BREAKING: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has just vetoed a controversial bill that would have mandated two-person crews on every subway train in New York City. This decision, announced earlier today, has sent shockwaves through the transit community, especially the Transit Workers Union (TWU), which has fought for this requirement for decades.
Hochul’s veto is a significant setback for safety advocates who argue that having both a conductor and a driver on board is essential for passenger safety. The governor cited concerns over costs, stating that the bill could impose an annual burden of up to $10 million, potentially leading to reduced service and hampering the MTA’s ability to invest in modern infrastructure.
In her veto statement, Hochul emphasized, “The bill would cost as much as $10 million annually, reducing service, and limiting the MTA’s ability to benefit from capital investments in modern rolling stock and signals.” Currently, the MTA’s contract with the TWU mandates two-person crews on many trains, but this legislation would have expanded that requirement to additional routes and future lines.
The bill had received overwhelming support from state lawmakers in June, reflecting widespread public concern for transit safety. TWU President John Samuelsen previously stated that having two workers per train is not just “a necessity for safety” but also a demand from “the overwhelming majority of New York City working people.”
In a surprising twist, Hochul announced that subway crime is at its lowest level in 16 years, with major crime down 5.2% from last year and 14.4% from 2019. This statistic has raised questions about the necessity of the bill, but critics argue that safety should never be compromised.
After the veto, Samuelsen expressed strong disappointment, calling the decision “classist” and warning of potential backlash against Hochul in her upcoming re-election campaign next year. The TWU has yet to formally respond to the veto, but their discontent is palpable among transit workers.
Conversely, budget watchdogs praised Hochul’s decision. Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, argued that one worker per train is “the global norm used by virtually every other transit system around the world,” asserting that it delivers effective service while saving taxpayer money.
As the debate continues, the implications of this veto are far-reaching. Advocates for two-person crews remain steadfast, pushing for renewed discussions on transit safety, while state officials assess the financial impacts of such mandates.
NEXT STEPS: The TWU is expected to mobilize its members and the public to rally for reconsideration, while Hochul’s administration will likely face increased scrutiny as the election cycle heats up. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
