NYC Subways and Buses May Transition to Mayoral Control Under New Proposal by Brad Lander

In a striking move to reshape New York City’s public transit landscape, mayoral candidate Brad Lander has unveiled an ambitious proposal aimed at significantly improving subway and bus services. Scheduled for official presentation, Lander’s plan aims to ensure that city commuters will not have to wait more than six minutes for subway trains or eight minutes for buses on selected routes. This commitment represents a substantial shift from the current unreliable transit conditions that have frustrated many New Yorkers.

Lander, who currently serves as the city’s comptroller, suggests a radical operational overhaul by advocating for the establishment of a new municipal agency titled Big Apple Transit. This agency would take management of the subway and bus systems away from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and place it under the direct supervision of the mayor’s office. Lander believes that this local control will better align transit operations with the specific needs of city residents and allow transportation policies to reflect community priorities.

While Lander is enthusiastic about this transformative vision, he has admitted that the framework for launching Big Apple Transit remains uncertain. He intends to explore practical steps needed to establish this agency. Conversations with former MTA subway chief Andy Byford reportedly influenced Lander’s proposal, particularly the notion that more localized control could boost service efficiency.

However, the ambitious plan raises several significant questions, particularly regarding funding and implementation timelines. The MTA currently operates under an extensive annual budget of nearly billion, primarily funded by the state. Lander has suggested that state support would still be necessary for his proposed agency, but specifics on financial backing are scant.

Previous attempts to shift control of New York City’s transit systems to municipal authorities have met with obstacles. For instance, in 2019, then-Council Speaker Corey Johnson proposed a similar agency concept, which included a plan to absorb various MTA components under the Big Apple Transit banner. Lander’s proposal references Johnson’s previous roadmap, highlighting a continuity of thought regarding transit reform.

While experts acknowledge the potential merits of such a plan, many emphasize the critical need for detailed strategies. Lisa Daglian, head of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, remarked on the complexities of operationalizing such ambitious ideas.

Beyond enhancing wait times, Lander’s 29-page proposal includes several additional reforms to the city’s public transit and urban infrastructure. Some of these initiatives include making the outdoor dining program year-round, revitalizing stalled bike lane projects, and negotiating affordable Citi Bike memberships for low-income residents. Also notable is Lander’s plan to implement a flat fare of .90 for rides on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North trains within the city, a reduction from the current .

Furthermore, to encourage public transit usage, Lander proposes offering complimentary transit passes to attendees of major events and providing city government employees a monetary incentive to choose public transportation instead of driving.

Lander’s transit plan stands as one of the first comprehensive transport proposals presented in advance of the upcoming Democratic mayoral primary, in which former Governor Andrew Cuomo appears to be a frontrunner. As campaign discussions continue, it appears the future of New York City’s transit system may hinge on these critical policy frameworks.

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