By Matt Chaban 1/11 3:35pm

Planes Trains & Automobiles

Welcome to the Adirondacks Transit Authority.

L.A. Beat New York to Congestion Pricing and Andrew Cuomo Could Care Less

How did L.A. wind up taking our transportation lunch money? New Yorkers were so busy bullying each other, we didn’t even notice when they took it and beat us to the mass transit punch.

The Architect’s Newspaper had an interesting story earlier this week pointing out how back in November, Los Angeles launched its own congestion pricing system to speed traffic on some of its jammed, anything-but-free freeways, and it has been enjoying impressive results. This was, of course, “made possible by political gridlock in the New York State Assembly over congestion pricing,” as the paper points out. All the while, the MTA has been hemorrhaging cash, leading to reduced service (later restored through cuts elsewhere) and all those fare hikes.

After Albany failed to pass the congestion pricing measure, a portion of the hundreds of millions in federal funds that had been set aside to start our program were given over to L.A. Read More

By Jimmy Vielkind 1/08/09 2:09am

The New Guy’s Perspective

ALBANY—One of the things that struck Daniel Squadron, the 29-year-old freshman state senator who beat a 30-year incumbent in a primary, about David Paterson's State of the State address was that he didn't get a seat.

"It was very tiring to stand," said Squadron. (It wasn't just him, but several senators who walked in a Read More

By Jimmy Vielkind 1/07/09 9:29pm

Some First S.O.S. Reactions

ALBANY—Statements and spin are coming from every corner of the Capitol after David Paterson's first State of the State address:

"What is it they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?" said Mayor Michael Bloomberg, on proposals to ban trans fat in foods, which he enacted in New York City.

"Governor Paterson Read More

By Jimmy Vielkind 1/07/09 7:23pm

In State of the State, a Call For Energy Efficiency

ALBANY—The state of our state is "perilous," Governor David Paterson said during his first such speech to a joint gathering of the legislature, as he outlined programs to improve public health and the environment.

Some highlights:

– Paterson unveiled a new goal of having 45 percent of the electricity generated in the state from "clean Read More

By Jimmy Vielkind 1/07/09 4:05pm

Let the Receptions Begin

ALBANY—The first reception of the day was held by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, outside his office on the second floor of the Capitol.

Dean Skelos chatted with two of his members before heading in, with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, to see Cuomo.

The State Senate gavels in at 11:30 (half an hour earlier than originally Read More