A new legislative plan, unveiled by Queens Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani Wednesday, aims to solve the financial problems at the MTA and make the experience better for riders at the same time.
It already has the backing up Queens State Senator and Deputy Senate Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, who joined “Mornings On 1” to discuss the package of bills.
Speaking with NY1 anchors Pat Kieran and Jamie Stelter, Gianaris said it consists of multiple bills planned for introduction at the next legislative session in January.
In addition to including several major spending components, it would also freeze fares for subway rides at the current price of $2.75.
It aims to achieve headways of six minutes or better on subways and 20% more bus service across the five boroughs.
Local buses would be made free to ride, an effort that Washington D.C. has moved towards recently.
Each of these initiatives comes with a price tag ranging from $200 to $700 million dollars each year.
There would also be a one-time payment of $500 million dollars to cover new operating costs.