Legislation intended to guarantee a voting seat for Staten Island on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board has stalled in the state Assembly. The bill was held in committee earlier this week, preventing it from advancing to a full vote.
The Push for Direct Representation
Assembly Member Michael Tannousis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) introduced A.4605 to ensure every New York City borough has direct representation on the MTA’s 23-member board. This board serves as a powerful authority overseeing the largest public transit system in the country.
Under the current system, the Mayor of New York City can recommend four members to the board. Other members are recommended by county executives from nearby service-area counties, including Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Putnam.
Tannousis explained that there is currently no legal requirement for the city’s appointees to represent any specific borough. This has left Staten Island residents without a dedicated seat on the board despite being part of the MTA service region.
Impact on Staten Island Commuters
While Staten Island does not have an underground subway system, it relies heavily on MTA services. This includes the Staten Island Railway, local and express buses, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Tolls for the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge cost $7.46 with E-ZPass, though Staten Island residents receive a discount, reducing the cost to $4.19. A one-way express bus trip costs $7.25.
Residents have raised significant concerns regarding public transit, particularly with express buses. These issues include overcrowding, fare hikes, unreliable schedules, and frequent cancellations.
A Long-Standing Legislative Battle
The effort to secure a seat is part of a decade-long struggle. The last time Staten Island had a representative on the board was between 2016 and 2019, during the tenure of Peter Ward.
“Staten Islanders pay into the MTA system just like every other borough, yet we are expected to accept having no voice at the table where critical transportation decisions are made,” Tannousis said. He described the current situation as “unacceptable” and argued that the legislation is about accountability and fairness.
Tannousis further noted that residents are impacted daily by MTA decisions regarding transit access, major infrastructure projects, congestion pricing, and toll hikes.
What Happens Next
The MTA has declined to comment on the bill’s failure to advance. Because the legislation is still being held in the Assembly committee and has not yet faced a full vote, Tannousis may reintroduce the bill.
If reintroduced, the bill would need to move through the standard legislative process before it could potentially become law. If passed, five of the MTA’s voting members would be appointed specifically to represent each of the five New York City boroughs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bill A.4605 propose?
The bill proposes that five of the MTA’s voting members be appointed specifically to represent each of the five New York City boroughs to ensure direct representation.
How are MTA board members currently appointed?
The NYC mayor recommends four members, and other members are recommended by the county executives of Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, and Putnam.
What are the primary transit concerns for Staten Island residents mentioned?
Residents have expressed concerns regarding express buses, specifically citing overcrowding, fare hikes, unreliable schedules, and frequent cancellations.
Do you believe every city borough should have a guaranteed voting seat on the MTA board?