In response to recent fare hikes and service cuts by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Transportation Alternatives hosted its Rider Rebellion rally Wednesday night at the south side of Union Square Park.
Supporters of the Rider Rebellion campaign held signs that read "vote transit" and "fare hikes + service cuts = non¢ents."
Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives Paul Steely White said, "Today is about riders. We need to put transit riders first."
Since its formation in 1973, Transportation Alternatives has advocated for bicyclers, pedestrians, and public transit riders in New York City. The organization, along with the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy, recently released a five-step plan for the next governor of New York.
The requests included the return of $160 million of dedicated transit funds by the state legislature, restoring the state's contribution to the MTA to 20 percent of the total cost, and forming a state delegation to Washington, D.C., to secure more federal funding for public transportation.
"So many New Yorkers live and breathe on the trains, and it's how they get around," said Steve Vaccaro, chair of Transportation Alternatives' East Side Committee. "Cycling is one alternative, but transit has got to be the backbone."
The Rider Rebellion campaign began in response to the MTA's service cuts in the spring. The campaign issued the "Transit Rider Bill of Rights," which includes the rights to safe subway and bus facilities, affordable and efficient transit, and accurate real-time information.
"Enough is enough," said Brodie Enoch, public transit rider campaign manager from Transportation Alternatives. "We are tired of our voices not being heard when fare hikes go up and services go down."
Earlier this month, the MTA approved fare hikes for the third time in three years. The price of monthly MetroCards increased from $89 to $104 and the weekly MetroCard from $27 to $29. In addition to more than 1,000 layoffs, the MTA eliminated the W and V subway lines and 37 bus lines with service cuts passed in March.
The president of the Transport Workers Union Local 100, John Samuelsen, said, "New York transit workers stand side by side with New York transit riders."
Reverend Al Sharpton was the keynote speaker. "We are all paying more, while [the NY state government is] paying less," he said.
Transportation Alternatives' Rider Rebellion urged New Yorkers to vote on Tuesday and send politicians to Albany who will support public transportation.
