One Brooklyn
“I applaud the MTA for heeding the call of straphangers and advocacy organizations such as the New York City Transit Riders Council and Tri-State Transportation Campaign by introducing the Atlantic Ticket, which will offer discounted LIRR fares for riders traveling between Atlantic Terminal, East New York, and Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, and seven stations in Queens. This change, which forms part of the Freedom Ticket pilot program that I called for last year, will undoubtedly benefit commuters living in central and eastern Brooklyn as well as southeastern Queens — areas of the city that have long-endured poor transit options, with few reliable ways of getting around.
“I urge the MTA to conduct a robust outreach campaign for this pilot so it can fulfill its full promise. Allowing commuters to pay a single reduced fare for travel within New York City on MTA buses and subways and on LIRR trains will reduce costs and travel times for commuters, while presenting an opportunity to support neighborhood development and growth, especially as the City is now into the implementation phase of the East New York Community Plan.
“This change is also a significant asset in mitigating strain on the existing subway system, especially with the upcoming closure of the L train’s Canarsie Tube. It promises a greater freedom of movement and a more intelligent use of our transit system, prioritizing the needs of commuters in need of a break. We must maximize the opportunity this field study presents us to expand commuters’ options, and ensure this pilot becomes a permanent solution to empowering our city’s residents to be able to travel to their destination seamlessly.”
-30-
