New York Voters Speak Out On Issues That Matter To Them Most; MTA Looks Beyond Policing As Fare Evasion Crisis Approaches $1 Billion In Losses

MetroFocus: The Podcast

New York Voters Speak Out On Issues That Matter To Them Most

More than 8 New York state voters say the recent influx of migrants to New York is a “serious problem” for the state, according to a new Siena poll released Oct. 24. And 58% agree with Mayor Adams’ statement made last month that the migrant issue could “destroy New York City.” Siena pollster Steven Greenberg tells MetroFocus “seldom do we see issues where we have 4 out of 5 Democrats, Republicans, Independents, upstaters, downstaters, all saying ‘this is a serious problem.” Tonight Greenberg unpacks the numbers and how they may shift the political landscape. He also breaks down what New Yorkers are thinking about crime, President Biden and Gov. Kathy Hochul, and increasing aid to Israel and Ukraine.

MTA Looks Beyond Policing As Fare Evasion Crisis Approaches $1 Billion In Losses

New York is facing a fare and toll evasion crisis with revenue losses nearly topping $700 million in 2022. That’s according to a new blue-ribbon panel appointed to study the evasion threat, which found the problem has spiked sharply since the pandemic, threatening the financial stability of the transit system and tearing at the social fabric of New York. The 16-member group also came up with recommendations to address evasion without aggressive policing, which critics say unfairly targets the city’s most vulnerable. Joining us tonight to discuss their work and possible solutions to the crisis are the co-chairs of the Panel on MTA Fare and Toll Evasion: Rose Pierre-Louis, who also serves as executive director of the NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, and Roger Maldanado, an attorney and former president of the New York City Bar Association.