Albany, NY – The Metropolitan Transportation Authority rolled out new buses boasting Wi-Fi Internet access and charging ports for smartphones, part of an ambitious plan to modernize New York City’s transit system.
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But riders want to know how Gov. Andrew Cuomo plans to pay for the state’s share of the cost.
The Democratic governor unveiled renderings of the new vehicles Tuesday. In all, the MTA plans to add 2,042 new buses over the next five years to replace about 40 percent of the buses now in operation. The first of the new buses will enter service next month.
Cuomo has vowed to spend $8.3 billion on the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s $29 billion modernization plan — but that money isn’t in Cuomo’s proposed state budget.
The state has already given $1 billion. Cuomo said the rest will be allocated when the MTA needs the money. That’s not good enough for transit advocates who say Cuomo and top lawmakers should set aside money now, as well as have a plan for future funding.
“Gov. Cuomo made a commitment of $8.3 billion… but when the budget actually came out, there were zero dollars,” said John Raskin, executive director of the Riders Alliance, which supports setting aside $1.8 billion this year for the plan. “The state should allocate the funding now.”
The $29 billion MTA plan also includes new subway cars with Wi-Fi, 30 remodeled subway stations, countdown clocks, mobile ticketing, better signaling and repairs to bridges and tunnels.
Rider Michelle Alexander, of Queens, said funding details are needed now to ensure that plans for new subway cars and buses, better signaling and modern stations can proceed. She said crowded buses and subway cars, frequent delays and aging equipment are becoming an increasing problem for the entire system, which serves some 9 million people a day.
“You’ll stand and wait forever for a bus, and then when it comes, it’s packed and you can’t get on,” she said.
Bs’d. Is this being sponsored by a society of brain surgeons?
Why are they wasting our money on new buses when the service is appalling – both for buses and trains.
First they should introduce station clocks – so that trains and buses can keep to a schedule. Countdown timers are good – but only some lines have them; this should be next. Then they should introduce wi-fi to the stations. And only after all stations are updated, should they replace any of the buses.