New York Republicans Demand Transit Chief’s Removal Amid Subway Safety Concerns

New York Republicans Demand Transit Chief’s Removal Amid Subway Safety Concerns

In a dramatic escalation of frustrations, New York State Republicans are calling for the dismissal of the city’s transit chief. They point to persistent issues with subway service, particularly following significant financial infusions from Governor Kathy Hochul’s new congestion pricing initiative in Manhattan.

This push for accountability unfolded during a press conference on Wednesday, occurring shortly after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy inspected a massive sinkhole that had temporarily shut down I-80 in Dover, New Jersey. The Republicans are also advocating for a comprehensive audit of the entire transit authority.

During his remarks, Duffy sharply criticized Hochul for not rescinding the controversial congestion pricing plan. He emphasized the urgent need for New York officials to tackle crime within the subway system.

“If you want people to take the train, to utilize public transit, make it safe, clean, and appealing. Don’t allow it to become a grim reality, a shithole as it currently stands,” Duffy stated passionately.

In response to the criticism, Hochul reportedly remarked, “We don’t have to be at war over this,” indicating that she believes there is a path forward that avoids conflict.

Outrage Over Perceived Dismissiveness

A significant point of contention arose after the MTA made comments perceived as dismissive regarding the ongoing problem of crime. Senator Steve Chan, a Republican from Bath Beach, unveiled a proposal during the Albany press conference aimed at expanding the membership of the MTA’s board. His plan calls for the addition of two members, one representing the NYPD transit police and the other representing the transit police union.

Chan, a former NYPD sergeant who immigrated from Hong Kong, expressed his dismay over a series of alarming incidents on the subway within his Brooklyn district. He highlighted a shocking case involving a passenger set on fire in Coney Island, which garnered national attention.

“If it takes two men two days to dig a half a hole, how long would it take one to dig a hole?” Chan questioned, directing his remarks at MTA Chair Janno Lieber, whom he holds accountable for the agency’s ongoing struggles.

His critique of the MTA was stark, stating, “The agency seems to believe that with higher costs come diminished services. Each year, the MTA approaches Albany with requests for increased funding, and year after year, Democratic leaders comply with a mismanaged organization that continues to underperform.”

Reflecting on his decades in law enforcement, Chan voiced concern over the deterioration of subway safety. He reminisced about a time when passengers felt secure traveling alone at 3 a.m., a stark contrast to the current climate.

His confidence in the MTA’s management faltered significantly, claiming, “I know of private companies that could run the MTA more efficiently. I would wager that a company could quickly turn a profit on just one bus line.”

Chan lamented a growing sense of lawlessness within the subway, blaming the perception of decreased crime rates on ineffective enforcement and the downgrading of criminal charges.

Taxpayer Burden and Service Inefficiency

Senator Bill Weber from Clarkstown revealed that his constituents have been burdened with a surtax to support the MTA. He criticized the inefficiency of the service, forcing riders to choose between navigating indirect transit options or paying congestion pricing tolls.

Weber accused the MTA of inappropriately deflecting responsibility onto NJTransit, which operates trains that travel through New Jersey towards Spring Valley or Port Jervis. He joined others in calling for Lieber’s removal from the agency.

“Today, I am proposing two bills aimed at returning funds to Rockland County taxpayers. These initiatives will, hopefully, steer the MTA towards improved operations,” Weber said.

Senator Jack Martins from Mineola underscored his hopes for the MTA’s future while expressing skepticism about its performance. He asserted that the agency’s success directly correlates with the state’s prosperity. However, he characterized the MTA’s almost twenty billion dollar budget as funding without adequate returns.

“Every dollar taken from New Yorkers to support the MTA yields little to no benefit,” Martins argued. He called for the repeal of the congestion pricing strategy and insisted on a thorough audit to investigate alleged waste and inefficiencies within the agency.

Calls for Accountability

Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt from Niagara Falls concluded the press conference by emphasizing that the GOP caucus seeks the MTA’s success but believes firm criticism should not be misinterpreted as wishing for failure.

“Every time we allocate additional funds to the MTA, we inadvertently contribute to the problem. For true accountability, the simplest approach is to turn off the financial spigot until we witness genuine commitment to reforming the billions of dollars already provided,” Ortt stated.

In a response to these growing criticisms, an official from the MTA rejected the claims made during the conference, particularly targeting Martins’ assertions. MTA Chief of Policy John J. McCarthy asserted that the Long Island Rail Road has achieved record on-time performance and noted a 24 percent reduction in subway crime compared to the previous year. Furthermore, he defended the MTA’s balanced operating budget, questioning the politicians’ understanding of fiscal realities.

“Historically, Mr. Martins has often misrepresented facts. His opposition to initiatives like the Third Track Expansion was not beneficial, and improvements occurred post his tenure,” McCarthy added.

In closing, an MTA representative acknowledged that while NJ Transit operates service to Rockland and Orange counties, it is an area requiring improvements, in response to Weber’s concerns.

A Call for Change in New York Transit

As frustrations mount among lawmakers and constituents, the demand for reform within New York’s transit system grows louder. The calls for accountability signal a pivotal moment for the MTA and its leadership, urging both parties to reconsider the future of public transportation in the state. Whether these efforts will lead to meaningful changes and improvements remains to be seen.