Excelsior

In 2007, the Bloomberg administration released PlaNYC, a groundbreaking initiative designed to create a more sustainable New York City by 2030. One of the focal points of the plan concentrates on transportation, particularly the reduction of carbon emissions and congestion. The plan promotes public transportation as a viable solution, and acknowledges that expansion and accessibility are key. In 2008, New York City was ranked number one for having the lowest per-capita transportation-related carbon footprint, which isn't surprising considering 54.2% of New Yorkers use the subway, buses, and commuter trains, versus the 90% of Americans who rely on cars. In fact, approximately 75% of Manhattan households don't even own cars, making it more obvious that New York's mass transit network is the lifeblood of the city. Therefore, when the MTA announced their intention to enact the "Doomsday" plan, commuters were rightfully worried. The proposed idea meant that New York's infrastructure would suffer from innumerable setbacks that would affect every straphanger.

On the morning of Wednesday, March 26th, the MTA voted 12 to 1 and put the plan into effect, enacting a series of fair hikes and service cuts. Among them are the increase of single subway or bus rides from $2 to $2.50, 30-day unlimited MetroCards from $81 to $103, the elimination of 35 bus routes and 2 subway lines, and a countless number of general service changes. Albany has been ineffective in stopping this, with legislature failing to pass a bailout bill due to opposition from key democrats: Carl Kruger of Brooklyn, Rubén Díaz Sr. of the Bronx and Pedro Espada of the Bronx. Only recently has Bloomberg spoken out, urging New Yorkers to sway their representatives into action. However, with each passing day it seems unlikely that Albany will overturn any of these changes, the first of which are expected to go into affect May 31.

The MTA service cuts are in direct conflict to the goals of PlaNYC. It is counterintuitive to promote public transportation while cutting services and raising fares. The subway system is nearing capacity, and by 2030 the demand will be well above what the system can currently handle. Due to the MTA's decision, each subway car will have approximately 18 more people by December. With an increase in population estimated to be 1 million by 2030, we can only expect these numbers to go up. Cutting bus routes will only worsen accessibility. Certain areas are already underserved, and removing routes that often link riders to the subway will only make mass transit less appealing. The MTA is clearly out of touch with the average New Yorker because it's obvious they don't understand that public transportation is not a privilege, but a necessity. If government continues to be ineffective, these changes will impact our city in ways that will set us back decades in development and sustainability.

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