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.

First, we must acknowledge how essential federal support is for the New York City region to recover from the pandemic. We are especially appreciative of Senator Schumer’s efforts to include transit in the continuing resolution that is set to be finalized today. The approximately $4 Billion that is set to be included in the bill is crucial and necessary to avoid the drastic service cuts that have been outlined in numerous board meetings prior to today. Public transportation is integral to the continued success of New York City in a way that is unparalleled to other major American cities. The MTA must have an additional $8 Billion from the federal government over the foreseeable future to power the national economy.

Although we also recognize the difficulty of fare increases during such an immensely difficult time for many in the New York City region, RPA has long supported smaller, more regular fare increases as opposed to large, one-time increases. This consistency is critical for budget planning and riders’ expectations.

We are also very supportive of increasing tolls on automobiles at higher rates than increasing fares for transit riders. Since the onset of the pandemic, we have seen driving return to pre-pandemic levels at a far faster rate than subway and bus ridership, even though it has become clear that transit is not responsible for transmitting COVID-19. When the pandemic ebbs this coming year, it is crucial that we encourage those who are able to return to public transit to make our city streets safer and less congested and reduce pollution and carbon emissions.

RPA has long advocated variable tolling at MTA crossings as well as variable tolls for the MTA’s congestion pricing program, which we are pleased to see may finally be on the horizon. Variable tolling, by the size of the vehicle, day of the week, and time of day, has the added benefits of further reducing congestion in the Central Business District by incentivizing drivers to shift their trips out of the peak period whenever possible, shifting drivers to public transit options when possible, and potentially raising more revenue than a flat fare alternative.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.