NY lawmakers call for transit chief’s ouster, float reforms after Duffy decries subway ‘s—hole’

New York State Republicans are calling for the removal of the city’s transit chief due to ongoing issues with subway service despite increased funding from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s congestion pricing initiative. The demands for change were made during a press conference held on Wednesday, following a visit by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to assess a sinkhole that had shut down a section of I-80 in Dover, New Jersey.

During his visit, Duffy criticized Hochul for not repealing congestion pricing and urged New York officials to address subway crime more effectively. He described the current state of the subway system as subpar, stating that it needed to be safe, clean, and appealing to riders.

State Senator Steve Chan introduced a bill in Albany that would add two new members to the MTA’s board, one representing the NYPD transit police and another representing the transit police union. Chan, a former NYPD sergeant, expressed concern over recent incidents of violence and crime on the subway, including a highly publicized case of a passenger being set on fire in Coney Island.

Chan criticized the MTA for its mismanagement and inefficiency, stating that private companies could potentially run the transit system more effectively. He highlighted the increase in criminal activity on the subways and questioned the accuracy of reports claiming a reduction in crime due to lenient enforcement and reduced charges.

Senator Bill Weber, representing Clarkstown, criticized the MTA for imposing additional costs on his constituents for subpar service. He called for the removal of MTA Chair Janno Lieber and proposed legislation to alleviate financial burdens on Rockland County taxpayers.

Senator Jack Martins expressed skepticism about the MTA’s ability to improve, citing the agency’s substantial budget with limited results. He called for the repeal of congestion pricing and a thorough audit of the MTA to address waste, fraud, and abuse within the organization.

Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt emphasized the GOP caucus’s desire for the MTA to succeed but stressed the need for accountability and transparency. He called for a halt to additional funding until the MTA demonstrates a commitment to making necessary changes to improve service and efficiency.

In response to the criticisms, a top MTA official refuted the claims made by Republican lawmakers and defended the agency’s record on crime reduction and operating budget balance. The official criticized Senator Martins for his past opposition to infrastructure improvements and suggested that his return to office coincided with project completion and improvements within the MTA.

Overall, the push for change within the MTA reflects growing concerns over the agency’s performance and accountability. Republican lawmakers are calling for significant reforms to address ongoing issues with subway service and ensure that taxpayer funds are being used effectively to improve public transportation in New York City.