Senate Majority Announces Hudson Valley Hearing On New York’s Transit Systems

Albany, NY- The Senate Majority today announced that their third public hearing on the effectiveness of New York’s transit networks will be held in White Plains, NY. Senator Tim Kennedy, Chair of the Transportation Committee, and Senator Leroy Comrie, Chair of the Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions Committee, will lead these hearings, to ensure that legislative activity in 2019 addresses the needs of the Hudson Valley.  

“Improving our state’s mass transit infrastructure is a crucial challenge that we must meet,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “I look forward to Hudson Valley residents having the opportunity to share their priorities and discuss these important issues directly with their elected leaders. I commend Senators Kennedy and Comrie for organizing these hearings and working with their Senate Majority colleagues throughout the Hudson Valley to improve the MTA and address regional transportation needs.”

Chair of the Senate’s Transportation Committee, Senator Tim Kennedy said, “Throughout our transportation hearings in New York City and Long Island, we listened to the concerns of many riders who rely on New York’s transit networks every day, as well as the transportation agencies and management who oversee them. The Democratic Conference remains committed to incorporating this critical feedback into budget negotiations, and looks forward to continuing this important dialogue with ridership in the Hudson Valley this week.”

Chair of the Senate’s Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions Committee, Senator Leroy Comrie said, “Providing access to reliable, safe, and affordable public transit strengthens our economy, benefits our environment, and improves the quality of life for all New Yorkers. Hearing directly from riders, labor, experts, management, and other stakeholders has enriched our ongoing conversations. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to highlight the needs of Metro-North Railroad riders and others throughout the Hudson Valley region.”

The Hudson Valley hearing will be on Friday, March 8th, at 10:00 AM at White Plains City Hall, 255 Main Street, White Plains, NY 10601. This will be the third hearing held by the Senate Democrat Majority on this important issue. The first hearing was held in New York City on February 19th and the second hearing was held on March 1st on Long Island. Additional hearings will take place in Syracuse and Buffalo.

Senator Alessandra Biaggi said, “The Metro North commuter lines are just as essential to the functioning of the New York metro area as the subways. Our economy simply won't work without excellent mass transit serving as much of the area as possible. So it's essential to hear from Hudson Valley residents about how to improve the service and then make sure we have the funding to deliver those improvements throughout the system.”

Senator David Carlucci said, “Mass transportation options to Hudson Valley residents means livelihood. This is not an area that can be shortchanged, and yet our residents are perpetually faced with service problems like overcrowded, canceled, or delayed trains and poor accommodations for those with disabilities. Here is an opportunity for our commuters to make their voices heard so we can work together towards solutions to improve safety, affordability and reliability on our trains.”

Senator Pete Harckham said, “Solutions are needed to provide sustainable transportation funding and cut emissions and carbon output. However, any revenue raised must be proportionally allocated so that the Hudson Valley receives robust support to create the transit system for the future that is efficient, timely and affordable. I look forward to addressing my constituents’ transportation challenges as they will express at this hearing.” 

Senator Jen Metzger said, “The lack of reliable, affordable public transportation in the more rural areas of the Hudson Valley is a serious impediment to economic growth and access to good-paying jobs. A robust public transportation network is not only critical for economic reasons but for environmental reasons, helping New York reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants from the transportation sector. These hearings will provide an important opportunity for constituents in our region to voice their concerns and needs regarding transportation.”

Senator Shelley Mayer said, “I appreciate the Senate Majority conference's commitment to hearing the concerns of Metro-North Railroad riders.  Our region and the entire state depend upon these systems, and we have an obligation to taxpayers and riders to ensure their investments are well spent and the systems operate as effectively as possible.  I am committed to ensuring our MTA public transit system, especially our Metro-North Railroad, receives the investments and oversight it deserves and requires.”

Senator James Skoufis said, “I have long voiced concerns about the utter lack of Metro-North service that exists for west-of-Hudson residents. I thank Senator Kennedy and Senator Comrie for providing Hudson Valley taxpayers an opportunity to share their very real concerns and suggestions. Orange and Rockland counties receive 70 cents of service for every dollar we put into the system and I am committed to working with my colleagues finally close this unacceptable, atrocious value gap.”

If you would like to testify at one of the hearings, please RSVP to nichols@nysenate.gov.