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

Friday’s Headlines: The MTA Needs More Money Edition

It costs a lot to clean the subway, which is why the MTA is out of money.

On Thursday, the Senate decided to not bother to take up a transit bailout package, as Majority Leader Mitch McConnell punted the issue to next week (CNBC).

The timing couldn't be worse because the MTA said on Thursday that the last pennies of the $3.8-billion it received earlier in the pandemic would run out ... today (amNY). (In case you missed it, our editorial cartoonist had some fun with the fiscal crisis.)

Let's hope we get some good news next week. Until then, here's today's news:

    • The Post played it as a joke, but what are people supposed to do if they want to exercise their constitutional right to protest their government if the government doesn't make proper hygienic facilities available? Must people rally only in between rushing home to pee?
    • Subway ridership continues to surge, which Mayor de Blasio attributed to how clean the trains are — giving Gov. Cuomo less of a reason to restore full 24-7 service. (NY Post)
    • The Independent Budget Office confirmed what we all know (and we reported many times): Drivers were speeding like crazy during the height of the pandemic. (amNY)
    • And in case you missed it, Streetsblog and Chalkbeat, the seminal education site, collaborated on a story about how pressure is mounting on Mayor de Blasio to hold public school classes outdoors — on car-free streets!
    • Meanwhile, the principals' union is upset at the Department of Education's slow planning process for opening schools in little more than a month. (WSJ, NY Post)
    • Here's more good news about the chokehold bill signed by the mayor earlier this month: It has Cuomo's state troopers so worried that they're backing off from using the illegal tactic. (NY Post)
    • Eight public pools will open today. Here's a list. (NY Post)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Friday’s Headlines: City of Yes Edition

There was only one story yesterday: The embattled mayor succeeded in passing what might become the signature initiative of his one term. But there was other news, too.

November 22, 2024

Analysis: Mayor Gets the ‘W,’ But Council Turns His Zoning Plan into ‘City Of Yes … Sort Of’

The City Council took a crucial step towards passing City of Yes, but it also let low density areas opt out of much of the plan.

November 22, 2024

Five Ways New NYPD Boss Jessica Tisch Can Fix Our Dangerous Streets

If the Sanitation Commissioner wants to use her new position to make city streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, here's where she can start.

November 21, 2024

What Do the Mayoral Candidates Think Of ‘City of Yes’?

Too bad for Hizzoner that challengers Zellnor Myrie, Brad Lander, Scott Stringer, Jessica Ramos and Zohran Mamdani — all Democrats — aren't on the Council. 

November 21, 2024
See all posts