More weather by AccuWeather®

BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARTY MARKOWITZ SPEAKS OUT AGAINST MTA PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS

“The only way we can grow our economy is to make sure that working people have the ability to get to their jobs safely, efficiently and affordably. The MTA’s proposed budget cuts will hurt the economic health of New York City and New York State. Instead of reducing services and raising fares, we should be working to increase the availability of mass transit to lessen the traffic in our streets, reduce the health challenges facing our residents, and lower the cost of living.

The MTA’s plan to close 164 token booths citywide, with over 30 slated to be shut in Brooklyn is unacceptable. Shutting down over 30 bus routes, with almost ten routes in Brooklyn is also a mistake. If these bus cuts become a reality, our seniors, mothers with young children and people with disabilities, who cannot use the subway, will be left out in the cold, with less transportation options.

Our hardworking Brooklyn families deserve better bus and subway service for their money, not worse. New York City’s fares support the cost of public transportation more than any other state in America. I urge Governor Pataki to demand that President Bush deliver the necessary funds so that New York City is no longer unfairly dependent on the fare box to maintain our vital public transportation network.”