Public Transit Press Conference

(Yonkers - March 24th) Senator Stewart-Cousins, the Senate Democratic Leader, supports increased funding for mass transit, pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes as part of the State Budget due April 1st. She joined fellow Westchester legislative delegation members, Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer of Yonkers and Assemblyman Steven Otis of Rye, at Ridge Hill in Yonkers, along with a diverse coalition of labor, business, health, senior, cycling and community groups.

Compared to the Executive budget proposal and the Senate Majority's One-House budget proposal, the Assembly’s One-House budget proposal includes $5 million in additional funding for operating expenses for Westchester County's Bee-Line bus service and other downstate non-MTA public transit systems, as well as millions more in capital funding for public transit systems. In addition, there is $20 million set aside for pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure, the first time ever such funds would be allocated in New York State, under a program known as Complete Streets. This additional funding for transportation is crucial for connecting Westchester residents to regional job opportunities, school, and community activities and is good for the local economy.