MTA camera bus program put on pause in Co-op City
Community members celebrate a small win in getting the MTA's ACE program paused in Co-op City.
New York state Sen. Jamaal T. Bailey announced this weekend that the MTA's Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) program was put on pause.
Community members reacted to the news on Tuesday, saying it's a step in the right direction.
"We're just seeing, ‘Does it fit here?’ and I think that's an open question to determine whether it fits in this community," said Bailey.
The pause comes after Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill sponsored by Bailey and Assemblymember Michael Benedetto to prevent neighbors in Co-op from receiving violations at the hands of the camera systems.
The ACE program's goal is to make bus rides faster by issuing tickets to cars double-parked in bus lanes and blocking bus stops.
Benedetto said many neighbors were complaining about being fined unfairly while shopping at supermarkets or dropping off a loved one at home.
"It was a compromise and I think a victory for Co-op City going forward," said the assemblyman.
Resident Georgianna Rodriguez said her son has received tickets because of the program. The fines start at $50 and can increase to more than $200.
"It should not be here in Co-Op City," said Rodriguez.
The New York City Transit will conduct a study to determine the future of the program in the neighborhood.
Bailey told News 12 there is no timeline for when the study will be completed.
"This is what happens when community voices are heard," he said.
