Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
MTA

Asked for His MetroCard, Diaz Goes Berserk

diazgrabpost.jpgRemember when a local "investigative reporter" badgered Lee Sander on how often he takes the train? The Post decided to give the Fare Hike Four and their Senate allies the same treatment, and found all but one of them without a MetroCard.

Regardless, when asked if they use the transit system, most replied in the affirmative. Not so in the case of Ruben Diaz, Sr., who -- well, we'll let him tell you.

"Don't ask me if I ride or don't ride. It doesn't mean anything," said Diaz. "Who rides the subway doesn't matter. You don't listen to me. It doesn't matter who rides the subway. I don't care who rides the train or who doesn't ride the train.

"Listen to what I'm saying," he said on a continuing tirade. "English, English, English. I don't care who rides the train who rides the train or not. Whoever rides the train or whenever they ride the train, I'm offering the best plan."

That plan, one that he said would hit straphangers with only "a 4 percent" fare increase, was slammed by Gov. Paterson, the MTA and transit advocates as having bad math. It would actually carry a 17 percent fare increase, they said.

"I'm here representing a community," Diaz said. "For the community I represent, I'm offering four things: No layoffs, no tolls, no cut of services, and a 4 percent increase of fare."

Asked earlier this week by another reporter about protests in his district -- where 67 percent of households don't own cars -- Diaz replied: "The gays demonstrate in front of my office, too. Everyone demonstrates in front of my office! I love those people."

So, people, Diaz loves you, even if you're one of the "the gays." But he really, really doesn't care that you ride the train.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Preventable’: Hit-and-Run Driver Kills Two on Third. Ave Corridor Eric Adams Refuses to Make Safer

A motorist struck and killed two men on a strip where Mayor Adams recently shelved a safety redesign amid a backlash from local business interests.

July 11, 2025

Why No BRT For NYC? Two New Reports Tackle Why Your Bus Service Sucks

Years of bus priority projects barely made a dent in speeds because Big Apple leaders won't install real bus rapid transit, two recent reports argue.

July 11, 2025

Citi Bike Riders Are Pissed About Eric Adams’s 15 MPH Speed Limit

Citi Bike's new 15 mph max speed limit is a bad deal for riders and a potential threat to safety, riders said.

July 11, 2025

Friday Video: Cyclists, Check Out Your Next City

Streetfilms' Clarence Eckerson visited London earlier this summer to check in on the Big Smoke's cycling revolution.

July 11, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Just the News Edition

We've got one more workday before we can hit the beach. Plus the news.

July 11, 2025

Council To Close Instacart Loophole, Pass Delivery Industry Regulation Bills

The City Council will vote on Monday to close the "Instacart loophole" and force all app companies to pay workers a minimum wage.

July 10, 2025
See all posts