Staten Island Reporter

Members of the Senate Republican Conference from the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island have called for Janno Lieber to resign or be removed as Chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). This follows his recent comments dismissing concerns about violence on the mass transit system. Lieber reportedly described subway crime as being "in people's heads," which has drawn criticism from several senators.

Deputy Senate Republican Leader Lanza expressed frustration with Lieber's approach, stating: “Janno: pull your head out of your piles of statistics, get out from behind your computer, and walk a mile in your riders’ shoes before you ignore, dismiss and insult them. The people of this state and city deserve the truth and real solutions, not eggheads trying to convince themselves they’re doing a good job. People who rely on the MTA for their daily lives are watching their fellow New Yorkers burned to death, robbed, and assaulted while you tell them not to believe what they see with their own eyes.”

Senator Steve Rhoads criticized MTA management for allowing crime to spiral out of control and questioned Lieber's ability to lead: “For years, MTA management has been driving the mass transit system into the ground. Now crime is out of control and top bureaucrats at the agency seem blind to the assaults and attacks occurring daily on subway platforms. Millions of New Yorkers distrust the MTA, and we have no confidence in its leadership."

Senator Jack M. Martins emphasized enforcing existing laws and responsible spending by the MTA: “The MTA, Governor Hochul, and the Majorities in the Legislature need to do the right thing for New Yorkers... They need to ensure the MTA is spending in a responsible manner."

Other senators echoed similar sentiments regarding safety concerns. Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick stated that Lieber's comments were "a slap in the face" to public transit users. Senator Steve Chan highlighted public opposition to congestion pricing: “In a poll, 64 percent of New Yorkers resoundingly rejected congestion pricing.”

Senator Bill Weber criticized congestion pricing as punitive towards everyday people: “Albany Democrats claim congestion pricing is to reduce traffic congestion, but at what cost? It punishes everyday people—working parents, firefighters, seniors going to Doctors appointments..."

Senator Rob Rolison described Lieber’s statement as insulting: “As a retired police officer... To have someone in this position say high crime is in ‘someone’s head’ is shameful..."

Senator Anthony Palumbo remarked on fiscal mismanagement leading to increased fares under dangerous conditions: “New Yorkers have had enough. Years of fiscal mismanagement at the MTA have resulted in new and increased fares..."

Finally, Senator Dean Murray advocated for financial oversight over mismanagement issues within MTA operations.

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