News Release  

For immediate release - February 19, 2015

estroffr@assembly.state.ny.us 

Westchester Stakeholders Highlight Need for More State Aid for Public Transit       

Elected officials, transit users, transit operators and transportation advocates urge Governor Cuomo to increase capital and operating funds for transit systems serving Westchester and New York State

Yonkers, NY - On February 19, state and local elected officials, transit users, and transportation advocates called on Governor Cuomo to increase state funding in the New York State Budget to support statewide public transit systems.   

While transit use is at record levels across New York, the proposed SFY2015-2016 Executive Budget keeps operating assistance flat at 2014-2015 levels for all non-MTA transit systems. In Westchester, for example, although ridership on the Bee-Line has increased 3.5 percent from 2011 to 2013 and fares have increased, there will be no increases in state operating support. In his proposed budget, Governor Cuomo sought to sweep dedicated operating funds from the public transit program and repurpose them for capital uses.

Advocates from Tri-State Transportation Campaign and Groundwork Hudson Valley were joined by state and local elected leaders, as well as transit operators from TWU Local 100, who urged the Governor to restore the operating funds. They also call on him to make a new investment of $17.4 million in operating aid for downstate non-MTA suburban transit systems, $25 million for upstate operating assistance, as well as a substantial capital investment of $100 million for both the suburban downstate and upstate public transportation systems. Additionally, given that MetroNorth stations in Yonkers and across Westchester support housing, jobs, and economic revitalization, lawmakers stressed that the state budget must fully fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's 2015-2019 Capital Program.

Assemblymember Mayer (D-Yonkers) explained, "Now is the time to invest in and expand public transportation in Westchester and throughout New York State. Bee-Line is one of the country's largest suburban bus systems providing nearly 33 million annual trips. The system is a key economic lifeline for riders and businesses in Westchester County. Now, with a surplus in Albany, we have a unique opportunity to renew and rebuild this critical investment. I urge Governor Cuomo to make this investment a priority."  

Assemblyman Steve Otis (D-Rye) commented, "Public mass transit is vital to New York's economic health and its prospects for growth. Our MTA Metro-North and non-MTA transit systems need increased investment to meet consumer demand and provide safe, reliable service for all riders."

Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Mount Kisco) said, "Every day, Westchester's Metro-North and bus riders expect nothing short of safe, efficient, and affordable public transportation. We must continue to fully support our public transit systems because the health of our local and regional economy depends on it."   

Westchester County Legislator Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers) explained, "New York State funding for Westchester County's transportation system should be at the same level as Nassau and Suffolk Counties.  This adjustment combined with the requested investments is essential in developing the transportation network required to support regional transportation needs while improving air quality by reducing emissions."   

Westchester County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky (D-Hastings-on-Hudson) explained,"Demand for mass transit is going to continue to rise in the near future.  Senior citizens need mass transit to go out and enjoy the communities they worked so hard to build, and our young people prefer using mass transit to riding in cars.  We need greater investment in mass transit to meet our current needs and future demand."

Veronica Vanterpool, Executive Director, Tri-State Transportation Campaign explained, "Funding transit capital and operations is one of the smartest investments New York State can make towards a strong economy. Every dollar invested by Westchester County into Bee-Line yields $23 in economic activity and supports 1,260 jobs. Few other investments yield this rate of return while also reducing traffic congestion and pollution, spurring transit-oriented development, and creating equitable communities. This is one investment that is not a gamble. Governor Cuomo must increase funds for capital and operating needs of the state's struggling transit systems."

Angel Giboyeaux, Administrative Vice President, Transport Workers Union, Local 100, explained, "Local 100 of the Transport Workers Union sees the urgent funding need to build upon the already capable Westchester Bee-Line System by broadening its reach and scope to deliver safe and efficient, as well as comfortable, bus transportation to those areas of the County not presently served by Bee-Line and by providing seamless rapid transit connections with surrounding transportation systems. Investment in public transportation is good for the economy of the state and region and good for the people of Westchester County."  

Robert Baron, President and Board Chair, Groundwork Hudson Valley, explained, "The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Plan emphasizes revitalizing the local economy and the need to attract and retain young people in places like Yonkers.  With more and more young people choosing to live car-free, buses and trains operating around-the-clock and at high-frequencies are key attractors.  Otherwise, these young people will continue to move to more transit-rich areas like Jersey City, Hoboken, Manhattan and Brooklyn." Baron continued, "Well-funded operating and capital budgets are just the basics.  If our region is going to compete effectively, we need to be investing in innovations like: real-time arrival data shared with 3rd party software developers; more comfortable bus shelters; Bus Rapid Transit; Bike Share; and Transit Oriented Development that emphasizes transit over parking."

Governor Cuomo presented his Executive budget on January 21st, and then the Assembly and Senate each pass its one house budget.  A final budget must be adopted by April 1st.  

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