streets along First Avenue; on Second Avenue at 94th Street; on York Avenue at 72nd, 74th, 76th, 77th, 79th, 84th, 86th and 88th streets; on First Avenue at 57th Street; and on First Avenue at 67th and 72nd streets.

https://assets.dnainfo.com/photo/2017/8/1501794044-306116/extralarge.jpg

Issue:

Transportation

DNAinfo.com 15 Bus Countdown Clocks, New Citi Bike Station Added to Upper East Side by Shaye Weaver

Feed — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 07:22:01 +0000

DNAinfo.com

15 Bus Countdown Clocks, New Citi Bike Station Added to Upper East Side

https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170804/upper-east-side/bus-stop-countdown-clo...

Shaye Weaver

UPPER EAST SIDE — Commuters will begin seeing new countdown clocks at more than a dozen bus stops in the neighborhood, as well as the area's final Citi Bike station, city officials said.

On Thursday, Councilman Ben Kallos and DOT Borough Commissioner Luis Sanchez announced 15 countdown clocks have been installed or will be at stops along the M15, M31, M57, M66 and M72 lines.

https://assets.dnainfo.com/photo/2017/8/1501794044-306116/extralarge.jpg

Issue:

Transportation

Upper East Side Patch Countdown Clocks Installed At 15 Upper East Side Bus Stops by Brendan Krisel

Feed — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 21:32:16 +0000

Upper East Side Patch

Countdown Clocks Installed At 15 Upper East Side Bus Stops

https://patch.com/new-york/upper-east-side-nyc/countdown-clocks-installed-15-upp...

Brendan Krisel

08/03/2017

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Fifteen bus stations on the Upper East Side have brand-new countdown clocks thanks to neighborhood residents, City Councilman Ben Kallos announced Thursday morning. The clocks — located at stops long the M15, M31, M57, M66 and M72 lines — were a top vote getter in the district's participatory budgeting election years ago.

"I hope that new bus countdown clocks will bring more riders back to our buses, as they walk by and see a bus on the way to help get them where they are going faster,” Kallos said during a Thursday press conference. "Riders will finally know when the next bus is coming or if it isn’t coming at all, so they can make that crucial decision of whether it is faster to ride or walk."

https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/22866740/20170803/025458/styles/T600x45...

Issue:

Transportation

West Side Spirit The Benching of Manhattan by Douglas Feiden

Feed — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 18:12:14 +0000

West Side Spirit

The Benching of Manhattan

http://www.westsidespirit.com/local-news/20170731/the-benching-of-manhattan/1

Douglas Feiden

07/31/2017

“Benches are one of those things where you actually get them for free,” said City Council Member Ben Kallos, who represents the area. Unlike, say, garbage cans and tree guards, which have to be funded by so-called member items, the city is brimming with available benches, he said.

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Issue:

Transportation

PIX11 NYC Ferry hits 1 million riders; celebration includes chance for free rides, update on Astoria route by Ashley Soley-Cerro

Feed — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 22:22:16 +0000

PIX11

NYC Ferry hits 1 million riders; celebration includes chance for free rides, update on Astoria route

http://pix11.com/2017/07/26/nyc-ferry-hits-1-million-riders-celebration-includes...

Ashley Soley-Cerro

07/26/2017

Locally, officials hope the Astoria route will help alleviate the inundated 7 train and help commuters traveling to and from Roosevelt Island.

“Roosevelt Island has waited generations for ferry service which will finally arrive this summer,” said Councilman Ben Kallos, who represents the area.

QUEENS — The new NYC Ferry system is only halfway done, and already beat “wildest expectations” by hitting 1 million riders since its May launch.

Needless to say, officials were in celebration mode Wednesday, announcing a contest offering free rides for 11 lucky winners, the next route’s launch date and half-price booze.

“We knew NYC Ferry would be popular, but a million riders in less than three months is beyond our wildest expectations,” said James Patchett, NYC economic development corporation president and CEO.

Based on preliminary ridership numbers, NYC Ferry wasn’t expected to hit the 1 million mark until Aug. 23, according to a news release from the city.

In anticipation of the next route to launch, Mayor Bill de Blasio, local officials and Long Island City residents celebrated the milestone in the Queens neighborhood Wednesday.

“It’s been less than three months and NYC Ferry has already served one million riders,” de Blasio said. “As we prepare to launch the Astoria route, we continue to add capacity to this brand new and wildly popular system — one that connects transit-starved neighborhoods and commuters to jobs and the wider city.”

The fourth NYC Ferry route, connecting Astoria, Long Island City, Roosevelt Island, 34th Street and Wall Street, will launch the week before Labor Day weekend on Tuesday Aug. 29, officials announced.

Locally, officials hope the Astoria route will help alleviate the inundated 7 train and help commuters traveling to and from Roosevelt Island.

“Roosevelt Island has waited generations for ferry service which will finally arrive this summer,” said Councilman Ben Kallos, who represents the area.

Riders also have the chance to win a free annual or 30-day pass.

One annual pass, worth $1,452, and ten 30-day passes will be awarded. Anyone looking for a chance to win must activate a ticket on the NYC Ferry app between Friday, July 21 and Friday, July 28. Click here for more information.

The cost of riding the NYC Ferry mirrors the cost of a MetroCard, with a $2.75 per-ride fee, and $121 for monthly passes.

Those looking to celebrate in the more immediate future can enjoy half-price draft beverages; including cold-brew coffee, beer and wine; throughout the day on all vessels equipped with Newstand concessions.

NYC Ferry blew right past 1 million riders with more than 625,000 riders on the East River Route, 221,000 on the Rockaway Route and 154,000 on the South Brooklyn Route, the city news release states. Cumulatively, weekday ridership ranges from 8,000 to 12,000 riders.

The “huge demand” has prompted the city to announce increased capacity will be added to three of its 20 boats, with the larger vessels accommodating up to 249 passengers, compared to the standard 149.

NYC Ferry so far consists of the Rockaway, East River and South Brooklyn routes. The Lower East Side and Soundview routes will launch next year, after Astoria’s.

The ferry service comes as commuters grow more skeptical and pessimistic about public transit in the city, as extensive track repairs are underway at Penn Station and subway slowdowns have become a near daily occurrence.

In addition to helping locals commute quicker and more efficiently, councilman Costa Constantinides said expanding public transit options moves the city closer to its goal of reducing carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050, as well as “ensure that our city remains a global leader on the environment.”

Issue:

Transportation

Our Town Community rallies against bus cuts by Michael Garofalo

Feed — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 22:22:16 +0000

Our Town

Community rallies against bus cuts

http://www.ourtownny.com/local-news/20170724/community-rallies-against-bus-cuts/...

Michael Garofalo

07/24/2017

The cuts also caught the attention of a coalition of local, state and federal elected officials representing the impacted areas, which sent a letter to the MTA New York City Transit's acting president, Darryl Irick, objecting to the cuts and expressing concern that increased wait times “will leave our residents feeling abandoned by our buses.” The letter was signed by City Council Members Ben Kallos and Dan Garodnick, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Assembly Members Dan Quart and Rebecca Seawright, state Senators Liz Kruger, Brad Hoylman and José Serrano, and U.S. Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler. And last week, Community Board 8 unanimously approved a resolution requesting that the MTA reconsider the proposed service reductions.

One source of frustration for elected officials and community members is that the MTA has thus far declined requests to release the underlying data used to evaluate service and ridership, such as farebox data. The elected officials asserted in their letter that the MTA's research and evaluation is “not done in a transparent manner that is subject to public review.”

“They have to show us the data that supports why they need to make these changes,” Kallos told Straus News after the cuts were announced.

Seawright echoed Kallos' call for the transit authority to release the data. “The MTA basically is refusing to share it, saying that it's not in a format that they're willing to distribute,” she said. “I think it's totally unacceptable.” Seawright said she planned to raise the issue of transparency at the MTA's next budget hearing in Albany

http://www.ourtownny.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=NP&Date=20170724&Cate...

Issue:

Transportation