Hello and thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Brian Fritsch and I am the Manager of Advocacy Campaigns for Regional Plan Association.

COVID has accelerated so much change for all of us in 2020 and we believe MTA must prepare to change as well.

Even with a vaccine now forthcoming, projections indicate that transit ridership may only be 80% of pre-pandemic levels for an extended period as hybrid models of work persist. Since fares contribute 38% of the MTA’s revenue the agency must adjust course.

The time to think big and bold is now. Because of the enormous budget deficits at the agency, we need to face our future. Ideas for change, like variable tolling on MTA crossings and One Person Train Operation, already exist. RPA has advocated for many of them for years. We just need the will to get it done.

Deep and detrimental service cuts and a reduced capital program could cripple the region’s economic recovery — which has already been highly inequitable and damaging to our most vulnerable residents. It could also leave the system unrecognizable — initiating a death spiral that could take decades to overcome.

We desperately need help from the federal government now, but we also recognize Governor Cuomo’s role in protecting essential workers and other transit-dependent New Yorkers. That includes protecting the MTA’s dedicated funding, continuing the work to implement congestion pricing, and advocating for and advancing additional funding sources.

We desperately hope the cuts do not take place. If our federal and state governments leave us no choice, we must protect what’s vital, including bus service in the outer boroughs, core subway capacity, and the maintenance of our current system. A strong, viable public transportation system that efficiently keeps our region moving, is absolutely essential to an equitable recovery.