We’re launching a political arm to mobilize transit riders!

Today, Riders Alliance is launching a political arm to give riders an even more powerful voice in the decisions that shape our lives and our transit system. As New Yorkers decide who will lead our city––and our state next year––we are ready to infuse the political calendar with an unwavering vision for fast, reliable public transit, and a stronger means to hold elected leaders accountable for delivering on it. 

For thirteen years, riders have organized together and become a formidable force for winning a more just, liveable city. Now, by expanding our advocacy to engage in electoral work, we’ll be able to plainly tell the truth about what elected officials have done—or failed to do—to meet rider needs as they seek our votes. We’ll be able to champion candidates who share our ideals, and campaign against electeds who have failed New Yorkers. We’ll have the opportunity to transform the voices of 6 million bus and subway riders into the voices of 6 million voters. 

There’s no better time to show why riders need real political power than right now, as New Yorkers decide who will be our next Mayor. Andrew Cuomo is the frontrunner — and for riders, his comeback would be a nightmare. As Governor, Cuomo raided MTA funds, hiked fares, and let subway delays quadruple — all while hyping crime and slashing mental health services. Now? He won't even ride the subway alone.

Mayor Adams isn't the answer either. He promised to be the "Bus Mayor" and then broke that promise, over and over, vetoing critical bus improvements and robbing riders of valuable time and pay, as they waited for the bus. 

We deserve leaders who actually ride transit — and are willing to fight for it!

Join us as we launch our political arm to win better transit with a rally and launch party with Mayoral candidates in Flatbush!

We’ll join together on Sunday, May 18, at Flatbush Avenue and Empire Blvd, the same corner Mayor Adams stood with us and promised to be our Bus Mayor—where we’ll be joined by Zohran Mamdani, Brad Lander, and other candidates whose track records and policy platforms have shown great promise for what they can offer riders.