Joint statement by Borough President Oddo, Congressman Max Rose, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, Senator Diane Savino, Senator Andrew Lanza, Assemblyman Michael Cusick, Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblyman Mike Reilly, Assemblyman Charles Fall, Councilman Steven Matteo, Councilman Joe Borelli, and Councilwoman Debi Rose in response to Mayor de Blasio’s announcement of a temporary reduction of Staten Island Ferry service, from four boats during rush hour to three in response to a 70% decrease in ridership due to the COVID-19 situation:
“Staten Island will do its part to be part of the solution, and to that end we will reluctantly understand these service reductions to the Staten Island Ferry during this crisis. But let us be very clear: we will never allow this, or any other administration, to undercut then Councilman Oddo's Local Law, which mandated half-hour service 24/7/365.
“Make no mistake, we are team players today and will be during this crisis, but we just do not trust the Department of Transportation. We know the history of this issue. They NEVER wanted to implement the second phase of the bill, which was originally enacted thanks to the work of former Council Speaker Chris Quinn, but was to be implemented by the de Blasio Administration.
“The transportation agency did not want to increase transportation options! In the end, it was the Mayor who overruled his own agency! So forgive us for being vigilant, and for not trusting anyone or anything but our own perseverance.
“And let us say this: if any financial crisis carries on past the end of our terms, our successors will be just as rabid on the issue of transit equity as we are.”
“Staten Island will do its part to be part of the solution, and to that end we will reluctantly understand these service reductions to the Staten Island Ferry during this crisis. But let us be very clear: we will never allow this, or any other administration, to undercut then Councilman Oddo's Local Law, which mandated half-hour service 24/7/365.
“Make no mistake, we are team players today and will be during this crisis, but we just do not trust the Department of Transportation. We know the history of this issue. They NEVER wanted to implement the second phase of the bill, which was originally enacted thanks to the work of former Council Speaker Chris Quinn, but was to be implemented by the de Blasio Administration.
“The transportation agency did not want to increase transportation options! In the end, it was the Mayor who overruled his own agency! So forgive us for being vigilant, and for not trusting anyone or anything but our own perseverance.
“And let us say this: if any financial crisis carries on past the end of our terms, our successors will be just as rabid on the issue of transit equity as we are.”
