Assemblyman Colton Fights to Stop MTA’s “Doomsday” Service Cuts and Fare Increases
bottom The threat was real, and the Senate and Assembly worked tirelessly to reach a funding solution for the MTA’s current financial crisis to minimize the impact on the millions of people who rely on our subways and buses every day. Main highlights of the final compromise include:
Fighting against fare increases
The MTA proposed sky-high fare hikes at a time when riders are already financially strapped. The plan prevented the 32 percent increase in fares - instead, commuters can expect a greatly reduced 10 percent increase.

It funds two years of capital projects, including vital transit and commuter rail maintenance and modernization projects, and does not add new tolls on bridges that have historically been toll-free.
Sharing the burden
The budget crisis facing the MTA is a regional problem, and the burden to make our transit system whole must be shared by everyone, not just NYC riders. The compromise achieved protects services and limits fare increases by instituting:
Reforming the MTA
To ensure the future of New York’s transportation system, the MTA must be overhauled. Board members should not be appointed without consideration of their relevant experience and expertise. The plan requires a transparent process and long-term fiscal responsibility to root out MTA financial mismanagement. It also creates a public input office where riders can voice their thoughts and concerns about transit projects and service.
Preventing service cuts
The MTA had proposed service cuts including eliminating local bus routes, slashing weekend and late night service, closing many subway stations overnight, and completely eliminating some subway lines. For many of us, mass transit is the only way to get to work, the supermarket, place of worship, school, or doctor.

The final plan stopped the following service cuts and eliminations that would have affected our neighborhood:
Protecting our Children
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Assemblyman Colton meets with community group members to discuss his legislation which would increase penalties for those who attempt to lure and harm children using the internet.
Community Announcements
bottom2 MetroCard Mobile staff are at Assemblyman Colton’s District Office, 155 Kings Highway, between West 12 & West 13 Streets on the last Friday of each month from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon to assist seniors over 65, and those with disabilities in obtaining Reduced Fare MetroCards. Remaining dates for 2009: 6/26, 7/31, 8/28, 9/25, 10/30, 11/20, and 12/18. No appointment is needed.

Bensonhurst Senior Center, 7802 Bay Parkway, offers exercise, computer classes, music, social dancing, parties, trips, arts & crafts and a daily hot lunch for a $1.00 donation. Membership is free for persons aged 60 and over. There is a ground-level lift for persons with walking difficulties. For information, call 718-943-6310.
Fighting for Public Transit
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Assemblyman Colton addresses the crowd gathered to rally in front of MTA headquarters protesting the proposed fare increases and “doomsday” service cuts.
Improving Education
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Assemblyman Colton works with leaders from the United Federation of Teachers, meeting in Albany to renew our commitment to funding our children’s education.
Defending our Quality of Life
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Fighting against plans to construct a waste transfer station on Gravesend Bay, Assemblyman Colton leads community members in speaking out to protect our neighborhood.
Encouraging Student Achievement
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Students from the Brooklyn Studio Secondary School demonstrate the project they created for the New York City History Day to Assemblyman Colton and staff member Nancy Stanco.
Join Assemblyman Colton at the Community Action Network kickoff!
Assemblyman Colton announces the formation of the Community Action Network and invites you to the kickoff meeting.

There are countless threats to the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Working families struggle to make ends meet. Senior citizens sacrifice needed health care to pay for other necessities. Small businesses struggle to stay afloat. Jobs are disappearing as the economy continues to falter. These worries affect all of us and are increasing everyday.

“We have the power to make things better, the power to make a difference,” said Assemblyman Colton.

“If we can come together, as neighbors and as concerned members of our community - parents, students, seniors, commuters, business owners, faith-based groups, and service organizations - we will have the opportunity to share our strength, to help one another, and to coordinate our efforts on issues that affect all of us. Various groups have achieved degrees of success while working separately on issues of concern, but that is only the beginning of the change we can create by working together.”
Community Action Network
Kickoff Meeting • June 25th • 8:00 P.M.
29 Bay 25th Street • Brooklyn
Assemblyman Colton’s District Office is here to help!
155 Kings Highway (between West 12 & West 13 Streets), Brooklyn, NY 11223
Office Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday -Wednesday, 12 noon-8 p.m. Thursday, and 10 a.m.-12 noon Friday • (718) 236-1598 coltonw@assembly.state.ny.us
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