Rachael Fauss
@rachaelfauss.bsky.social
Senior Policy Advisor @reinventalbany.bsky.social focusing on MTA, ethics, transparency & accountability in NY
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
Thanks to @stefanoschen.bsky.social and @nytimes.com for picking up our report on global transit operations. It’s clear that the rest of the world has moved toward more automated and leaner operations without the sky falling. Legislating ops from Albany is overreach:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/n...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/n...
Does the Subway Still Need Train Conductors?
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Thanks to @stefanoschen.bsky.social and @nytimes.com for picking up our report on global transit operations. It’s clear that the rest of the world has moved toward more automated and leaner operations without the sky falling. Legislating ops from Albany is overreach:
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/n...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/n...
But if the bill is passed, the M.T.A. would be prohibited from shifting to one-person operation on those and other trains, said Rachael Fauss, senior policy adviser at Reinvent Albany, a good governance group.
“It’s kind of flushing the benefits of C.B.T.C. down the toilet,” she said.
“It’s kind of flushing the benefits of C.B.T.C. down the toilet,” she said.
Does the subway still need conductors? Much of the world say no, but union leaders say it's a safety issue. Gov. Hochul has to decide by year end whether to sign a bill that would mandate two-person train crews, even on lines that already moved to one operator www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/n...
Does the Subway Still Need Train Conductors?
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:21 PM
But if the bill is passed, the M.T.A. would be prohibited from shifting to one-person operation on those and other trains, said Rachael Fauss, senior policy adviser at Reinvent Albany, a good governance group.
“It’s kind of flushing the benefits of C.B.T.C. down the toilet,” she said.
“It’s kind of flushing the benefits of C.B.T.C. down the toilet,” she said.
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
Does the subway still need conductors? Much of the world say no, but union leaders say it's a safety issue. Gov. Hochul has to decide by year end whether to sign a bill that would mandate two-person train crews, even on lines that already moved to one operator www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/n...
Does the Subway Still Need Train Conductors?
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Does the subway still need conductors? Much of the world say no, but union leaders say it's a safety issue. Gov. Hochul has to decide by year end whether to sign a bill that would mandate two-person train crews, even on lines that already moved to one operator www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/n...
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
We dropped a new report re: train operations, everyone’s favorite topic. There’s some backstory that we will get too. But, the basic takeaway is modern train systems have moved away from two-person train ops. New York should, too! transitcosts.com/Train_Operat...
transitcosts.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:44 PM
We dropped a new report re: train operations, everyone’s favorite topic. There’s some backstory that we will get too. But, the basic takeaway is modern train systems have moved away from two-person train ops. New York should, too! transitcosts.com/Train_Operat...
Super interesting for us election reform enthusiasts...have been waiting to see the local breakdown!
Lotta incorrect finger pointing on the demise of Question 6 (the move to on-year elections) in NYC. Conservative precincts voted against it at the highest rate
November 6, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Super interesting for us election reform enthusiasts...have been waiting to see the local breakdown!
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
Our friends at @citizensunionny.bsky.social are hosting a public Q&A on NYC ballot question 6 (even-year elections) this Thurs, 10/30, from 6-7pm. Register for their webinar!
Early voting is on! 🗳️
What is NYC Ballot Question 6 & how could it change local elections?
Join our webinar: Understanding Ballot Q6
Thu, Oct 30 · 6:00 PM ET
🔗 Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
#NYC #NYCVotes #BallotQuestion6 #CivicEngagement
What is NYC Ballot Question 6 & how could it change local elections?
Join our webinar: Understanding Ballot Q6
Thu, Oct 30 · 6:00 PM ET
🔗 Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
#NYC #NYCVotes #BallotQuestion6 #CivicEngagement
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Citizens Union Webinar: Understanding NYC Ballot Question 6 - Moving Local Elections to Presidential Election Years. After registering, you will receive a c...
This November, New York City voters will vote on whether to move City elections to coincide with a presidential election year. What does that mean, and how would the change look? What impact would it ...
us02web.zoom.us
October 27, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Our friends at @citizensunionny.bsky.social are hosting a public Q&A on NYC ballot question 6 (even-year elections) this Thurs, 10/30, from 6-7pm. Register for their webinar!
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
NEW report with scrutinize, "Backdoor to the Bench", finds NY’s constitutional cap on the number of Supreme Court judges spawns double dysfunction
Clogged courts resort to secretive, highly subjective selection of acting judges as workaround
Clogged courts resort to secretive, highly subjective selection of acting judges as workaround
Backdoor to the Bench — Scrutinize
Scrutinize Launches Judicial Profiles to Enhance Transparency in New York Courts
buff.ly
October 16, 2025 at 1:19 PM
NEW report with scrutinize, "Backdoor to the Bench", finds NY’s constitutional cap on the number of Supreme Court judges spawns double dysfunction
Clogged courts resort to secretive, highly subjective selection of acting judges as workaround
Clogged courts resort to secretive, highly subjective selection of acting judges as workaround
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
🚨Transparency Boosting Bill on Hochul's Desk🚨
S2520-B/A3425-A by @jamesskoufis.bsky.social and Steven Raga is the most significant improvement to the Freedom of Information Law in years & would shorten the time the public waits for records. Governor Hochul should sign it.
S2520-B/A3425-A by @jamesskoufis.bsky.social and Steven Raga is the most significant improvement to the Freedom of Information Law in years & would shorten the time the public waits for records. Governor Hochul should sign it.
October 9, 2025 at 9:06 PM
🚨Transparency Boosting Bill on Hochul's Desk🚨
S2520-B/A3425-A by @jamesskoufis.bsky.social and Steven Raga is the most significant improvement to the Freedom of Information Law in years & would shorten the time the public waits for records. Governor Hochul should sign it.
S2520-B/A3425-A by @jamesskoufis.bsky.social and Steven Raga is the most significant improvement to the Freedom of Information Law in years & would shorten the time the public waits for records. Governor Hochul should sign it.
This might have been my favorite part to write in this report. 🦮
Our report, Investing in the MTA is Investing in America: October 2025 Update, looked at MTA spending across 47 states.
Did you know that the MTA has purchased K-9s from companies in 12 states, from Alabama to Illinois to Wisconsin for the MTA Police Department? 🐕🦺 👮♀️
buff.ly/Yxt4KZ6
Did you know that the MTA has purchased K-9s from companies in 12 states, from Alabama to Illinois to Wisconsin for the MTA Police Department? 🐕🦺 👮♀️
buff.ly/Yxt4KZ6
New Report: Investing in the MTA Is Investing in America - Reinvent Albany
New York’s MTA Paid Companies in Other States $19B Over 14 Years, Supporting up to 247,000 Jobs in Blue, Red, and Purple States Alike
reinventalbany.org
October 7, 2025 at 1:54 PM
This might have been my favorite part to write in this report. 🦮
It is truly cutting off one's nose to spite one's face to defund infrastructure projects in NY.
ICYMI: Our new report shows that Investing in the MTA is Investing in America
Federal cuts to New York's transit system, which carries 40% of national ridership, not only hurts NY, but all the companies that supply the MTA from a total of 47 states.
reinventalbany.org/2025/10/watc...
Federal cuts to New York's transit system, which carries 40% of national ridership, not only hurts NY, but all the companies that supply the MTA from a total of 47 states.
reinventalbany.org/2025/10/watc...
Watchdog Report: States that Voted for Trump Get Billions from MTA Spending - Reinvent Albany
New York’s MTA Paid Companies in Other States $19B Over 14 Years, Supporting up to 247,000 Jobs in Blue, Red, and Purple States Alike Introduction: Analysis of MTA Spending on Vendors 2011-2024 The ...
reinventalbany.org
October 2, 2025 at 5:13 PM
It is truly cutting off one's nose to spite one's face to defund infrastructure projects in NY.
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
You see this particularly in the crime discussion nationally, but folks outside of New York City (and often times in New York City) do not grasp the scale and scope of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
NEW Report: States that voted for Trump got billions from MTA Spending
Companies in red states by U.S. Senate seats received more than $3.5 billion in MTA payments over 14 years. States that voted for Trump in 2024 received nearly $7 billion from the MTA over this period.
buff.ly/Yxt4KZ6
Companies in red states by U.S. Senate seats received more than $3.5 billion in MTA payments over 14 years. States that voted for Trump in 2024 received nearly $7 billion from the MTA over this period.
buff.ly/Yxt4KZ6
October 2, 2025 at 12:26 PM
You see this particularly in the crime discussion nationally, but folks outside of New York City (and often times in New York City) do not grasp the scale and scope of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
NEW Report: States that voted for Trump got billions from MTA Spending
Companies in red states by U.S. Senate seats received more than $3.5 billion in MTA payments over 14 years. States that voted for Trump in 2024 received nearly $7 billion from the MTA over this period.
buff.ly/Yxt4KZ6
Companies in red states by U.S. Senate seats received more than $3.5 billion in MTA payments over 14 years. States that voted for Trump in 2024 received nearly $7 billion from the MTA over this period.
buff.ly/Yxt4KZ6
October 2, 2025 at 12:01 PM
NEW Report: States that voted for Trump got billions from MTA Spending
Companies in red states by U.S. Senate seats received more than $3.5 billion in MTA payments over 14 years. States that voted for Trump in 2024 received nearly $7 billion from the MTA over this period.
buff.ly/Yxt4KZ6
Companies in red states by U.S. Senate seats received more than $3.5 billion in MTA payments over 14 years. States that voted for Trump in 2024 received nearly $7 billion from the MTA over this period.
buff.ly/Yxt4KZ6
Who says that government rules are confusing?🙃
September 19, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Who says that government rules are confusing?🙃
Let's go! This bill would finally let the public really monitor NYC agency FOIL response times.
Our groups @citizensunionny.bsky.social @commoncauseny.bsky.social @freedom.press @legalaidnyc.bsky.social @lwvnyc.bsky.social @nyclu.org @nypirg.bsky.social @stopspyingny.bsky.social urge City Council to pass @galeabrewer.bsky.social landmark NYC FOIL bill
buff.ly/ocwTgBk
buff.ly/ocwTgBk
September 11, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Let's go! This bill would finally let the public really monitor NYC agency FOIL response times.
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
Gov. is backing away from clean energy targets and slashing programs to help NYers save on electric bills. Cheap power aplenty for data centers and chip plants!
And:
🎬 Film Subsidies 2025: First One to the Bottom Wins!
🎭 Broadway’s $400M tax credit fund is tapped out
Read it: buff.ly/qxJ9Zkt
And:
🎬 Film Subsidies 2025: First One to the Bottom Wins!
🎭 Broadway’s $400M tax credit fund is tapped out
Read it: buff.ly/qxJ9Zkt
July 25, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Gov. is backing away from clean energy targets and slashing programs to help NYers save on electric bills. Cheap power aplenty for data centers and chip plants!
And:
🎬 Film Subsidies 2025: First One to the Bottom Wins!
🎭 Broadway’s $400M tax credit fund is tapped out
Read it: buff.ly/qxJ9Zkt
And:
🎬 Film Subsidies 2025: First One to the Bottom Wins!
🎭 Broadway’s $400M tax credit fund is tapped out
Read it: buff.ly/qxJ9Zkt
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
We submitted testimony to the Conflicts of Interest Board on their proposed regs for clean contracting disclosures.
We support the intent, and offer recommendations to further strengthen reporting given past scandals and irregular procurements.
Check it out: reinventalbany.org/2025/07/test...
We support the intent, and offer recommendations to further strengthen reporting given past scandals and irregular procurements.
Check it out: reinventalbany.org/2025/07/test...
Testimony to NYC COIB on Clean Contracting Disclosures - Reinvent Albany
Testimony to the New York City Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB) on Proposed Rules Regarding Contract FilersRe: Strengthening clean contracting disclosures July 22, 2025 Thank you for the opportu...
reinventalbany.org
July 22, 2025 at 4:36 PM
We submitted testimony to the Conflicts of Interest Board on their proposed regs for clean contracting disclosures.
We support the intent, and offer recommendations to further strengthen reporting given past scandals and irregular procurements.
Check it out: reinventalbany.org/2025/07/test...
We support the intent, and offer recommendations to further strengthen reporting given past scandals and irregular procurements.
Check it out: reinventalbany.org/2025/07/test...
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
Oh by the way, amid all the mayoral campaign transit proposals, two more congestion pricing lawsuits against the @mta.info were dismissed. #traffic #transit #congestionpricing
July 17, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Oh by the way, amid all the mayoral campaign transit proposals, two more congestion pricing lawsuits against the @mta.info were dismissed. #traffic #transit #congestionpricing
Check out my latest analysis, complete with colorful charts 📊📉📈
New analysis: Shrinking NYC Anti-Corruption Agencies Need Independent Budgeting
FY26 Budget Again Provides No Inflation Increase, Risking Future Staffing Cuts
Council Charter Commission must ask voters to approve independent budgeting for DOI, COIB.
buff.ly/NWWwlwi
FY26 Budget Again Provides No Inflation Increase, Risking Future Staffing Cuts
Council Charter Commission must ask voters to approve independent budgeting for DOI, COIB.
buff.ly/NWWwlwi
July 17, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Check out my latest analysis, complete with colorful charts 📊📉📈
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
NEW: 13 groups support @galeabrewer.bsky.social bill to improve NYC FOIL responses, better hold agencies accountable
Thanks to partners @legalaidnyc.bsky.social @stopspyingny.bsky.social @beta.nyc @earthjustice.org @nyclu.org @citizensunionny.bsky.social + more!
Thanks to partners @legalaidnyc.bsky.social @stopspyingny.bsky.social @beta.nyc @earthjustice.org @nyclu.org @citizensunionny.bsky.social + more!
13 Groups Support Bill to Improve NYC FOIL Responses - Reinvent Albany
MEMO OF SUPPORT Intro 1235 of 2025 (Brewer) Requires NYC agencies to publicly report FOIL logs TITLE OF BILL A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to the creation of a…
buff.ly
June 25, 2025 at 4:09 PM
NEW: 13 groups support @galeabrewer.bsky.social bill to improve NYC FOIL responses, better hold agencies accountable
Thanks to partners @legalaidnyc.bsky.social @stopspyingny.bsky.social @beta.nyc @earthjustice.org @nyclu.org @citizensunionny.bsky.social + more!
Thanks to partners @legalaidnyc.bsky.social @stopspyingny.bsky.social @beta.nyc @earthjustice.org @nyclu.org @citizensunionny.bsky.social + more!
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
Breaking congestion pricing news: Lawyers for the Town of Hempstead, who are still suing to stop the traffic toll, failed to show up for a hearing today on their suit and then claimed they didn't know it was happening nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/06/17/o...
Oopsie: Hempstead Lawyers Forgot They Are Suing Over Congestion Pricing - Streetsblog New York City
Disorder in the court! Lawyers representing the Town of Hempstead in its efforts to throw out congestion pricing did not show up to a scheduled court hearing on Tuesday morning, and claimed that they ...
nyc.streetsblog.org
June 17, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Breaking congestion pricing news: Lawyers for the Town of Hempstead, who are still suing to stop the traffic toll, failed to show up for a hearing today on their suit and then claimed they didn't know it was happening nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/06/17/o...
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
ICYMI - A3425 by @stevenraga.bsky.social would substantially improve FOIL response times, including for NYC agencies with FOIL requests as old as 9 (!) years.
NYers shouldn't have to wait years to obtain public records from state and local governments.
Let's go, @nyassemblymajority.bsky.social!
NYers shouldn't have to wait years to obtain public records from state and local governments.
Let's go, @nyassemblymajority.bsky.social!
June 16, 2025 at 4:03 PM
ICYMI - A3425 by @stevenraga.bsky.social would substantially improve FOIL response times, including for NYC agencies with FOIL requests as old as 9 (!) years.
NYers shouldn't have to wait years to obtain public records from state and local governments.
Let's go, @nyassemblymajority.bsky.social!
NYers shouldn't have to wait years to obtain public records from state and local governments.
Let's go, @nyassemblymajority.bsky.social!
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
Cheers to the Assembly for notable work this session passing bills strengthening FOIL.
We urge Speaker Heastie to keep up the momentum and join the Senate in passing six common-sense bills strengthening transparency and reducing corporate handouts.
buff.ly/aiY1jNB
We urge Speaker Heastie to keep up the momentum and join the Senate in passing six common-sense bills strengthening transparency and reducing corporate handouts.
buff.ly/aiY1jNB
June 16, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Cheers to the Assembly for notable work this session passing bills strengthening FOIL.
We urge Speaker Heastie to keep up the momentum and join the Senate in passing six common-sense bills strengthening transparency and reducing corporate handouts.
buff.ly/aiY1jNB
We urge Speaker Heastie to keep up the momentum and join the Senate in passing six common-sense bills strengthening transparency and reducing corporate handouts.
buff.ly/aiY1jNB
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
.@speakercarlheastie.bsky.social and @nyassemblymajority.bsky.social: Please pass A3425-A/S2520-B, which just passed the Senate, to improve FOIL response times.
The 2025 Assembly has led on FOIL, and we’re asking you to bring this crucial transparency bill across the finish line.
buff.ly/Sh3XOuP
The 2025 Assembly has led on FOIL, and we’re asking you to bring this crucial transparency bill across the finish line.
buff.ly/Sh3XOuP
June 13, 2025 at 4:55 PM
.@speakercarlheastie.bsky.social and @nyassemblymajority.bsky.social: Please pass A3425-A/S2520-B, which just passed the Senate, to improve FOIL response times.
The 2025 Assembly has led on FOIL, and we’re asking you to bring this crucial transparency bill across the finish line.
buff.ly/Sh3XOuP
The 2025 Assembly has led on FOIL, and we’re asking you to bring this crucial transparency bill across the finish line.
buff.ly/Sh3XOuP
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
Editorial Boards to NY Senate: Pass the Transparency Bills! See our list of editorials from @nydailynews.com @buffalonews.com @dgazette.bsky.social calling on the Legislature to pass bills to show they want a Freedom of Information Law that actually works: buff.ly/KWx5atP
Ed Boards Call on Senate to Pass FOIL Bills - Reinvent Albany
Editorial Boards to NY Senate: Pass the Transparency Bills! Fix the Ailing Freedom of Information Law Assembly passed three FOIL bills – the Senate ZERO Editorial boards across the state are…
reinventalbany.org
June 11, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Editorial Boards to NY Senate: Pass the Transparency Bills! See our list of editorials from @nydailynews.com @buffalonews.com @dgazette.bsky.social calling on the Legislature to pass bills to show they want a Freedom of Information Law that actually works: buff.ly/KWx5atP
Reposted by Rachael Fauss
There are only a few days left in session – the NY Legislature must pass these key transparency and accountability bills.
Our statement:
buff.ly/ia0KkMN
Our statement:
buff.ly/ia0KkMN
June 10, 2025 at 4:31 PM
There are only a few days left in session – the NY Legislature must pass these key transparency and accountability bills.
Our statement:
buff.ly/ia0KkMN
Our statement:
buff.ly/ia0KkMN