In a city with crowded streets, a rising population and soaring land prices, most New York City parking is free. Experts say that contributes to a shortage of spaces that generates traffic, obstructs deliveries, slows buses and drives motorists crazy.
In the next two decades, New Yorkers 65 and older will account for 18 percent of the city’s population, according to the AARP. And they’re going to need a lot more elevators than the transit system currently offers.
There has been talk about building an ‘air train’ to LaGuardia Airport since before the place was officially known as LaGuardia Airport. Now there is a plan is for shovels to go into the ground in 2020 and for service to begin in 2022.
Some critics would like to see the discount programs kicked to the curb. Said one Councilmember: ‘Massive delivery companies shouldn’t get a free pass.’
‘We cannot simply hope that this economic development project organically ensures those most in need for economic opportunities are connected with them.’
The MTA says turnstile jumping exploded when the NYPD pulled back on subway arrests. But critics doubt the numbers.
It costs money for the subways and buses to collect and process fares. It creates a crime that we have to figure out how to fairly police. And, even with discounted fares, it makes transit an unavoidable cost burden to lower-income people. So why not make it free?
‘There is a continuing series of feasibility studies that generate money for consultants along with free publicity for elected officials. At the end of the day, the long abandoned Brooklyn to Staten Island subway will stay buried.’
One of the MTA’s proposed fare hike options would raise the base fare to $3 a ride, which Access-a-Ride users say would unfairly burden them since they aren’t eligible for the MetroCard bonuses that subway and bus riders are.
More than a dozen contenders participated in the debate, hosted by the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund at Brooklyn Law School.