Upstate transit advocate presses for parity in state funding

Advocates argue that upstate transit needs “a sustainable, dedicated revenue source” because it lags well behind the growth in downstate transit aid. 

Miguel Velázquez, president of the New York Public Transit Association (NYPTA) and CEO of the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, told Capital Tonight that NYPTA members, including transit authorities in Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo, have invested in improved services and infrastructure. But without at least a 15% increase in state money over the next two years, they won’t be able to maintain service at the current level. 

He spoke with Capital Tonight host Susan Arbetter about the governor’s executive budget proposal.