No One Walks Away: Four Dead on White Plains Road, City Still Sleeps

Top New York lawmakers pressed Washington for billions to fix the MTA. They called the current funding unfair. The MTA moves millions, but federal dollars lag. Without repairs, riders face danger. The fight for transit cash grows urgent as deadlines loom.

On March 25, 2025, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins joined Gov. Hochul and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie in demanding increased federal funding for the MTA. Their letter to President Trump and congressional leaders argued, 'Mass transit must be federally funded at a level commensurate to its importance to our nation and New York must receive its fair share.' The officials seek $14 billion for the MTA’s 2025-2029 capital plan, citing a $30 billion gap and the system’s outsized national role. The request comes as federal transit money from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law nears expiration. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis opposed the request, citing MTA mismanagement. Federal Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatened to withhold funds over safety data and congestion pricing disputes. The bill is not a council measure but a coordinated state push, with Stewart-Cousins mentioned as a leading voice. No formal safety analyst note was provided, but the lawmakers’ action highlights the stakes for millions of vulnerable transit riders.

• Gov. Hochul, top NY lawmakers demand 'fair share' from feds to pay for MTA repairs, gothamist.com, Published 2025-03-25

Trump’s transportation chief blasted New York’s plea for more MTA funds. He called the agency mismanaged and demanded a plan for safer, cleaner subways. Stewart-Cousins joined Hochul and Heastie, arguing the MTA carries the nation but gets shortchanged.

On March 25, 2025, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins joined Governor Hochul and Assembly Speaker Heastie in a letter urging more federal funding for the MTA. The letter stated, 'While the MTA carries 43 percent of the nation's mass transit riders, its share of federal transit formula funding is only 17 percent.' In response, President Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, condemned the request, calling the MTA 'horribly run' and blaming New York’s financial mismanagement. Duffy insisted the federal government would not provide a 'blank check' and demanded a plan to make the subway 'reliable, secure, and clean' before any funding changes. The dispute highlights a deep divide over transit funding and safety, with Stewart-Cousins and colleagues pressing for fairer support while federal officials demand accountability.

• Trump’s transportation chief Sean Duffy blasts Hochul over ‘outrageous’ MTA funding plea to boost ‘horribly run’ agency, nypost.com, Published 2025-03-25

Andrea Stewart-Cousins joined Hochul and Heastie to demand more federal cash for the MTA. They say New York carries the nation’s riders but gets shortchanged. Without funds, transit projects stall. Riders—millions—hang in the balance. The plea is blunt. The stakes are high.

On March 25, 2025, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, with Governor Kathy Hochul and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, sent a letter to President Trump and federal officials. They called for increased federal funding for the MTA’s $68.4 billion capital plan, citing that New York’s transit system carries 43% of U.S. riders but receives only 17% of federal formula funds. The letter urges, 'Mass transit must be federally funded at a level commensurate to its importance.' Stewart-Cousins, mentioned as a key signatory, previously rejected the capital plan due to a $35 billion shortfall. The group asks for $14 billion in federal support, up from $13 billion in the last plan. The MTA warns that without this funding, critical infrastructure—power, signaling, accessibility—remains at risk. The request is urgent. The city’s transit future depends on it.

• Hochul pens letter Trump asking for more federal funding for the MTA amid ongoing congestion pricing lawsuit, amny.com, Published 2025-03-25

A Mercedes slammed into Darryl Mathis Jr.'s stalled car on the Major Deegan. Mathis called for help, then for an ambulance. The driver fled. Paramedics rushed Mathis to the hospital. He died. The killer behind the wheel vanished into the night.

NY Daily News reported on March 24, 2025, that Darryl Mathis Jr. was killed when a Mercedes-Benz rear-ended his disabled Ford on the Major Deegan Expressway. Mathis, stranded after his battery died, called friends for help. As one friend recounted, 'He called to get a jump, and after that, he got hit from behind, a hit-and-run.' The Mercedes driver fled the scene and has not been caught. Mathis was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died. The crash highlights the dangers faced by stranded motorists on city highways and the deadly consequences when drivers flee. No policy changes or enforcement actions were detailed in the article.

• Hit-And-Run Kills Stranded Bronx Motorist, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-24

A black Mercedes slammed into a Ford on the Major Deegan. Both cars spun out. The Mercedes driver ran. The Ford driver died at St. Barnabas. Police closed the highway for hours. No arrests. The city’s roads stay deadly.

NY Daily News reported on March 22, 2025, that a 39-year-old driver was killed after a black Mercedes-Benz rear-ended his Ford Crown Victoria on the Major Deegan Expressway. The article states, “The hit-and-run driver responsible escaped on foot, police said.” Both vehicles lost control and crashed. Emergency services transported the victim to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died. The Mercedes driver fled the scene, and no arrests have been made. Police closed the southbound lanes for several hours during the investigation. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of rear-end collisions and the persistent risk posed by hit-and-run drivers on New York City highways.

• Bronx Highway Hit-And-Run Kills Driver, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-22

A van traveling north on E 222 St collided with a sedan’s left side doors. The crash injured a front-seat passenger in the sedan, causing knee and lower leg trauma. Unsafe speed by the van driver contributed to the impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:43 on E 222 St near White Plains Rd in the Bronx. A northbound van struck the left side doors of a northbound sedan. The van’s driver was cited for unsafe speed, a critical factor leading to the collision. The sedan carried three occupants; a 36-year-old female front passenger sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, described as internal and serious enough to be reported. She was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. Vehicle damage was noted on the van’s left rear quarter panel and the sedan’s right front bumper. The report does not indicate any contributing factors from the passenger or other occupants. The collision highlights the dangers posed by excessive speed in multi-vehicle crashes on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800647 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Albany faces a $33.4-billion MTA gap. The Citizens Budget Commission urges deep cuts, fare hikes, and more city and state cash. Expansion projects like the Interborough Express may die. Riders risk worse service if lawmakers stall. The clock ticks.

On March 21, 2025, the Citizens Budget Commission (CBC) released a warning about the MTA’s $33.4-billion capital budget gap for 2025–2029. The CBC recommends slashing $17 billion, scrapping expansion plans like the Interborough Express, and boosting city and state contributions by $9 billion. The CBC calls for a 6 percent hike in fares, tolls, and vehicle fees—higher than the planned 4 percent. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said tax hikes are on the table. Governor Hochul’s office backs a payroll tax hike, but the CBC wants it regionalized. The CBC’s Andrew Rein said, “We have to prioritize state-of-good-repair, basic modernization, and delay some of the system expansions.” The report warns that failing to fund maintenance will gut service, repeating past crises. No direct safety analysis was provided, but cuts threaten transit reliability for millions.

• Albany Running Out of Options to Close MTA Funding Gap: Watchdog, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-03-21

Albany weighs a payroll tax hike for big NYC employers to plug the MTA’s $35 billion gap. Steve Chan slams the move as a blow to city businesses. Closed-door talks continue. Transit riders wait. Streets stay dangerous. No clear safety gains for walkers or cyclists.

State budget negotiations on March 20, 2025, centered on funding for the MTA. Lawmakers discussed raising the payroll mobility tax on large New York City employers. The measure aims to close a $35 billion hole in the MTA’s five-year capital plan, which covers subway and bus upgrades. The bill has no number yet and remains under negotiation. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, 'The discussion on revenue raisers is definitely going to have to be a part of the MTA.' Senator Steve Chan, District 17, criticized the tax hike, calling it 'a slap on the Brooklyn businesses struggling for survival in my district.' The talks also floated surcharges on for-hire vehicles and online deliveries. No safety analyst has assessed the impact on vulnerable road users. The budget deadline looms. Riders and pedestrians see no promised relief.

• Gov. Hochul eyes NYC tax hike to fund MTA in closed-door talks, sources say, gothamist.com, Published 2025-03-20

Two SUVs parked eastbound and a westbound sedan collided at E 212 St in the Bronx. The sedan driver suffered a shoulder injury. Police cited unsafe speed as a contributing factor. The crash caused significant front-end damage to both vehicles.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 21:30 on E 212 St in the Bronx. A westbound sedan traveling straight ahead struck two parked SUVs facing east. The point of impact was the left front bumper of the sedan and the left front quarter panels of the SUVs. The sedan driver, a 43-year-old male, sustained an upper arm and shoulder injury classified as severity level 3 and remained conscious. The report explicitly cites "Unsafe Speed" as a contributing factor to the collision. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted. Both parked SUVs were damaged on their left front quarter panels. The sedan driver was licensed and operating the vehicle at the time.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797417 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Lawmakers push for cameras to ticket double parkers. Streets choke with blocked bike lanes and chaos. Manual enforcement fails. DOT backs automation. Some lawmakers resist, call for cops. Vulnerable road users left dodging danger as debate drags.

On March 3, 2025, a legislative proposal surfaced to deploy automated parking enforcement cameras across New York City. Assemblymember Steven Raga leads the push for a $35 million pilot, aiming to install 150 cameras targeting double parking and illegal stops. The bill, not yet assigned a committee or number, seeks to automate enforcement where manual efforts fall short. Raga writes, 'manual enforcement has not been able to meet the demand to combat double parking and illegal parking.' State Senator Simcha Felder of District 44 opposes the measure, arguing for traditional police summonses instead. The Department of Transportation supports the expansion, stating, 'Automated enforcement has proven to change driver behavior and make our streets safer for everyone.' The debate centers on whether automation or police presence best protects pedestrians and cyclists from blocked lanes and traffic hazards.

• New push for automated ticketing of drivers who double park in NYC, gothamist.com, Published 2025-03-03

Two vehicles collided head-on on Bronxwood Avenue, injuring three occupants. The SUV struck the sedan’s left front, causing whiplash and facial injuries. Driver distraction and failure to yield right-of-way were cited as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, at 11:56 AM on Bronxwood Avenue, a 2024 SUV traveling east collided with a 2020 sedan traveling south. The SUV impacted the sedan’s left front bumper, with damage focused on the left side doors of the SUV. The report cites driver inattention and failure to yield right-of-way as primary contributing factors. Three occupants were injured: the SUV’s female driver and front passenger, both conscious and wearing lap belts, suffered whiplash and neck injuries; the sedan’s male driver also sustained whiplash and facial injuries. None of the occupants were ejected. The crash highlights systemic danger from distracted driving and failure to yield, with no victim fault indicated.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794895 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A moped slammed into a minivan in Soundview. Two teens thrown. One died. The other survived. The driver stayed. Police probe who had the right of way. Another young life lost on Bronx streets.

Gothamist (2025-02-25) reports a fatal crash at Metcalf Avenue and East 172nd Street in the Bronx. A 17-year-old, Juan Alexander Quizhpi Naranjo, drove a moped with a 14-year-old passenger when they collided with a Honda Odyssey. Both were thrown from the moped. Quizhpi Naranjo died at Jacobi Hospital; the girl survived. The minivan driver, 42, remained at the scene and faced no charges. NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is still determining 'who had the right of way and whether a traffic violation played a role.' This marks the second traffic death this year in the 43rd Precinct, highlighting ongoing dangers for young road users.

• Bronx Teen Killed In Moped-Minivan Crash, Gothamist, Published 2025-02-25

Trump killed congestion pricing. Subway riders fumed. The city lost billions for transit. Streets will clog again. Danger rises for those on foot and bike. Riders called the move insane. Politicians slammed the decision. The city’s lifeline is at risk.

On February 19, 2025, President Trump ended New York City’s congestion pricing program, just weeks after it began. The federal action canceled the $9 toll meant to fund the MTA’s capital plan, threatening $16 billion for transit upgrades. The matter drew sharp words: Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, 'The president and the Republican members of New York's congressional delegation ... just blew a $16-billion hole in the most important transit system in the nation.' Subway riders at Canal Street called the move 'insane' and accused Trump of ignoring New Yorkers. Advocates and everyday riders warned that ending congestion pricing would slow commutes, worsen traffic, and put vulnerable road users at greater risk. The city’s future now hangs in the balance, with transit funding gutted and streets set to fill with cars again.

• NYC Subway Riders to Trump: Drop Dead, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-19

E-bike rider, distracted and inexperienced, hit a 27-year-old man at a Bronx intersection. The pedestrian suffered fractured and dislocated lower leg bones. The e-bike showed no damage. The street bore the brunt.

According to the police report, an e-bike traveling southwest on Fish Ave near Oakley St in the Bronx struck a 27-year-old male pedestrian at the intersection at 2:45 p.m. The pedestrian, not in the roadway, suffered serious injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including fractures and dislocations. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The e-bike hit the pedestrian with its center front end but sustained no damage. The data underscores the harm caused by distracted and inexperienced e-bike operation in city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793545 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.

• File Int 1160-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-02-13

Albany leaders tried to delay an upstate special election, risking democracy to bargain over congestion pricing. Governor Hochul put the bill on hold. The editorial backs congestion pricing but slams the move to silence 800,000 New Yorkers. Power games, real stakes.

On February 12, 2025, an editorial targeted a special election bill pushed by State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. The bill, introduced late Friday, would let Governor Hochul delay a congressional special election until November 4, leaving nearly 800,000 upstate residents without representation. The editorial quotes, 'wiping out congressional representation for so many people for so long is unfair and undemocratic and unconstitutional.' Stewart-Cousins is mentioned as a key player. Hochul requested the bill be put on hold, pausing the plan. The editorial supports congestion pricing, noting it has 'successfully reduced Midtown and Downtown traffic,' but condemns using democracy as a bargaining chip. No direct safety impact for vulnerable road users is assessed, but the piece underscores the importance of congestion pricing for safer, less crowded streets.

• Don’t swap democracy to save tolls: Kill the special election scam regardless of congestion pricing, nydailynews.com, Published 2025-02-12

MTA boss Janno Lieber told lawmakers the state must fund transit repairs like Medicaid—steady, not crisis-driven. The MTA’s $68-billion plan faces a $33-billion gap. State leaders stalled, leaving riders and infrastructure in limbo. Advocates demand reliable, timely funding.

On February 7, 2025, MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber addressed state legislators, pressing for stable, recurring state funding for the MTA’s 2025-2029 capital plan. The $68-billion plan, approved by the MTA Board, has only $35 billion secured. State leaders, including Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, rejected the plan’s funding gap, insisting it be resolved in the state budget. Lieber argued, 'the MTA capital budget is totally predictable... no different than Medicaid and education.' He called for the state to treat transit infrastructure as a core, recurring expense. Advocates like Rachael Fauss of Reinvent Albany echoed this, demanding the state guarantee timely payments and accountability. Governor Hochul and legislative leaders voiced support but offered no concrete solutions. The debate leaves the city’s transit riders waiting for action and exposes them to the risks of delayed repairs and unreliable service.

• Paradigm Shift: MTA Boss Says State Should Pony Up More For Capital Plans, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2025-02-07

A sedan crash on Bronxwood Ave left a 28-year-old male driver injured with neck trauma. The vehicle sustained left side damage. The driver was restrained but suffered shock. Police report lists unspecified contributing factors without victim fault.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Bronxwood Ave involving a sedan traveling west and another vehicle traveling south. The impact was on the left front quarter panel and left front bumper, causing left side door damage. The 28-year-old male driver of the sedan was injured, specifically sustaining neck injuries and shock, despite wearing a lap belt. The report notes unspecified contributing factors but does not identify any failure to yield or other driver errors explicitly. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The driver was not ejected and had no visible complaints beyond the neck injury. The crash highlights the dangers of multi-vehicle impacts in Bronx traffic environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790915 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 47-year-old man suffered head injuries after a sedan made an improper left turn and struck him at an intersection in the Bronx. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when the vehicle's right front bumper hit him, causing contusions and bruises.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:57 AM on East 217 Street near White Plains Road in the Bronx. A sedan, making a left turn, struck a 47-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the intersection with the signal. The vehicle's right front bumper impacted the pedestrian, resulting in head injuries classified as contusions and bruises. The report identifies 'Turning Improperly' as a contributing factor on the driver's part. The pedestrian was injured but was not cited for any contributing factors. This collision highlights driver error in executing turns, directly causing harm to a lawful pedestrian crossing the street.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4790913 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A flatbed truck backing collided with an SUV traveling north on Barnes Ave in the Bronx. The SUV’s left side doors were struck. The front passenger suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash involved improper passing and close vehicle proximity.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:44 on Barnes Ave in the Bronx. A flatbed truck was backing when it struck the left side doors of a northbound SUV. The SUV had two occupants; the front passenger, a 31-year-old male, was injured with back pain and whiplash. The report cites driver errors including "Passing Too Closely" and "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as contributing factors. The flatbed’s backing maneuver and the SUV’s passing action combined to cause the impact. The injured passenger was restrained by a lap belt and was not ejected. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The collision highlights risks from oversized vehicles and improper passing maneuvers on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789253 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04