New York is already facing a mass transit crisis – but with the MTA facing a $1.2 billion dollar operating deficit for 2009 and the need to fund a $30 Billion capital plan looming, things could get even worse. Unless our leaders take immediate action, the MTA's severe budget shortfall could soon lead to fewer trains, cuts to bus service, and double-digit fare hikes.

We know transit is vital to New York, our economy, our environment, our future – but we need to make sure our leaders get the picture.

On November 19th, the Campaign for New York's Future is organizing Keep New York Moving Day. We'll have volunteers at transit stops throughout the city, asking commuters to sign postcards to local leaders, telling them now's the time to invest in transit.

We'll deliver the signatures on November 20th, when the MTA is holding a decisive meeting about the transit system's desperate financial crisis.

The MTA faces a dire economic crunch, but in times like these, we need to invest in transit. Our transportation system is the engine that keeps New York's economy moving. Literally. Affordable, reliable public transportation means our businesses run on time. It provides jobs for New Yorkers, enhances our quality of life, and improves our environment.

Transit is more than a good idea, it’s a necessity. That's why we need every New Yorker to add his or her name for a better transit future.

Then, on November 19th, look for us at a subway station near you. It's time to make sure decision makers get the message that our traffic and transit crisis is real. Join me and your fellow commuters in telling our lawmakers to Keep New York Moving.