Sean Patrick Maloney: “in New York City there are two crucial transportation projects: the East Side Access and the Second Avenue Subway. These…”

“in New York City there are two crucial transportation projects: the East Side Access and the Second Avenue Subway. These two projects would provide the New York region with the first significant expansion of transit capacity in over half a century. The MTA is moving forward with both projects on a fast track. Because they will be intersecting benefits and impacts, they need to advance together. The New York delegation is united in wanting to provide support to these projects in this year's title III appropriations bill. We have joined the MTA in requesting $149 million for the East Side Access and $20.5 million for the Second Avenue Subway. The Committee on Appropriations had made a very serious mistake by providing only $10 million for the East Side Access and absolutely no funding for the Second Avenue Subway. This is a terrible decision that seriously undermines New York's ability to meet its transportation needs for the 21st century. The New York City region is the largest transit market in the United States with nearly 8 million daily trips. Our subways and railroads have twice the ridership of the rest of the Nation's rail system combined. At the same time, the MTA is the most efficient transit system in the country, covering over 60 percent of its operating cost from the fare box. New York City is serious about the need to continue investment in our transit system.”