Transit riders gain influence as elections approach.

A decade ago, amidst escalating frustrations over New York City’s subway system, Riders Alliance members highlighted their grievances by showcasing a life-size cardboard cutout of then-Governor Andrew Cuomo. This act was part of a series of attempts to draw attention to the increasing delays plaguing the transit network—delays that quadrupled from 2012 to 2018. It was not until the significant transit disruptions branded as the “Summer of Hell” in 2017 that Cuomo recognized the severity of the crisis.

During this tumultuous period, Riders Alliance initiated a “Worst Commute of the Week” contest, inviting commuters to share their harrowing experiences. One notable entry detailed an agonizing two-hour wait due to persistent signal failures, succinctly capturing the frustrations faced by thousands of riders across the city.

Over the years, riders have seen considerable improvements, often triumphing despite administrative challenges. Recent enhancements include congestion mitigation, increased frequency of trains and buses, and an influx of state funds aimed at modernizing the subway infrastructure. This funding is being allocated to improve signal reliability, enhance accessibility for stations, and procure new rail cars. As the primary elections approach, the implications of these developments are critical for the future of the city’s transit landscape.

Cuomo, currently perceived as a frontrunner for the mayoral position, resigned in disgrace following sexual harassment allegations in 2021. He attempts to leverage his extensive political experience and name recognition as he navigates this complex election season. In response to his potential candidacy, Riders Alliance has launched a political arm aimed at amplifying the voices of transit riders, focusing on policy decisions that profoundly influence daily commutes.

As New Yorkers grapple with choosing their city leadership and next-year executive leadership, Riders Alliance is poised to advocate for a transit system that is safe, affordable, and reliable. The grassroots organization aims to hold all candidates, regardless of their status, accountable for delivering on such promises.

Riders Alliance has cultivated a robust network over the past 13 years, transforming transit riders into a united advocacy force. The organization seeks to illuminate the actions of elected officials regarding transit issues and bolster candidates who align with their vision, while also challenging those who have let riders down.

In light of Cuomo’s past actions—mismanagement of MTA funds, cuts to transit services, and the exacerbation of subway delays—the organization firmly believes that his potential return to political power would spell disaster for the riding public. The former governor, who has not utilized the subway as a regular commuter, has consistently positioned the transit system as a mere prop for political imagery.

As the city’s governance directly impacts service quality, the current mayor, Eric Adams, has faltered in his commitment to enhance bus services, prompting disappointment among riders. Facing the prospect of another politically motivated campaign, Riders Alliance aims to assert itself in the upcoming election cycle, ensuring that transit needs are prioritized over political expedience.

Looking ahead, the newly established political arm of Riders Alliance is determined to articulate a clear vision for public transit while also challenging the status quo. This initiative is vital in shaping an equitable transit narrative that prioritizes the voices of millions of riders, advocating for policies that serve their interests and enhance the overall functionality of New York City’s transit system.