Nine Dead. Hundreds Broken. Streets Bleed While Albany Stalls.

Mayoral hopefuls hammered Eric Adams for broken bus lane promises. At a transit forum, they called out City Hall’s slow pace. The law demands 30 miles a year. Adams delivered half. Candidates pledged pro-transit reforms. Riders wait. Streets stay dangerous.

On December 3, 2024, a mayoral candidate forum on NYC bus service and transportation policy spotlighted City Hall’s failures. The event, organized by Riders Alliance, saw candidates attack Mayor Eric Adams for not meeting the Streets Master Plan law, which mandates 30 new miles of bus lanes each year. Adams’ administration installed only 15.7 miles last fiscal year. State Sen. Jessica Ramos said, 'The current mayor promised 150 miles of bus lanes and hasn't delivered.' Comptroller Brad Lander promised a 'professional, world-class DOT commissioner.' Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani vowed to resist business interests blocking bus projects. Sen. Zellnor Myrie, mentioned at the forum, made pro-transit promises. The forum exposed how political inaction and broken promises keep streets unsafe for bus riders and pedestrians.

• Mayoral candidates hit Adams on failed promises to boost NYC's bus service, gothamist.com, Published 2024-12-03

Six mayoral hopefuls faced off on transit. They promised bus lanes, free buses, and fair fares. Each slammed the mayor’s record. They called for less fare enforcement, more service. Riders, not drivers, took center stage. Words flew. Streets stayed dangerous.

On December 3, 2024, six candidates for New York City mayor—Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden—spoke at a Riders Alliance forum. The event focused on transit policy. Candidates pledged support for bus lanes, free buses, expanded Fair Fares, and shifting gas tax funds to mass transit. Lander vowed to end subway and street homelessness for the severely mentally ill by connecting them to stable housing. Mamdani promised a world-class bus network. Myrie pushed for citywide bus lanes. Ramos called for automatic Fair Fares registration. Stringer backed more bus routes. Walden opposed fare evasion crackdowns, urging resources go to service instead. All criticized Mayor Adams’ record on bus lanes and congestion pricing. The forum highlighted a united front for safer, more accessible transit, but offered no immediate relief for vulnerable road users.

• Promises, Promises: What the Candidates Said At The Transit Forum, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-12-03

A 52-year-old man on a Fly motorcycle struck the rear of a vehicle on the Koch Bridge bike path. He flew from the bike, torn and bleeding, his whole body injured. The crash left the path silent, the man conscious but battered.

A violent collision unfolded on the Koch Bridge pedestrian and bike path when a 52-year-old man riding a 2023 Fly motorcycle struck the rear of another vehicle, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 21:45, with the motorcycle traveling east. The report states the rider was 'partially ejected,' suffering severe lacerations and injuries to his entire body. He was conscious at the scene. Police cite 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor, placing responsibility on the motorcycle operator for failing to maintain a safe distance. The report notes the rider wore no helmet or armor. The rear impact left the path silent, the man torn open and bleeding. No contributing factors are listed for the other vehicle or any pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4769124 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A Dodge pickup hit a 36-year-old woman riding her bike on 34th Avenue near 37th Street. Her body was thrown. The bike was crushed. A parked BMW was scarred. She wore a helmet. She died there, under the streetlights.

According to the police report, a Dodge pickup truck traveling straight struck a 36-year-old woman riding a bicycle on 34th Avenue near 37th Street in Queens. The report states, 'Her body was thrown. The bike lay crushed. A parked BMW scarred.' The collision resulted in the cyclist's death at the scene. The report notes the cyclist was wearing a helmet. The parked BMW sustained damage to its left front bumper. The contributing factors are listed as 'Unspecified.' The report does not cite any cyclist behavior as a contributing factor. The focus remains on the impact and the lethal force of the pickup truck, which was moving straight ahead when it struck the cyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765626 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Governor Hochul stalls congestion pricing, leaving MTA riders in limbo. The pause threatens subway and bus service. Advocates demand any replacement funds boost operations, not highways. Riders need frequent, affordable transit—not more gridlock and pollution.

This editorial, published October 1, 2024, addresses Governor Hochul’s decision to pause congestion pricing and seek alternative funding for the MTA’s $15-billion capital plan. The article states: “If the governor wants to do the MTA and riders a favor, she should use the money she finds to instead boost MTA operations.” Author Samuel Santaella criticizes Hochul’s move, arguing it jeopardizes service for working-class New Yorkers. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Michael Gianaris are cited as proponents of fare-free buses, while Riders Alliance pushes for six-minute service. The piece urges Hochul to reject highway expansions and instead invest in frequent, affordable transit. The editorial frames this as a fight for clean air, equity, and safety for all New Yorkers who rely on public transportation.

• OPINION: Any Money Hochul Finds to ‘Replace’ Congestion Pricing Should Fund Fares and Frequency, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-10-01

Governor Hochul halted New York City’s congestion pricing plan days before rollout. She cited economic pain for working New Yorkers. Transit advocates called it a betrayal. The move leaves city streets clogged and transit funding in limbo. Vulnerable road users remain at risk.

""Hochul pulled out the rug from more than 7 million New Yorkers who rely on public transit and did it all in the name of political cowardice. This is an illustration of political malpractice of the highest order."" -- Zohran Mamdani

On June 5, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul abruptly paused New York City’s congestion pricing plan, just weeks before its scheduled start. The policy reversal, covered by Gothamist, sparked outrage among transit advocates and progressives. Hochul claimed, 'We need to make sure our solutions work for everyone, especially those who are struggling to make ends meet.' Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani condemned the move as 'political malpractice.' Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, District 23, was mentioned in coverage but did not take a direct action. The decision leaves the city’s streets congested and public transit funding uncertain. No safety analyst has yet assessed the impact on vulnerable road users, but the pause maintains current dangers for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Hochul says NYC congestion pause is good economics. Critics say it’s politics., gothamist.com, Published 2024-06-05

A Mazda SUV slammed into a parked taxi on 36th Avenue. The SUV driver lost consciousness and died at the wheel. The taxi’s left side crumpled. No passengers. No escape. Metal bent. Silence followed where breath once was.

A fatal collision unfolded on 36th Avenue near 36-13 in Queens when a Mazda SUV veered into a parked taxi, according to the police report. The crash occurred at 2:00 p.m. The SUV driver, age 42, lost consciousness and died at the wheel. The police report lists 'Lost Consciousness' as the contributing factor. The impact buckled the taxi’s left side doors. No passengers were present in either vehicle. The narrative states, 'No escape. Just silence where breath once was.' The report does not cite any contributing behaviors from the taxi driver or any other victims. The focus remains on the sudden incapacitation of the SUV driver, which led directly to the collision and fatality.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729469 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Albany sends $12 million to expand city bus service. The free bus pilot dies. Riders get more buses but lose free rides. Councilmember Hanks pushes for more OMNY machines. The city moves, but not all riders win.

On April 26, 2024, New York State lawmakers approved over $12 million to increase bus service across New York City. The decision ended funding for the MTA's pilot program that made one bus route in each borough free. The matter, titled 'NYC to get a boost in bus service, but pilot program for free routes ends,' highlights the trade-off: more buses, but no more free rides. Councilmember Kamillah Hanks of District 49 introduced a resolution urging the MTA to install at least 30 OMNY card vending machines in every borough, noting not all riders can pay by smartphone. The bill is not tied to a specific council committee or number. Hanks is mentioned for her advocacy on OMNY access. The move increases bus frequency but leaves low-income and cash riders behind. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users was assessed.

• NYC to get a boost in bus service, but pilot program for free routes ends, gothamist.com, Published 2024-04-26

A Jeep crashed into a Honda on Astoria Boulevard. Metal twisted, blood spilled. Alcohol lingered in the night air. The Honda’s driver, 56, suffered a neck wound but stayed conscious. Parked vehicles absorbed the force. Systemic danger left its mark.

According to the police report, a Jeep collided with a Honda near 28-10 Astoria Boulevard in Queens at 9:00 p.m. The impact crushed metal and sent both vehicles into a parked Dodge pickup. The Honda’s 56-year-old driver suffered severe neck bleeding but remained conscious. The report states, 'Alcohol Involvement' as a contributing factor. The narrative describes the Jeep 'tore into a Honda, metal folding like paper,' and notes, 'Alcohol hung in the air.' No seatbelt was used by the injured driver, but this is mentioned only after the primary driver error. The crash underscores the lethal mix of alcohol and speed on city streets, with parked vehicles and bystanders left vulnerable to the violence of impact.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4718769 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Mayor Adams broke the law. He built too few bus lanes. Riders wait. Buses crawl. Council Member Mamdani calls him out. City Hall dodges. Streets stay clogged. Vulnerable New Yorkers pay the price. The city drags its feet. The danger grows.

This is not a bill, but a policy failure. In 2022, city law required 20 miles of new bus lanes. Adams built 12.9. In 2023, the law demanded 30 miles. Only 7.8 appeared. Council Member Zohran Kwame Mamdani slammed the mayor: 'How can he call himself a law and order mayor, when New Yorkers can’t trust him to follow the law?' The Adams administration, through spokesperson Liz Garcia, claimed progress: 'We continue to work with our partners in the MTA and with communities across the city to build on this record of success.' But the numbers tell a harsher story. Bus speeds have dropped since Adams took office. Riders, many with no other option, face longer waits and slower trips. The city’s failure to build bus lanes leaves streets more dangerous for those outside cars.

• Wednesday’s Headlines: Get the Buses Moving Edition, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-04-10

Congestion pricing is coming. Advocates want more than fewer cars. They demand free transit, faster buses, wide bike lanes, and car-free school streets. The plan targets space now wasted on traffic. The goal: safer, freer movement for all New Yorkers.

This opinion statement, published March 21, 2024, in Streetsblog NYC, lays out a vision for maximizing the impact of congestion pricing in New York City. Sara Lind, speaking for her organization, urges city and state leaders to seize the moment. She calls for free bus and ferry rides during the first week, dedicated bus lanes, double-wide bike lanes on major avenues, and car-free streets near schools. The statement reads: 'Congestion pricing isn't important only because it will reduce the number of cars below 60th Street in Manhattan; its true value lies in what else we can get when that happens.' No council bill number or committee is attached, as this is an advocacy statement. The proposals center vulnerable road users—children, cyclists, bus riders—by demanding space and safety where cars once ruled.

• Opinion: Here’s How to Get Congestion Pricing Right, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-21

Lawmakers push $90 million for faster, freer buses. The plan boosts service and expands free routes. Riders win more access. The bill also funds rail links and fare breaks for low-income, seniors, and disabled. Enforcement on tolls gets softer. Streets shift for people.

On March 12, 2024, state lawmakers released a budget proposal targeting New York City transit. The bill, led by Andrea Stewart-Cousins and mentioned in the Assembly and Senate one-house budgets, calls for $90 million to increase bus frequency and expand the MTA's free bus pilot. The matter summary states: 'State lawmakers proposed spending $90 million this year to improve bus service frequency and expand the scope of the MTA's free bus pilot.' The proposal, supported by Sen. Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, also adopts the FARES Act, extending half-price MetroCards to commuter rail, and funds new discounts for seniors and people with disabilities. Lawmakers back the QueensLink rail project and recommend subway improvements. They reject tougher toll enforcement, instead supporting the Toll Payer Protection Act. The plan aims to make transit faster, cheaper, and more accessible for millions of riders.

• State lawmakers propose $90 million for more frequent buses, fare-free pilot in budget response, amny.com, Published 2024-03-12

Albany lawmakers want more buses and cheaper fares. They propose $90 million for frequent service and 15 new free routes. The plan targets gridlock and aims to boost ridership before congestion pricing hits. Riders in every borough stand to gain.

Bill proposals in the New York State Assembly and Senate, introduced in February 2024 by State Sen. Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, seek $90 million for increased bus service and 15 more free bus routes. These measures, part of the 'Get Congestion Pricing Right' package, appear in both houses’ 'one-house' budgets as of March 12, 2024. The matter summary states: 'City buses would run more frequently under new proposals from state legislators in Albany, who included increased bus services and new fare discounts in budget proposals.' Mamdani and Gianaris led the push, citing the need for better transit before congestion pricing launches this summer. Their plan includes expanded Fair Fares, new discounts for seniors and disabled riders, and a weekly CityTicket for unlimited intracity rail travel. Advocates and lawmakers argue these steps are critical for equity and access, especially as the city prepares to charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street. The proposals now enter negotiations with Governor Hochul.

• Legislators Propose More Bus Service, Transit Discounts In State Budget Negotiations, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-12

Lawmakers push to triple fare-free bus lines. Fifteen routes, more buses, faster rides. Focus on low-income neighborhoods. The move aims to shift New Yorkers from cars to transit. Congestion pricing looms. Riders want speed, reliability, and access.

Senator Michael Gianaris introduced the 'Congestion Pricing Done Right' bill on March 4, 2024. The bill, now before the legislature, seeks to expand New York City's fare-free bus pilot from five to fifteen lines, with three in each borough. The measure promises $45 million for better bus reliability and frequency, targeting low-income and disadvantaged communities. The bill summary states: 'expand and extend New York City's fare-free bus pilot program.' Gianaris, as sponsor, aims to boost mass transit before congestion pricing takes effect. Supporters, including Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, Riders Alliance, and the Transport Workers Union, stress that affordable, frequent buses are vital for safety and equity. MTA Chair Janno Lieber backs more service but warns that bus lanes lag behind. The bill focuses on routes that can handle more buses without new infrastructure, aiming to make public transit a real alternative to cars.

• More free rides? State lawmakers look to triple size of NYC fare-free bus pilot, increase frequency ahead of congestion pricing, amny.com, Published 2024-03-04

Legislators blasted Mayor Adams for failing bus riders. They unveiled a $90-million plan to boost bus service. Adams faces accusations of incompetence and ignoring the law. Bus speeds drop. Riders wait. The mayor stalls. Streets stay dangerous for those outside cars.

On February 9, 2024, at a legislative press conference, State Sen. Mike Gianaris and Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani announced a $90-million proposal to expand bus service and the MTA's free bus pilot. The event, covered by Streetsblog NYC, became a public reckoning for Mayor Adams's transportation record. The matter: 'a proposal in Albany to increase bus service before congestion pricing begins.' Mamdani accused Adams of 'incompetence' and violating the Streets Master Plan law, which requires 30 miles of new bus lanes each year. Reporters pressed for answers on mayoral compliance. MTA CEO Janno Lieber praised Adams's past promises but noted the lack of progress. The mayor's spokesperson defended the administration, but data shows bus speeds have dropped since Adams took office. No safety analyst has formally assessed the impact, but the lack of bus lanes leaves vulnerable road users exposed to traffic danger and slow, unreliable transit.

• Pressure Mounts on ‘Incompetent’ Mayor Adams To Build Some Freakin’ Bus Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-09

Mayor Adams boasted of bus lane progress. The numbers tell a different story. His administration missed legal targets two years running. Bus speeds fell. Promised projects stalled or died. Riders wait. Streets stay dangerous. Words do not move buses.

On February 6, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams declared his administration had done an 'amazing job' building bus lanes in New York City. In reality, Adams missed legal targets: only 12.9 miles built in 2022 out of 20 required, and 13.3 miles in 2023 out of 30. Bus speeds dropped from 7.7 mph in January 2022 to 7.4 mph in December 2023. Adams claimed his approach was 'revolutionary' for prioritizing community input. Critics, including Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and Riders Alliance spokesman Danny Pearlstein, countered that Adams canceled or stalled key projects like Fordham Road, despite strong community support. Mamdani said, 'he's made 1.4 million daily bus riders take the slowest buses in the country.' The mayor’s promises remain unmet. Bus riders and pedestrians still wait for safer, faster streets.

• ‘We’ve Done An Amazing Job Building Bus Lanes,’ Says Mayor Who Keeps Killing Bus Lanes, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-02-06

Mayor Adams boasts of bus lane progress. The numbers tell another story. Promised miles not built. Bus speeds drop. Riders stranded. Assembly Member Mamdani calls out broken promises. The city stalls. Streets stay dangerous for those outside cars.

On February 6, 2024, Mayor Adams declared his administration had done an 'amazing job' building bus lanes. The facts cut through the claim. In 2022, only 12.9 miles of bus lanes were built out of a required 20. In 2023, just 13.3 miles out of a required 30. The Department of Transportation missed legal targets both years. The matter, as reported, states: 'Mayor Adams claimed... his administration has done an "amazing job" building bus lanes... despite missing legally required targets.' Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, representing District 36, slammed the mayor for scrapping key projects and failing bus riders. Mamdani said, '49 percent of bus riders are dissatisfied with wait times... instead he's made 1.4 million daily bus riders take the slowest buses in the country.' Riders Alliance joined the criticism, demanding a real plan for the 130 miles of overdue bus lanes. The city’s inaction leaves vulnerable road users exposed, with no clear agenda for safer, faster streets.

• We've Done An Amazing Job Building Bus Lanes,' Says Mayor Who Keeps Killing Bus Lanes, streetsblog.org, Published 2024-02-06

A moped and taxi slammed head-on on Northern Boulevard. Metal shrieked. The 59-year-old moped rider, helmeted, died from massive facial injuries. The street fell silent. Inexperience and improper lane use drove the fatal impact.

A deadly crash unfolded on Northern Boulevard near 29th Street in Queens. A moped and a taxi collided head-on. The 59-year-old moped rider, wearing a helmet, was killed by severe facial injuries. According to the police report, 'Inexperience steered the crash.' The report lists 'Driver Inexperience' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The moped and taxi both suffered front-end damage. No injuries to the taxi driver were reported. The crash highlights the lethal consequences when driver errors—specifically inexperience and improper lane use—combine on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4682752 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Bus ridership in New York City is back to pre-pandemic numbers—if you count those who ride without paying. The MTA pushes fare enforcement. Lawmakers and labor say focus on service, not punishment. Riders, mostly working class, depend on these buses to survive.

This policy debate, highlighted on November 16, 2023, centers on bus fare evasion, free bus pilot expansion, and transit funding. Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) leads the charge, arguing, "We are hitting numbers that we are not recognizing, because our focus has been on fares." The MTA claims fare compliance is vital, but Mamdani and union voices like JP Patafio of TWU Local 100 urge investment in service and affordability. The matter underscores the working-class reliance on buses and the stalled rollout of OMNY, which limits all-door boarding. The debate pits fare enforcement against calls for free or reduced fares, with advocates demanding progressive taxation to fund transit. No formal council bill or vote is attached, but the stakes for vulnerable riders are clear: service, not policing, keeps them moving.

• Bus Ridership is Near 2019 Levels (If You Count the People Who Don’t Pay), Streetsblog NYC, Published 2023-11-16

A sedan swung broadside on 44 Road. An e-scooter hit hard. The rider, thirty-three, flew from his seat. He landed torn and bleeding under the streetlights. Driver inattention ruled the night. The helmet stayed on. The pain did not.

A crash unfolded on 44 Road near 21st Street in Queens. A sedan making a U-turn crossed paths with an e-scooter traveling straight. The e-scooter struck the sedan’s left front quarter panel. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was listed as the contributing factor for both vehicles. The 33-year-old e-scooter rider was ejected and suffered severe lacerations across his body. He remained conscious at the scene. The report notes the rider wore a helmet, but only after citing driver inattention as the primary cause. No other injuries were reported.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4673848 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04