Statement of the New York City Transit Riders Council
Before the MTA Board NYC Transit Committee
January 25, 2010
I am William Henderson, Executive Director of the New York City Transit Riders Council. The NYCTRC, which was established in 1981, is the legislatively mandated representative of New York City Transit riders.
We appreciate the work that went into preparing the service reduction book that was released last week; this is a positive step toward making the process of difficult choices more transparent. Nonetheless, the Council remains very concerned by the service cut package. While we understand the aim of affecting the lowest number of riders per dollar of savings, this package is a real diminution of the system as a whole. Removing service in off peak hours makes it more difficult for the riders to rely on the system as their means of mobility and will ultimately have long lasting impacts, even if some service is restored.
Maintaining a twenty four hour system is necessary for this City. While prospects for additional resources do not appear to be favorable, we ask that this committee explore every responsible option before these reductions, which threaten to affect the region in the long term as well as in 2010, are put into effect. We appreciate the opportunity to present our views. Thank you for your time and attention.