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John, Thanks to the tireless work of transportation advocates, civic and business leaders, and public servants who never gave up, today New York is finally implementing congestion pricing: A solution to ease gridlock, reduce emissions, speed up buses, and fund investments in more reliable, accessible, safer, on-time subways. I’ve been part of the effort since 2007, as an advocate, as a council member, and as comptroller. Last year, when its future was on the line, I convened the coalition to bring litigation to ensure congestion pricing went into effect – before Trump could take office – so we don’t miss the opportunity and leave a $15 billion hole in the MTA budget. If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately: John, you know that our transit system is a lifeline for working New Yorkers, and the circulatory system for our economy. It’s how people get to their jobs, to restaurants and shows, to the remarkable places and opportunities the city offers. There’s no New York City without it. So the question is: What will this generation of leaders do to improve it? Unfortunately, too many of our leaders have faltered when the future of public transportation was on the line. For years as governor, Andrew Cuomo starved New York City’s subway system, leading to the “summer of hell.” More recently, he did an “about face” and called for killing congestion pricing. Eric Adams not only refused to support congestion pricing, but has killed busway and bike lane projects he had promised to implement. I’ll never waver when the future of New York City’s public transportation is on the line. Now, we need to actually make congestion pricing work – and that will also take honest, effective, reliable leadership. As Mayor, I’ll use the City’s seats on the MTA board to make sure we actually get the critical investments we need: New elevators so everyone can use the subway. Modern signals so trains run on time. Platform barriers and station gates to make the subway safer. I’ll also make use of the “streetscape dividend” of reduced traffic to make big improvements on our city’s streets. Here’s our chance to create the 34th Street Busway, like the successful one on 14th Street. (And for every project in Manhattan, I’ll make sure there’s one in the outer boroughs, like the busway on Fordham Road that Mayor Adams canceled). We can install new infrastructure and establish new rules to confront the rapid growth of mopeds and e-bikes. And new pedestrian zones in crowded areas – along with the bollards and safety improvements to keep New Yorkers safe. These steps will help revive lagging retail, support small businesses, and bring a renewed energy to the streets and sidewalks of our city. All of that will take strong, honest, effective leadership. Leadership that isn’t afraid to stand up for transit when the winds shift. John, will you please chip in $2.90 — the cost of one subway ride — to my campaign for Mayor? You’ll be able to count on me as a transit champion at every stop on the way. Thank you, Brad |
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