Rockland County Executive Ed Day Demands Better Transit for Rockland Commuters

By Y.M. Lowy

County Executive Ed Day sent a letter to the MTA on Tuesday, urging them to improve transit services for Rockland County residents. He criticized the lack of investment in West-of-Hudson transit and highlighted the challenges commuters face compared to those on the East-of-Hudson side.

Day pointed out that while East-of-Hudson riders may soon get a direct train to Manhattan’s West Side, Rockland commuters on the Pascack Valley Line deal with slow and unreliable service. With train rides as long as 81 minutes and no discounts on fares, many commuters find little reason to use the train, especially since driving costs, including tolls and congestion pricing, are nearly the same.

“Rockland County pays over $40 million each year to the MTA, but we don’t see much in return,” Day said. He also criticized Metro-North for allowing NJ Transit to raise fares for Rockland riders without holding public meetings or considering their needs. 

Day called on the MTA to make big changes, like adding more express trains, improving train yards, and expanding ferry services. He also pushed for dedicated bus lanes on the New York State Thruway to help buses avoid traffic.

“Rockland commuters have been ignored for too long,” Day said. “The MTA needs to invest in better transit options, so people have real choices. Right now, they’re punishing families who are just trying to get to work.”