Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway) are partnering with the New York State Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions to hold a public oversight hearing to address the transportation needs of transit-starved communities in Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. The hearing will be held in Manhattan on Thursday, August 7th at 10:30 AM.

“This is an opportunity for transit riders to share detailed information about the challenges they face due to limited bus and subway service,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “Queens has been a transit desert for far too long and it is time changes are made so that residents can be better served.”

“This hearing will allow the public the opportunity to provide feedback directly to state legislators who have oversight over the MTA and let their concerns be known," said Assemblyman Goldfeder. "In today's difficult economy, our residents and small businesses rely on affordable and accessible transportation to carry out their everyday lives. I have been a strong advocate for better transit options for Queens residents and I will continue to fight until all our families are provided the transportation we deserve."

Earlier this year, Rozic and Goldfeder called on the MTA to dedicate funding to improve public transportation options in Queens. Continuing with their efforts to bring relief to local residents, Rozic and Goldfeder are urging commuters and residents to provide testimony and solutions for better transit services at the hearing. Investing in public transit infrastructure today will result in the growth of our communities and economy for the future, added the elected officials.

Assemblywoman Rozic helped secure $500,000 in the state budget for a bus restoration study to be conducted in Northeast Queens by the MTA. The one year study should produce findings on ways to improve bus service and examine the effects of recent service cuts within the area. Additionally, Goldfeder has been a staunch advocate to increase transportation infrastructure and revitalize the Rockaway Beach Rail Line. Goldfeder recently partnered with the Queens College Urban Studies Department to conduct an objective and comprehensive study of the tracks and assess the impact of revitalizing the line with the transit needs of the local community. The study is expected to finish by the end of the summer.

This year’s state budget limited a $40 million sweep of dedicated transit funds that was proposed by the Governor. The Assembly budget preserved $10 million for MTA transit operations.