讀後心得

Mayor Adams invited Federal Transportation Secretary Duffy to inspect the subway in Manhattan and ride the B line train. Duffy criticized the congestion fee as "unfair" and discriminatory toward vulnerable populations, reiterating the dirtiness and danger of the New York subway system. He mentioned encountering a seriously ill passenger on the subway, stating that leaving those with mental health issues on the subway is inhumane, and suggested involving the government efficiency department led by Musk to review the operations of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Adams did not refute Duffy's criticism of the congestion fee but stated that answers should be provided. Duffy's schedule was not communicated to the MTA in advance, leading to MTA Chairman Lieber waiting on-site but not seeing him. Lieber hopes the Secretary of Transportation will receive the correct briefing to facilitate cooperation.

Mayor Adams invited Federal Transportation Secretary Duffy to inspect subway stations in Manhattan on the 4th and to ride two stops on the B line together. During the trip, Duffy criticized the congestion fee, calling it "fundamentally unfair" and discriminatory against classes, while reiterating his view that the New York City subway system is "dirty and dangerous." After taking the subway, Duffy stated that the transit environment has not met standards and mentioned encountering a seemingly sick passenger in the train car, emphasizing that allowing those with mental health issues to live on the subway is inhumane. He even mentioned the possibility of inviting the government efficiency department led by Musk to review the operation of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), though he did not elaborate on the department's authority, saying, "I would invite the DOGE team to examine MTA operations to see how to more effectively use taxpayer money. While we cannot force the MTA to change its practices, it is a process of collaboration, and I am here because I care about this city." Regarding Duffy's criticism of the congestion fee, Adams, who was standing nearby, did not refute it but only stated, "The federal government should raise questions, and we should provide answers."

Duffy had previously referred to the New York subway system as a "cesspool" and his criticism of the MTA and the governor continued to escalate, opposing the congestion fee plan and threatening to cut federal funding due to the rising crime rate in the subway. However, the police chief pointed out that there have been no homicides in the subway so far this year, and the citywide crime rate has reached a historic low, with data from the governor's office showing that subway crime rates have decreased by 22% compared to 2024. That day, Adams also took Duffy to inspect the highway from Brooklyn to Queens, stating, "I hope the Secretary of Transportation sees the dilapidated condition of infrastructure, including the BQE, and considers investing federal funds to support public safety programs."

This visit was not announced in advance to the MTA, and on that day, the MTA chairman was waiting at the Brooklyn Borough Hall, but Duffy did not show up, and the chairman eventually took the subway to leave. "I hope the Secretary of Transportation receives the correct briefing so that we can work together more effectively. We are making progress on improvements and look forward to the federal government becoming a partner rather than an opponent."