Today, state officials are holding a hearing to assess an alternative to the MTA doomsday plan of service cuts and fare hikes

As of today, the MTA's "doomsday" transit plan remains on the table. But officials are weighing alternatives, and we still have time to make our voices heard. Tell state officials they must fully and fairly fund New York's public transit. Today, state officials are holding a hearing to assess an alternative to the MTA doomsday plan of service cuts and fare hikes – the recommendations of the Ravitch Commission on MTA Financing. Legislators are paying close attention and we must speak out now to make sure we end up with a plan that provides stable, long-term funding for public transit. Tell our legislators they must provide full and fair funding for mass transit. Mass transit is the lifeblood of New York's economy and vital to preserving our environment and our quality of life. But on March 25, the MTA's doomsday plan could become reality – $104 for a monthly MetroCard, 193 service cuts across all 5 boroughs – all of which would spell disaster for New Yorkers' pocketbooks and quality of life, and our overall economy and environment. This very afternoon, State Senators are hearing testimony about the impact of the MTA's doomsday plan, and the Ravitch Commission's alternative proposal to save public transit. At this crucial time, it is now our best chance to impact the decision-making process in Albany. Our transit system enhances New Yorkers' quality of life while also helping to reduce our traffic congestion, air pollution and global warming emissions. Transit investment generates good, green jobs in construction and operation. We need a long-term plan, like the Ravitch Commission's plan, that supports, maintains and improves the vast system of subways, buses and commuter lines so many New Yorkers rely on. When New Yorkers can get where they need to go, everybody benefits: riders, businesses, our entire economy and our environment. Every sector profits from affordable, convenient transportation and so every sector, not just riders, must contribute to keep New York moving. Tell Albany we're counting on our leaders to provide stable, long-term funding to maintain and improve our vital transit system. Tough times require tough decisions, but that doesn't mean we can accept a transit plan that puts our economy in further jeopardy. We need a better solution, and we need it now. Sincerely, Michael O'Loughlin Campaign for New York's Future