What to Know
- Two LIRR trains coming from opposite directions hit a vehicle at a crossing as the driver tried to get around the gates, killing three
- Mayor de Blasio and Gov. Cuomo announced a proposal to transform the MTA and create funding streams for the agency
- Democratic City Council member Jumaane Williams won a special election to serve as New York City's public advocate
Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019
Happy Wednesday! You probably won't need them, at least in the city, but pack those snow boots just in case, a few flurries could move in before it gets too late. As always, get the latest forecast at nbcnewyork.com/weather.
1. 3 Killed, Train Derails When LIRR Trains Hits Vehicle
Two LIRR trains coming from opposite directions hit a vehicle at a crossing as the driver tried to get around the gates, killing three people inside the vehicle and derailing at least one of the trains, officials said.
A driver was apparently trying to get around the gates at the School Street crossing Westbury when the vehicle collided with an eastbound train that was just pulling out of the Westbury station, and then slammed by a westbound train, MTA officials said.
The impact killed the three people inside the vehicle. Seven train passengers were taken to the hospital to be checked out.
Local
Read more here.
2. NY Reveals New Plan to Fix MTA -- With Congestion Pricing
Mayor de Blasio and Gov. Cuomo announced a proposal to transform the MTA and create funding streams for the agency, which includes the joint endorsement of congestion pricing — marking the first time de Blasio has supported the idea.
The 10-point proposed plan, according to the city and state leaders, will also completely reorganize the agency.
The proposal also calls for the implementation of congestion pricing, which will be supplemented by an internet sales tax and, if marijuana legalization takes place, a percentage of a resulting cannabis excise tax would also help fund the agency.
Read more here.
3. Jumaane Williams Wins Race for NYC Public Advocate
Democratic City Council member Jumaane Williams won a special election to serve as New York City's public advocate, a position that holds little authority but offers access to a bully pulpit that can be used to scold more powerful officeholders.
Williams defeated 16 other candidates to fill a vacancy created by former Public Advocate Letitia James' victory in the race for New York state attorney general.
"I am honored to serve as your next public advocate, the people's voice," Williams told cheering supporters at his victory party.
Read more here.
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