De Blasio, who has championed housing rights, public education, and access to services for New Yorkers of any immigration status, now needs to tackle the inequity of two million daily bus riders crawling through snarled traffic.
Many details are still being worked out. But we do know half-priced fares will only apply to the purchase of weekly and monthly MetroCards, which some advocates say low-income riders will still struggle to afford.
Most teenagers cannot attend summer classes, jobs or internships unless they’re supplied with a MetroCard or are able to pay for one themselves.
The subways are the MTA’s concern. But MTA buses roll on city streets, and transit groups say Mayor de Blasio could be doing more to clear the way.
Museums — especially the 33 located on city-owned property and receiving millions from the City — have a responsibility to listen to communities and meet the needs of people historically excluded from institutions. Not all do so equally, advocates say.
These include operators untrained in using their wheelchair equipment, or a lack of enforcement against cars blocking bus stops, which prevent drivers from being able pull up to the curb so disabled riders can board and exit safely.
‘Every year segregated high schools ask the PSAL for more sports teams and are denied. Why is that allowed to happen?’
The case cites over a hundred public schools without any sports teams, of which Black and Latino students are twice as likely to attend.
This existing fare structure leaves many New York City residents who live in areas served by LIRR and Metro North lines unlikely to use the systems.
The mayor has proposed expanded select bus service. The roll-out is too slow for many advocates. Meanwhile, bus drivers say increased bus-lane enforcement is necessary.
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