"Cocktails and a Conversation with Janno Lieber"
A Center for an Urban Future Cocktail Reception

On December 2nd, the Center for an Urban Future hosted a special fireside chat with MTA Chair & CEO Janno Lieber, convening leaders from New York’s civic, business, philanthropic, academic, and government communities.

In a wide-ranging discussion with CUF's Executive Director Jonathan Bowles, Chairman Lieber highlighted progress across the transit system beyond the major headlines, how the agency is innovating to improve reliability and service, and other priorities shaping the MTA’s next chapter.

The conversation explored how the city can better leverage existing infrastructure, like the existing freight-rail line for the Interborough Express (IBX) or the Hell Gate Line used by Amtrak through the Northeast Bronx, to expand mass transit to the outer boroughs. He offered his candid perspective on his vision for the system over the next few years, including expanding the Fair Fares program, achieving faster buses through dedicated bus lanes, and shoring up the transit system's resilience against the effects of climate change. We also heard his thoughts on what’s next for congestion pricing, the future of transit-oriented development, strategies to reduce construction costs and deliver the next capital program, efforts to improve and expand bike storage, and the mayor-elect’s proposal for fast and free buses.

This event was made possible through generous support from the Fisher Brothers Foundation and Winston C. Fisher. We are also grateful for general support from The Clark Foundation, the Altman Foundation, and ongoing support from a number of other philanthropic funders.