FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Contact: Andy Ratto, andyratto@gmail.com 678-561-7248   
Eric Sawyer, EricLSawyer@gmail.com ‪917 951-5758‬
Email: Press@ReclaimPrideNYC.org

MTA Plan for Pride Weekend is a Dangerous Farce

Reclaim Pride demands Governor Cuomo pressure MTA to avert disaster as large crowds expected for Stonewall anniversary

New York, NY -  Reclaim Pride Coalition (RPC)—organizers of the Queer Liberation March and Rally scheduled for Sunday, June 30—today condemned the MTA’s refusal to provide full weekday schedule service on subways and buses throughout New York City for Pride weekend, June 29th and 30th. "Politicians brag about the extra millions of people expected for Pride on the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, but the MTA is condemning those crowds to chaos, confusion and dangerous conditions as passengers fight for a place on trains and buses that will not be able to handle the overload,” said RPC organizer Eric Sawyer.

Reclaim Pride demands that the MTA run expanded bus and subway service on Pride weekend (June 29-30), on at least a full weekday schedule (as opposed to the more limited weekend schedule), if not more often. And:  

  • Open the turnstiles at departure points in the vicinity of Pride events for ease of exit from busy stations

  • Maintain all elevator and other mobility access at all stations on Pride weekend

  • Add extra staff at MTA stations near the March locations to assist with directions and assistance, especially to those with disabilities

  • Provide free access for all students who want to attend Pride events, and for all low income people to MTA services.

“Imagine millions of additional subway riders crowding onto subway platforms as they wait 10 or more minutes between trains, then trying to squeeze into smaller weekend trains, with fewer train cars, while competing with New Yorkers for a spot on the train," said Andy Ratto, of the Reclaim Pride Coalition. “Governor Cuomo has an urgent moral imperative to expand subway and bus capacity during Pride weekend to accommodate massive crowds, for the safety of all New Yorkers,” Ratto added.

The Queer Liberation March Accessibility and Inclusion Committee expressed concern for accessibility for all people regardless of mobility, sight, hearing issues, or other forms of disability. “New York City's Public transportation system is already difficult to access for people with disabilities. Offering fewer trains and buses during a weekend that is expected to bring a very large number of people into Manhattan will cause overcrowding and longer wait times in the sweltering summer heat; such conditions are especially harmful to people living with disabilities and with chronic conditions,” added Gabriel San Emeterio. The Queer Liberation March has a commitment to Disability Justice, and we oppose any plan from the MTA that would marginalize the disability community.

Concerned New Yorkers should contact Governor Cuomo and demand the MTA put full weekday service in place for all of Pride Weekend. The Governor’s office phone number is 518-474-8390 and emails can be sent via https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form.

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