Photo Courtesy of the Governor’s Office
With the “Fix NYC” panel, “we take a major step forward in coming up with a real solution to tackle the issue of congestion while helping to fund mass transit moving forward,” Cuomo said.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced the appointment of “Fix NYC,” an advisory panel tasked with coming up with proposals to address the pressing issue of heavy congestion on New York City roads and highways, while producing a dedicated funding stream for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
The panel, which will report findings in December 2017 for consideration in next year’s legislative session, is comprised of transportation experts, representatives from the MTA region, local leaders and stakeholders. The “Fix NYC” group will work with HNTB Corporation, who will provide technical assistance and modeling, and evaluate various options and the implementation of proposed plans as well as identifying potential impacts to the city.
“New York City is home to some of the most gridlocked streets in the nation and with this new advisory panel, we take a major step forward in coming up with a real solution to tackle the issue of congestion while helping to fund mass transit moving forward,” Cuomo said. “I look forward to hearing the panel’s proposals to help bring relief to millions of New Yorkers and visitors who drive on our streets and rely on mass transit every day.”
The Riders Alliance, a straphanger advocacy group that has roundly ripped Cuomo in recent weeks for his handling of the city subway crisis, praised the governor for convening the congestion-pricing panel.
“Governor Cuomo is 100 percent right that the MTA needs new funds to modernize the transit system and address the ongoing crisis of crowding, breakdowns and delays,” said John Raskin, executive director of the Riders Alliance. “Congestion pricing is a fair and sustainable revenue source that could generate billions of dollars to fix transit while also alleviating traffic and boosting the region’s economy. If Gov. Cuomo leads with a strong congestion-pricing plan that generates billions of dollars for public transit, he will have the support of millions of frustrated subway and bus riders who are desperate for relief.”
