A company that I interact with daily is the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The MTA is a public benefit corporation responsible for public transportation in the New York City metropolitan area. It is the largest public transit authority in the United States serving 12 counties in downstate New York, along with two counties in southwestern Connecticut. The MTA is responsible for carrying over 11 million passengers on an average weekday systemwide and over 850,000 vehicles on its seven bridges and two tunnels per weekday.

In terms of public philanthropy, the MTA is under-invested which adds to the long-standing infrastructure weaknesses the company has sustained. Philanthropy has an important role to play as community-based advocates call for reform and improvement of the public transportation system. As per David Bragdon, Executive Director for the Transit Center, “We will only obtain change through civic activism that causes the government to change”.  Our government has focused its attention on rising levels of greenhouse gas emissions caused by automobiles leaving the MTA and public transportation in general to manage its own affairs. Through public philanthropy, broader aspects that affect our communities such as racial justice, socio-economic access and clean air would be addressed due to an improvement of our public transportation system.

The MTA is committed to delivering a long-lasting system of public transportation. It delivers on its promise by building a more climate resilient transportation system through increased energy efficiency of its fleet and facilities. Greenhouse gases are the leading causes of global warming and climate change. By taking people out of cars and placing them on mass transit, our regions carbon footprint will be decreased. Replacement of lighting, heating and cooling systems with energy efficient models positively impacted our region. As of March 2019, 102,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide were avoided. Heating and cooling savings include 299,000 gallons of fuel oil and 1.6 million therms of natural gas. In terms of electricity and power, 208 million kilowatt hours and 282,000 kilowatts were saved. Current active conservation projects have also positively impacted our region. 24,800 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions were avoided. In terms of electricity and power, 30.8 million kilowatt hours and 45,000 kilowatts were saved. Heating and cooling savings totaled at 36,900 gallons of fuel oil and 1.9 million therms of natural gas.

The MTA and the New York City Transit authority support the concept that economic and social development are the results of environment protection. Through long- and short-term planning, studies demonstrated an increase in community and business growth will occur without depleting the health and productivity of surrounding natural systems. NYC Transit uses significant amounts of electrical power, fuel, water and construction materials every year, but stands firm in its commitment to sustainability and meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations and their needs.     

Although the MTA is a complex corporation with enumerable working parts, it realizes it social responsibility to not only its employees and leadership, but the people of NYC who are the core of its existence. The ability to provide a high standard of service relies on a strong work ethic, clear corporate policies and the dedication of a creative work force.

As an employee, manager or business owner, you are required by contract to perform your duties and maintain a level of professionalism and courtesy within your organization and publicly. According to Pachamama.org, “social responsibility is an ethical theory in which individuals are accountable for fulfilling their civic duty, and the action of an individual must benefit the whole society”. “In this way, there must be a balance between economic growth and the welfare of society.” “If this is maintained, then social responsibility is accomplished”. Ethics are embedded in the code of conduct at work to regulate individuals who seek personal advancement at the expense of the company. Upholding social responsibility within the workplace develops integrity which, in return, protects the society and the environment from immoral practices which may potentially cause injury or harm.

A few recommendations that I would suggest to leadership of the MTA is remember that although raising the fare may be necessary to balance financial burdens, it impacts the low-income communities it serves often making a single ride unaffordable. Continue to investigate other modes of money generation such as energy conservation or public philanthropy to replenish funds that were used to maintain operations. Utilize statistics to analyze the number of expenditures per quarter and differentiate what was truly necessary compared to inefficient. Lastly, continue to train employees to provide its customers with a safe, clean and courteous experience while onboard a train or bus. Positive public feedback will always foster an environment that the MTA and New York City Transit are dedicated to a high standard of service in return making it the go to alternative over using private transporation.

Resources:

https://new.mta.info/sites/default/files/2018-04/codeofethics.pdf

https://new.mta.info/transparency/new-york-city-transit-and-the-environment

https://new.mta.info/sustainability/energy-efficiency

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_Transportation_Authority#Safety_campaign