Expanded Program Should Help Meet Increased Demand as City Implements Congestion Pricing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2024
Contact: Chris Dobens, 718-679-8542, chris@weact.org
ALBANY, NY — WE ACT for Environmental Justice was happy to see that both the New York State Senate and Assembly included $5 million for the expansion of Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) free bus pilot program. Building off of the success of the program’s five free bus routes, with one in each borough, the expanded program will provide 15 free bus routes, with three in each borough.
“As we discussed the potential implications of congestion pricing with our members, the expansion of the free bus program is something that they always asked about,” explained Sonal Jessel, Director of Policy at WE ACT for Environmental Justice. “To ensure the success of the congestion pricing, it’s vital that the MTA implement mitigating measures ahead of the program, and expanded free bus service is exactly what our communities need. It also reduces air pollution from individual vehicles and expands clean bus service.
“We are thrilled to see our State Legislature making strong investments in clean affordable transportation. This is what environmental justice is about,” added Jessel. “We thank New York State Assemblymember Zohran Kwame Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris for their steadfast leadership on public transportation, which is taken by more than 90 percent of New York City residents.”
# # #
WE ACT for Environmental Justice is a Northern Manhattan membership-based organization whose mission is to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low-income residents participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices. WE ACT has offices in New York and Washington, D.C. Visit us at weact.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram.