The MTA is facing a new lawsuit that alleges they have covertly reduced the number of buses departing from depots across New York City.
According to the Transit Workers Union and public advocate Juumane Williams, transit officials implemented budget cuts on or around July 12 in response to the governor’s decision to pause congestion pricing. The cuts are now being challenged in a recent lawsuit filed by the union.
According to TWU Local 100 President Richard Davis, “Congestion pricing is being used as a reason for cutting. However, if they have already received the funds for the operating budget for the remainder of the year, how can they cut? The money required for operating is already available.”
The lawsuit claims that the East New York depot cancelled seven bus runs while the Brooklyn’s Jackie Gleason Depot cancelled 20 runs. However, the number of cancellations increased significantly on July 12, reaching 47 and 65 respectively.
One resident of New York City expressed their concern by stating, “We need that service. It’s a disservice to the truth, especially in New York, where we have as many of these services as we do.”
According to the lawsuit, Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council were not given a 30-day notice before the cuts were implemented.
According to the MTA, the allegations of requiring either option to deal with the cuts were unfounded as they were due to unforeseen circumstances. The agency did admit, however, that the decrease in bus services was a result of a large number of employee absences. While some employees were replaced on overtime, others were not.
According to the MTA, Richie Davis, who previously criticized the NYPD during a time when police officers were successfully reducing subway crime, is now hindering a capital budget that would benefit TWU members with an additional $4 billion. The MTA stated that despite no support from Davis, they were able to secure an operating budget under Governor Hochul’s leadership last year, which closed a $3 billion deficit and protected jobs and services. The MTA believes that some union leaders are in need of a court explanation during this “silly season.”
In an effort to halt the bus service cuts, a lawsuit has been filed which seeks to impose a temporary halt until the MTA follows the correct protocol and provides an opportunity for public hearing by the City Council.
During a hearing on Thursday afternoon, State Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron granted a Temporary Restraining Order in response to a lawsuit filed on behalf of bus riders by Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams and the Transportation Workers Union of America (TWU) Local 100. The order mandates the restoration of bus services that were recently cut in several boroughs, overturning the MTA’s decision to significantly reduce service last week. This decision will remain in effect as the case moves forward.
According to Tim Minton, the Communications Director of MTA, the transportation service provider will maintain its top-notch service without any alterations to routes or schedules as they prepare to address the legal matter in court as soon as possible.
