Settlement will safeguard MTA bus service

November 15, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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CITYWIDE — A SETTLEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED WITH THE MTA IN A LAWSUIT OVER BUS CUTS that happened after last summer’s “pause” in the congestion pricing plan, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Transportation Workers United Local 100 announced late on Thursday. The announcement was made hours after Governor Hochul announced a new congestion pricing model that reduced the toll from $15 to $9 for vehicles entering Manhattan’s Central Business District.

This lawsuit was the first in a series filed by city comptroller Brad Lander with a coalition of transit riders, disabled commuters and environmental advocates. The suit alleged the MTA broke the state’s Public Authorities Law, which requires a public hearing and a 30-day notice on non-emergency bus service cuts to the mayor, public advocate and City Council. Under the terms of the settlement, the MTA reaffirmed that the bus services in question would continue without cuts, and that that the MTA will not “institute a ‘substantial or general change’ in the levels of service furnished upon its omnibus line facilities” without giving at least 30 days’ written notice.

Revenues from the new congestion pricing plan will go to improving subway service, elevator service for seniors and people with disabilities and, in the outer boroughs, a proposed expansion of bus service and plans to build the Interborough Express train connecting Brooklyn and Queens.

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