BRONX, NY – New York State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris was joined by federal, state, and city leaders alongside transit advocates for a press conference on February 24 at the 233rd Street Station in the Bronx urging support for their #FixTheMTA legislation, which he carries in the State Senate.

“The MTA is on an express track towards fiscal calamity and it is imperative we intervene to save and improve the nation’s most important transit system,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “This year’s budget should include funding to freeze fares, increase service and provide free buses – improvements that would be game-changers and put the MTA on solid footing for a better future.”

Senator Gianaris joined by U.S. Congressman Jamaal Bowman, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani – the Assembly sponsor of this legislation, Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Senator Gustavo Rivera, and Assembly Member Jeff Dinowitz.

ABOUT #FixTheMTA: The #FixTheMTA legislation would fully fund the MTA and reject a fare hike to $3, fund greater frequency for 6-minute service, and make buses free. The package also includes programmatic measures to: increase the agency’s accountability through better reporting; establish prudent and accurate budget measures; and boost efficiency. The proposed executive budget does not provide the funding necessary to avoid a fare hike to $3, and provides no funding for improved service.