Citizens rail against unmasked subway riders and likely fare increase at MTA board meeting11/30/2022 Public speakers at the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Wednesday morning board meeting advocated for a reinstated mask mandate on public transit, complained of disorder on trains and opposed fare increases. Speaker Joe Rappaport approached the podium holding a photo of a coronavirus cell attached to a popsicle stick in front of his face. “I’m the coronavirus,” Rappaport said. “ It was just Thanksgiving, and here's what I'm thankful for: people not wearing masks in crowded rooms, on subway cars, commuter trains, buses, Access-A-Ride. That's fantastic for me." Rappaport and other speakers criticized the MTA’s now defunct “you do you” campaign, posters that conflicted with earlier messaging about proper masking-wearing. They filled train stations after the mask mandate ceased in September.
Lucky Tran, Director of Science Communication and Media Relations at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, said maskless riders prevent others from accessing transportation. “Those at high risk, including the immunocompromised, disabled and the elderly, are being locked out of society,” said Tran. “When our most vulnerable New Yorkers can't ride in public transport, that means they can't get to medical appointments, get groceries or access other essential services without seriously risking their health. This is morally unacceptable.” President of Passengers United Charlton D'Souza speaking at the board meeting. Other speakers expressed concern about a possible fare increase. A new report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said the MTA would need to increase fares by 29 percent to avoid a “fiscal cliff.” Federal pandemic relief funds are running out, and ridership is still low. Last week, daily ridership averaged about 64 percent of pre-pandemic numbers. Charlton D'Souza, president of Passengers United, said subway service today isn’t “even worth one dollar.” He cited crime and disorder in the transit system as reasons not to increase the fare. “All of you need to ride the subway for 24 hours and see what's going on,” said D'Souza. “I've been assaulted three times in the subway. I’ve had alcohol thrown in my eyes. I was punched in the face by an EDP [emotionally disturbed person]. I've had to break up fights. I've had to help passengers who were getting mugged and robbed." Board members discussed several solutions to budget issues after the public comment period. Chief Financial Officer Kevin Willens recommended spreading federal aid and MTA cost-reducing actions over the next four years to reduce its deficit. “Without new recurring revenue, the board will have to look to larger fare hikes, service cuts and headcount reduction to close the remaining gaps,” said Willens. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Janno Lieber at MTA’s November board meeting. The board will meet again on Dec. 21, when it will approve the 2023 budget and initiate the process of changing fares and tolls. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Janno Lieber emphasized that continuing complete transit service is a necessity, as working class residents depend on it. “We will work with all of the stakeholders to address the MTA’s financial issues, and the MTA is ready to do our part,” said Lieber. “For New Yorkers, mass transit is like air and water; we need it to survive. And that means it needs to be reliable, safe, and yes, affordable.”
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