Albany, NY – As a New York state budget hearing on transit was underway Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, along with New York City-based colleagues, Assemblymembers Burgos, Epstein, Gallagher, and Septimo, and New York City’s leading progressive transit and environmental organizations called on Governor Hochul to increase MTA funding and freeze public transit fares in the Executive Budget.

During the Budget Hearing on Transportation, Assemblymember González-Rojas called on the Governor to add upwards of $500 million annually to the MTA coffers by flipping the gas tax so that the MTA could receive two-thirds of the funding and roads and highways could receive one-third of the revenue. The Assemblymembers stated that this could fund more expedient subway and bus service and implement a fare freeze for up to five years. When she questioned MTA Chair Janno Lieber about the MTA’s stance on this proposal he did not voice opposition. Riders Alliance, Transportation Alternatives, StreetsPAC, Straphangers Campaign, New York League of Conservation Voters, Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Friends of the BQX, New York Communities for Change, NYC-DSA Ecosocialists, and Sunrise NYC voiced their support for the aforementioned changes to the budget in their own letter to the Governor this morning, and the Assemblymember echoes their urgent call.

With an influx of federal infrastructure funding, New York State has an opportunity to become a leader in equitable public transportation policy that centers on environmental justice. For too many residents of the 34th Assembly District, and residents of lower-income neighborhoods in Queens and the Bronx, the city’s buses and subways are still inaccessible. González-Rojas is pleased to work alongside her Queens and Bronx colleagues, Assemblymembers Burgos, Epstein, Gallagher, and Septimo, to request these necessary changes to the Executive Budget.

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"With an influx of federal infrastructure funding, New York State has an opportunity to become a leader in equitable public transportation policy that centers environmental justice. For too many residents of the 34th Assembly District, and residents of lower-income neighborhoods across the city, the subways and buses are still inaccessible. By reconfiguring the gas tax revenue, the MTA could have sufficient funding to freeze fare hikes at a time when New Yorkers are cash strapped and improve service so that Black and Brown New Yorkers can get to work more expediently. This investment is crucial to the city's recovery. I'm pleased to work alongside my colleagues, Assemblymembers Burgos, Epstein, Gallagher, and Septimo, and advocacy groups to request these necessary changes to the Executive Budget and hope to work with the Governor to get it done," said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas.

"There is no true recovery for New Yorkers after these difficult years – let alone a real plan to meet our urgent climate goals – without a safe, reliable and equitable MTA. I am so proud to join my Assembly colleagues in calling for $500 million in annual support to freeze fares and ensure buses and subways arrive at every stop, every six minutes, everywhere in the city. This is how we're going to get our city back up and running," said Assemblymember Emily Gallagher

"Millions of riders need Governor Hochul to run more buses and trains and freeze the fare in this year's budget," said Riders Alliance Lead Organizer Mayra Aldás-Deckert. "Stopping the fare hike for at least five years and delivering service every six minutes will make the city more equitable, fight climate change, and bring back riders to transit. Not only can New York afford to do this, we can't afford not to make this investment in our future."

"Meeting the needs of today's workforce means providing frequent and efficient transit service all day, seven days a week, especially in the outer boroughs and suburbs," said Renae Reynolds, Executive Director of Tri-State Transportation Campaign. "Riders should be able to show up at a stop and be confident that the next train or bus is coming soon, without needing to consult a schedule. Providing this level of service is essential for multimodal integration, allowing for convenient and seamless transfers, which maximizes the ability to replace car trips with mass transit trips."