In its latest Foray into New York Transportation, the Trump (R) Administration has told the City to Stop Planning the 34th Street Busway until Federal Officials Review the Project's Plans.
"I demand you cease and desist all activities to implement the 34th Street busway project immediately," Federal Highway Administration (FHA) Sean McMaster (R) wrote in a Letter, citing concerns about ensuring "the safe movement of commuters and commerce-including large truck deliveries-and maintain access for emergency vehicles along this vital city artery."
The 34th Street Busway would be the Second Dedicated Crosstown Busway, after the 14th Street Busway proved Effective at Speeding Up Buses. The 34th Street Plan got the Green Light as part of a Larger City Council Deal on Redevelopment of Midtown South.
City and State Transportation Officials, are being asked to Meet with the FHA to Discuss how the Busway can meet Federal Standards.
The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) issued the Following Statement in Response to the Order:
"The vast majority of commuters in Midtown are traveling by transit and they deserve world-class, fast, and reliable buses. The redesign for 34th Street mirrors other street designs from across the city and allows for truck, private, and emergency vehicle access on every block. We are confident that the design complies with all applicable federal laws and regulations, and we will work with the federal government to advance this critical project."
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said the Federally-Ordered Pause, was a "random" request for information and a case of "Washington whiplash."
"These kinds of projects are too important to the future of this country to be messing around with, where the funders in Washington don't know what the deal is. I wish they would get their act together," Lieber said during a Friday Afternoon Press Conference.
The Order is the Second instance of Federal Interference this week, after Trump said that He "Terminated" Billions in States Funding for the Hudson Gateway Tunnel Project between Newark, New Jersey, and New York City, on Thursday.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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