Res. No. 110
Resolution calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) to adjust schedules for distant subway terminal lines to include more peak-direction rush hour trains for commuters to travel to central economic hubs.
By Council Members Brooks-Powers, Cabán, Hanif, Bottcher, Krishnan, Narcisse, Farías, Velázquez, Holden, Schulman, Richardson Jordan, Won, Stevens, Barron, Ossé, Riley, Restler, Gutiérrez, Kagan, Nurse, Yeger, Williams, Sanchez, Brannan and Avilés
Whereas, The MTA is North America’s largest transportation network serving a population of 15.3 million people and providing around 2.6 billion trips per year to areas surrounding New York City through Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut; and
Whereas, One of the largest operating agencies under the MTA is MTA New York City Transit (NYCT), which manages, maintains, and runs subway and bus service in New York City; and
Whereas, As of March 29, 2022, the total estimated daily subway ridership, including the Staten Island Railway, was 3,285,813 people, which was 56.9% of a comparable pre-pandemic day, according to the MTA; and
Whereas, As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic dramatically impacted ridership on all MTA systems, it had a large impact on subway ridership, further exacerbating issues regarding access to fast and effective transit options for many in New York City, particularly those in outer boroughs, at end-of-line subway terminals, and those living in transit deserts-a geographical area with very limited access to public transit; and
Whereas, According to an analysis by Dollaride, a company focused on improving access and equity within New York City’s transportation system, there are close to an estimated 600,000 New York City residents who live in transit deserts; and
Whereas, Areas such as Southeast Queens, Southeast Brooklyn, sections of the Bronx, and Staten Island have long been disconnected from New York City’s Manhattan-centric subway system, and account for more affordable housing than areas with effective, close subway access, according to City and State; and
Whereas, During the peak rush hours, which is between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. or between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., the MTA runs more trains more frequently to accommodate the increase in ridership, however, if trains are delayed or taken out of service, there can be noticeable service gaps for New Yorkers who live at end-of-line subway terminals or in transit deserts; and
Whereas, In more recent times, service gaps have become more severe due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a related hiring freeze that left the MTA with staffing shortages in 2021, where about three percent of the MTA NYCT’s nearly 22,800 positions in subway and bus operations remained unfilled in May 2021, according to The New York Times; and
Whereas, In June 2021, 10,829 train trips were cancelled due to a lack of crew members, with the A line being hardest hit by the staffing shortages, with 945 canceled trips, followed by the 1 line, with 857 canceled trips, and the N/W line, with 768 canceled trips, according to The City; and
Whereas, According to Riders Alliance, as of July 2021, complaints over longer commutes and subway waits have increased significantly among riders; and
Whereas, This is of particular concern for those living near end-of-line subway terminals, outer boroughs and transit deserts; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) to adjust schedules for distant subway terminal lines to include more peak-direction rush hour trains for commuters to travel to central economic hubs.
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LS 7379
4/4/22