Res. No. 496
Title
Resolution calling upon the Governor of the State of New York to direct the Metropolitan Transportation Authority-New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) to disclose and make available to the public and other government entities financial documents and analyses that might indicate whether a fare increase is necessary or justified.
Body
By Council Members Liu, Addabbo, Barron, Comrie, Davis, Diaz, Dilan, Felder, Fidler, Gerson, Jackson, Jennings, Koppell, Lopez, Martinez, Quinn, Recchia and Sanders; also Council Member Perkins
Whereas, Mass transit is vital to all New Yorkers in that it takes millions of us to work, school, and other important destinations; and
Whereas, Mass transit is also vital because it reduces pollution and traffic congestion in the City and saves energy; and
Whereas, Mayor Bloomberg recently alluded to the possibility of a fare increase on mass transit operated by MTA-NYCT following the 2002 General Election; and
Whereas, Any increase in the bus and subway fare would be particularly hard for many New Yorkers with a fixed income that depend on public transportation, such as senior citizens, the working poor, those receiving governmental income assistance and the disabled; and
Whereas, City subway and buses move 84% of the State's transit riders but get only 63% of State transit aid; and
Whereas, On an average day, there are one million more riders on City subways and buses than there were just five years ago; and
Whereas, The national average of mass transit operating costs covered by fares is 40%; and
Whereas, Riders in New York City pay nearly 60% of the cost of running the subway and bus systems, MetroNorth riders pay 54%, and those on the Long Island Rail Road pay only 44%; and
Whereas, A fare hike presents additional financial hardship to riders who may have lost employment and income following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks; and
Whereas, The people of New York City and their elected officials deserve to see all of the documents and financial analyses related to any discussion of a fare increase; and
Whereas, Governor Pataki can influence the MTA's decision on a potential fare increase as he appoints all of its board members and its chairman; and
Whereas, The Governor, therefore, has the ability and the duty to direct the release of all relevant financial documents and analyses; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the New York City Council calls upon the Governor of the State of New York to direct the Metropolitan Transportation Authority-New York City Transit to disclose and make available to the public and other government entities financial documents and analyses that might indicate whether a fare increase is necessary or justified.