A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
This year, there’s been significant drama around the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) in New York and its struggle to manage its budget without unfairly burdening riders who depend on this crucial transportation system. A commonly overlooked perspective is that of Hudson Valley residents, many of whom rely on the MTA for commuting to jobs in New York City’s five boroughs. The MTA appears to want more autonomy and less oversight, as shown by its current policy of grouping Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, and Putnam Counties into a single voting bloc, instead of allowing each county an individual vote. I have proposed legislation to change this practice. Just as it would be a mistake to assume that residents of Manhattan have the same needs and goals as those in Queens or the Bronx, it’s equally wrong to assume that all Hudson Valley counties share identical priorities. Residents of Dutchess and Rockland, for example, face vastly different challenges. Treating these counties as if they always agree stifles their voices. It’s time to change that mindset. I introduced this bill last year, before the full extent of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA) issues became public. Despite the growing evidence of the MTA’s massive debt and its plan to fund itself through fare hikes, this bill has yet to move forward. These fare increases unfairly burden riders, especially those in the Hudson Valley, who rely on the MTA for their commutes but have little say in its decisions. The MTA’s financial troubles stem from years of mismanagement, costly delays, and budget overruns. Instead of addressing these problems directly, the MTA has repeatedly opted to shift the financial strain onto its customers. Hudson Valley commuters, already facing long journeys and unreliable service, are further disadvantaged by a system that bundles their counties into one voting bloc, diminishing their individual voices. Now, more than ever, we need greater representation and accountability in the MTA. I urge my colleagues to support this bill so that Hudson Valley riders, and all MTA users, are treated fairly and have a meaningful say in the decisions that affect their daily lives. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Goshen, Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website at www.yourfavoriteassemblyman.com.
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