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

A Round and a Roundy: Who Will Save the MTA?

Cartoon: Bill Roundy

Editorial cartoonist Bill Roundy by editorial cartoonist Bill Roundy.
Editorial cartoonist Bill Roundy by editorial cartoonist Bill Roundy.
Editorial cartoon of Bill Roundy by editorial cartoonist Bill Roundy.

This week's cartoon by Bill Roundy is inspired by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's reluctance to help transit systems across the country deal with the perfect storm of problems: a COVID-19 pandemic that sickened workforces, eliminated virtually all ridership except essential workers, and basically eliminated revenue.

MTA officials and Gov. Cuomo have said that only a massive influx of federal cash is the only thing that can save the system at this point.

But that cash bailout would have to make it past McConnell's desk in the Russell Senate Office Building, which at this point seems unlikely. The Kentucky lawmaker has not commented when asked about the money, and adjourned the Senate until Sept. 8 anyway.

Meanwhile, MTA officials, as our cartoonist depicts them, have run out of ideas as they near the abyss. As our own Dave Colon reported earlier in the month, the MTA does have some options, but none is palatable.

Hence this cartoon. Enjoy.

All of Bill Roundy's cartoons are archived here.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Amtrak’s Dithering Means Penn Access Won’t Be Done Until 2030, MTA Says

Boom: The MTA's ambitious Penn Access project is delayed until 2030 at the earliest ... and Amtrak is to blame, says the MTA.

October 28, 2025

From Parking to Park: East Side Lot To Become Public Space

The East Side finally gets back some of its waterfront from cars.

October 28, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: ‘Life After Cars’ With Doug Gordon and Saray Goodyear

Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon of The War on Cars podcast on their new book, opposing views, Turtle Jesus and potential off-ramps towards car-free cities.

October 28, 2025

Vision Zero Cities: How Istanbul Builds Subways Cheap — And What U.S. Cities Can Learn

Istanbul has expanded its subway network by more than 200 miles over the past three decades.

October 28, 2025
See all posts