The Brian Lehrer Show MTA Chair Janno Lieber on Transit News & Finances
Nov 18, 2025
John "Janno" Lieber, Chair and CEO of the MTA, shares insights on the transition from MetroCards to OMNY. He discusses the nostalgia for MetroCards, fare caps, and the tech advantages of the new system. Janno addresses privacy concerns surrounding OMNY data sharing and updates about MTA funding amid federal uncertainty. He also talks about Mayor-elect Mamdani's free bus proposal, strategies for speeding up bus services, and the ongoing recovery of ridership post-pandemic. Janno emphasizes transparency in fare increases and enforcement measures against fare evasion.
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MetroCard Farewell Events
- The MTA is marking MetroCard nostalgia with themed events and branded food items like MetroCard-themed sandwiches.
- Janno Lieber mentioned his own Biggie Smalls MetroCard as a nostalgic example.
State Support Offsets Federal Uncertainty
- Federal rhetoric has been hostile but New York benefits from strong state support and a large capital program under Governor Hochul.
- That state backing shields the MTA from federal funding uncertainty seen in other cities.
Practical Ways To Speed Up Buses
- Speed up buses using bus lanes, camera enforcement, rear-door boarding, and European-style proof-of-payment.
- Full Omni enables rear-door boarding and more efficient payment validation to speed service.