The New York City Transit System Commissioner appointed by the governor amid accusations that the New York State Legislature downplayed a spike in subway crime to praise new Manhattan toll plazas aimed at directing commuters underground demanded the dismissal of the chief.
In comments on a Bloomberg podcast, MTA Chairman Jano Lieber argued that crime at the MTA is on the decline and that recent virus incidents give the impression of a system-wide security crisis.
“The overall statistics are positive. Last year we [had] In fact, crime is down 12.5% compared to 2019. . . ,” he said.
“But there’s no question that these high-profile incidents, these horrific attacks, have stuck with people and made the whole system less secure.”
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Sen. Steve Rhodes and other New York state senators took to the podium to demand the removal of MTA Chairman Jano Lieber. (NYS Senate Republican official photo)
Rep. Michael Lawler (R.N.Y.) shared footage of Lieber ceremonially unveiling one of the new “congestion pricing” programs near Lincoln Center, saying the agency is “starting with Jano Lieber. I need an enema.”
“It’s outrageous that New Yorkers are happy to extort their hard-earned money just for the privilege of driving to work,” Lawler wrote, adding that Hochul “needs to be overthrown by 2026. ” he added.
Lieber responded by criticizing Lawler, telling MSNBC that the Rockland County lawmaker is engaging in “grievance politics.”
Lieber said multiple constituents in Roller City (a bedroom community 30 miles north of the city) already rely on public transportation, and people who drive down the Palisades to the “congestion toll” zone every day He claimed it was only “1 percent.”
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MTA Chairman Jano Lieber and New York Governor Kathy Hochul (Getty)
New York City has imposed a new $9 toll to enter areas below Manhattan’s Central Park, infuriating not only commuters but also residents within its borders.
Commuters from Long Island found themselves facing obstacles when trying to access the upper levels of the Queensboro Bridge, the last unimpeded entrance to Manhattan.
At the exit of a luxury building on the East Side, residents were forced to inadvertently pass through a toll gantry even if they were trying to go uptown. While leaving the zone, suburban neighborhoods were bracing for an influx of suburbanites seeking parking to avoid tolls.
New York State Senate Deputy Minority Leader Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island) condemns Lieber:
“Gianno, before you get your head out of your pile of statistics, get out from behind your computer and try to ignore, dismiss, or insult statistics, please walk a mile in your rider’s shoes,” Lanza said. he said.
“The people of this state and city deserve to know the truth and real solutions, not some crazy person trying to tell themselves they’re doing a good job.”
Sen. Bill Weber of Valley Cottage added, “Albany Democrats say congestion pricing is to alleviate traffic congestion, but at what cost? It punishes everyday people, including the elderly going to the doctor’s appointments and people who are already struggling to make a living,” he added. meet. “
“For them, this is not just a burden, it’s another obstacle in their daily life. Tell me, how is this progressive?” he asked.
Sen. Steve Rhodes of Nassau previously quipped that the MTA acronym stands for “throw away money,” and this week his constituents, who rely on railroads like the LIRR, expressed distrust of the agency. He said that he is recruiting.
”[Lieber] “He has no idea what it means to be a working-class New Yorker,” Rose said, adding that “affordability and safety are big concerns for real people, but for him they are abstract concepts.” ” he said.
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MTA Chairman Janno Lieber, Governor Kathleen Hochul, and the new toll gantry on Fifth Avenue. ((Luis C. Ribeiro/Gardiner Anderson/Theodore Parisienne, New York Daily News/Tribune News Service, via Getty Images)
Mr. Lieber was previously an executive at Silverstein Properties, where he most recently oversaw the World Trade Center project, served as transportation advisor to President Bill Clinton and Mayor Ed Koch, and as a journalist for the New Republic.
He also served as the MTA’s Capital Development Director under Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Cuomo remains a strong supporter of congestion pricing plans, recently telling Fox News Digital through a spokesperson that, given the lack of confidence in subway safety and changes in the system, now is the time to implement tolls. He said he was hesitant about whether it was the right time to do so. city since the coronavirus pandemic.
“There is no denying that New York is in a dramatically different situation today than it was in 2019,” Cuomo said. It could have a negative impact.” Rich Azzopardi said last week.
State Sen. Alexis Wake (R-Suffolk) called the video of Lieber’s Broadway billboard unveiling a “sneaky show of glee and greed” and called on the Financial Review Board to scrutinize the transit agency’s books. Ta.
In response to numerous calls for Lieber to be removed, MTA Director of Policy and External Affairs John J. McCarthy defended Lieber.
“Under Chairman Lieber’s leadership, the MTA has added service, opened new terminals, and provided Long Island and Hudson Valley voters with record on-time performance while providing the most reliable service in 12 years,” McCarthy said. We have provided high-quality subway services.”
“But apparently none of that prevents the abuse of out-of-touch politicians.”
Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital.
He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant.
Charles covers media, politics and culture for Fox News Digital.
Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduate of Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. Story tips can be sent to charles.creitz@fox.com.
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