Support our Sponsors
St. John's Westchester Orthopedic Center
Letters-to-the-Editor & Commentary

HAPPY 59TH BIRTHDAY TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

• Bookmarks: 187


July 5, 2023

Dear Letters Editor:
 
July, 2023 marks the 59th Anniversary of federal government support for public transportation.  The success of public transportation can be traced back to one of the late President Lyndon Johnson’s greatest accomplishments which continues benefiting many Americans today.  On July 9th, 1964 he signed the “Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964” into law.  Subsequently this has resulted in the investment over time of several hundred billion dollars into public transportation. 
 
Millions of Americans including many residing in Westchester County today on a daily basis utilize various public transportation alternatives.  They include local and express bus, paratransit or  van, ferry, jitney, light rail, subway and commuter rail services.   All of these systems use less fuel and move far more people than conventional single occupancy vehicles.  Most of these systems are funded with your tax dollars thanks to President Johnson.
 

Depending upon where you live, consider the public transportation alternative. Try riding a local or express bus, commuter van, ferry, light rail, commuter rail or subway.

In 1968, the MTA also acquired through lease the New York State commuter trackage of Penn Central’s Hudson, Harlem and New Haven lines, contracting their subsidized operation to Penn Central.  In 1976, they became part of Conrail.  In 1983 the Metro-North Railroad was formed to take over all of Conrail’s NYS commuter operations. The MTA took over all service in 1983, as the Metro North Railroad. There is also Westchester Bee Line bus system.

 
Using MTA Metro or OMNY Cards provides free transfers between the subway and bus.  This has eliminated the old two fare zones making public transportation an even better bargain.  Purchasing a monthly Metro North Rail Road or MTA subway/bus pass reduces the cost per ride and provides virtually unlimited trips.
 

In many cases, employers can offer transit checks which help subsidizes a portion of the costs.  Utilize this and reap the benefits.

Support our Sponsors
La Catena Restaurant Ardsley - holiday parties

The ability to travel from home to workplace, school, shopping, entertainment, medical, library etc. is a factor when moving to a new neighborhood.  Economically successful communities are not 100% dependent on automobiles as the sole means of mobility.  Seniors, students, low and middle income people need these transportation alternatives.  Investment in public transportation today contributes to economic growth, employment and a stronger economy.  Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best investments we can make.

 
Sincerely,
Larry Penner
(Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.  This included the development, review, approval and oversight for billions in capital projects and programs for Westchester County Bee Line Bus, Putnam Area Rapid Transit Bus, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, NYC Transit bus, subway and Staten Island Railway, Long Island and Metro North Rail Roads, MTA Bus, NYCDOT Staten Island Ferry along with 30 other transit agencies in NY & NJ.).
Read or leave a comment on this story...


Support our Sponsors
  • Andrea Martone's 2024 sales - Houlihan Lawrence Realty
  • La Catena Restaurant Ardsley - holiday parties
  • Tranquility Spa - Scarsdale
  • Piccola Trattoria open for brunch - Dobbs Ferry

Irvington Resident Representing Rivertowns in NY Pageant

By Rick Pezzullo--- An Irvington resident will be representing the rivertowns in the upcoming 2025 Miss NY for America Strong...
Read More

More State Funding Sought for Road Safety Improvements

By Rick Pezzullo--- State Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky (D/Greenburgh) was among a slew of elected officials and union leaders who called...
Read More

Weremother

WEREMOTHER: Nightbitch & Yellowjacket By Krista Madsen Give me a long four-day weekend (Thanksgiving) and I’m most likely—as my former Home|body title...
Read More

Senior Dies in Condo Fire in Tarrytown

By Rick Pezzullo--- A 77-year-old woman was killed in a fire just after midnight Thursday at a condominium complex on...
Read More

Local Boys’ Hoops Team Looking to Hit Their Stride for Postseason

By Tom Pedulla--- The local high school boys’ basketball season is ready to get into full swing. Here is an...
Read More

Kendal on Hudson Renovation Project in SH Receives County Financing

By Rick Pezzullo--- A renovation project at Kendal on Hudson in Sleepy Hollow recently received a financial boost from Westchester...
Read More

Tarrytown Ranks High in Nation for Main Street Holiday Shopping

By Rick Pezzullo--- When it comes to rivertowns, Tarrytown is often mentioned as one of Westchester’s jewels. Now, Tarrytown has...
Read More

Girls Varsity Basketball Teams Enter Season with Optimism

By Tom Pedulla--- The local girls’ basketball season is tipping off. Here is a look at each team in the...
Read More

Students ‘Hit the Boards!’ at Irvington Middle School

By Rick Pezzullo--- When students at Irvington Middle School hear the phrase “hit the boards,” they enthusiastically dive into the...
Read More

Loscher Looks to Turn Around SH Boys Basketball Program

By Tom Pedulla--- Sleepy Hollow High School’s long-suffering boys’ basketball program, which may have reached its nadir with three-win seasons...
Read More
187 recommended
613 views
bookmark icon