One moment in my everyday life when I noticed politics in action was while using public transportation in my city. In New York city, public transportation is the most reliable and convenient way to travel. I personally rely on buses and trains to get to school and work. During my commute, I’ve noticed more crowded buses, fewer drivers, and reoccurring delays. We all know how annoying it could be especially with the unpredictable weather. The more it happened, the more I realized how much this everyday inconvenience is shaped by government decisions and how much we are unrepresented.
Public transportation is a clear example of policy in action. Route schedules, staffing, maintenance and fare increase are all shaped by the decisions made by city council members, transit board officials or state government. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) relies on funding from fare and toll revenue, as well as city, state and tax contributions. The funds are being allocated to prevent fare evasion, such as installing tall, dull spikes on turnstiles to deter people from jumping over them. Additionally, the NYPD is stationed by the turnstiles to monitor fare evasion. However, there should also be officers addressing other significant issues, such as subway surfers. I am unsure how young people find it so easy to access the top of trains. Or even with the train pushers when the MTA puts up the gate by the ledge. With the gates being by the ledge, that could cause a safety hazard in cases of fires etc. The thought was in the right place, but it wasn’t executed correctly. They are focused on stopping fare evasion but seem unwilling to update the outdated system to enhance safety and convenience. I personally feel like the budgeting isn’t being towards the right issues. When resources are tight or when budgets get cut, riders like me experience the impact directly through delays, less frequent service or rising fares. It made me see how transportation isn’t just a convenience. It made me see how transportation isn’t just a convenience, it’s a policy issue that affects people’s ability to work, attend school, or access basic services.
Using public transportation also made me think about representation. The people who make decisions about transit (city council members, transit board officials or state legislators) don’t always represent the riders who depend on it the most. College Students, low-income workers and even people without cars are the most affected by changes in transit policy. Policy such as fare increases and more. The people that represent us don’t be people from our community or people that must use public transportation to commute. MTA is a state controlled agency. This lack of representation often leads to policies that do not always match what commuters need, and it creates constant tension between the state and the city. I feel like we aren’t always the loudest voices in political conversations. Seeing packed buses and long waits made me wonder whose needs are being prioritized in local government decisions.
-jacquelinda theodore
