
New York State Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Transportation for FY2027
Thank you for the opportunity to testify. My name is Jaqi Cohen, and I am the Director of Climate and Equity Policy for Tri-State Transportation

Thank you for the opportunity to testify. My name is Jaqi Cohen, and I am the Director of Climate and Equity Policy for Tri-State Transportation

However, in order to fund this crucial program, we need congestion pricing now. Delaying its implementation would not only undermine the capital plan but also hinder New York’s ability to tackle the climate crisis.

No one should face violence over the price of a subway fare. Public transportation is a lifeline for millions, especially for low-income individuals and communities of color, who are disproportionately impacted by fare evasion enforcement. Instead of punitive measures, we must work toward a transit system that is equitable and accessible to all.

The MTA has everything it needs to put congestion pricing into place—the legal approval, the hardware, the federal support. We just need to decide to move forward.

With less traffic on our roads and more direct investment in transit, we will see a significant reduction in carbon emissions, fostering a cleaner, healthier environment for all New Yorkers.

New York City currently has the slowest buses in the United States. They are not keeping up with MTA bus network redesigns. Poor bus service disproportionately impacts
immigrant and BIPOC New Yorkers who heavily rely on bus service and who need and deserve frequent and reliable transportation.

However, our issues started when we transferred to the Newark PATH train.

Good morning. I am Felicia Park-Rogers, Director of Regional Infrastructure Projects for Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a policy and advocacy organization working to improve equity and

Hello. My name is Felicia Park-Rogers, Director of Regional Infrastructure Projects for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. TSTC is a regional transit and transportation policy, advocacy,

Good morning, and thank you, Chair Paulin, for holding this hearing today. My name is Liam Blank, and I am the Policy & Communications Manager