New York Lawmakers Get an Earful From Commuters During Subway ‘Ride-Along'

Legislators rode the rails with commuters on a listening tour Tuesday morning that many hope will improve the transit system.

New York Sen. Mike Gianaris went on a the ride-along with the Riders Alliance  — a group that" fights for fights for reliable, affordable, world-class public transit" — to find out what needs fixing in the subway system and how the state can go about getting the work done.

Gianaris, a Democrat who represents Queens, boarded the N train from Queensboro Plaza and talked with commuters along the way to highlight how the subway system needs help.

The big complaint they often received was how the trains are often delayed.

“They are always late," commuter Daniel Aharonov told NBC 4 New York. "I don’t know why its late but its always late and its annoying for me because I am always late to work and I am tired of giving excuses."

With the state budget deadline approaching in the coming weeks, lawmakers want to push for proper funding of the MTA and they want to hear to as many commuters as possible.

Gianaris and other support congestion pricing. Some lawmakers estimate drivers could be charged as much as $11 if they drive in Midtown during weekdays.

Earlier this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state either has to approve congestion pricing or raise fares by 30 percent. He said those were the only two options for raising the funds needed to repair the subways.

Tuesday’s transit ride-along is the first of several that will be taking place on trains and buses to bring attention to what commuters endure every day.

“This is the most important thing we can do because the subway system and the transit system are the life blood of New York and we can’t do anything without it functioning properly,” Gianaris said.