Janette Sadik-Khan Appointed to MTA Board, Bringing Extensive Transit Policy Experience

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has appointed Janette Sadik-Khan, former Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board. This appointment signals a renewed focus on transit policy and street-level urbanism within the agency. Sadik-Khan, who served as DOT Commissioner under Mayor Michael Bloomberg from 2007 to 2013, is credited with significant initiatives that reshaped the city's approach to transportation, including the implementation of the first protected bike lanes in North America, the launch of the Citi Bike share program, and the pedestrianization of Times Square.

Her return to city service, alongside Melanie Hartzog, former deputy mayor under Bill de Blasio, aims to bolster the mayor's transit agenda. Mayor Adams stated that Sadik-Khan and Hartzog, along with continuing board members Dan Garodnick and David Jones, will advocate for "fast and free buses" and ensure riders have strong representation.

Urban Transformation Under Sadik-Khan

During her tenure at the DOT, Sadik-Khan was a prominent figure in advocating for a shift in road use priorities, favoring pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. This approach, which drew comparisons to urban planning icon Robert Moses from some critics, was detailed in her book "Street Fight." Her leadership saw the introduction of Select Bus Service (SBS), New York City's version of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a system designed to improve bus speeds and reliability through dedicated lanes, signal priority, and off-board fare collection. This experience is seen as particularly relevant as the city and MTA pursue the mayor's "fast buses" agenda.

Sadik-Khan expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the MTA Board, stating, "As we enter a new transportation era, we need a transportation action plan that matches our ambitions. I am grateful to Mayor Adams for the opportunity to serve on the MTA Board and to be a vote and a voice for all riders looking for affordable transportation and the access that our buses and rail provide to jobs, housing and opportunities."

Hartzog's Background and Transit Priorities

Melanie Hartzog brings a background in city management and public service, having held positions as Director of the Office of Management and Budget and Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services under Mayor Bill de Blasio. She also led the city's COVID-19 pandemic response and most recently served as CEO of New York Foundling, a child welfare charity.

Hartzog stated, "I’m honored by Mayor Adams’ recommendation that I serve as a member of the MTA’s Board of Directors and by the opportunity to help ensure our transit system is not just affordable, accessible, and reliable, but delivers the level of service New Yorkers expect and deserve."

The MTA Board faces a significant agenda, with Mayor Adams prioritizing transit improvements. The mayor's pledge for "fast and free buses" has encountered some headwinds, with MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber expressing caution regarding the feasibility of free fares, and the state legislature not prioritizing the policy. However, the shared goal of faster bus service remains. Sadik-Khan and Hartzog are expected to play a role in pushing the MTA to adopt efficient policies such as all-door boarding and improved bus dispatching, especially as the city expands bus lanes and bus-priority streets.

Key Transit Projects and Challenges

The MTA is also advancing several major expansion projects across the city, including the second phase of the Second Avenue Subway, a potential westward expansion of the Q train, Penn Access, and the Interborough Express. These projects are navigating complex funding and planning stages. Furthermore, extensive signal upgrade efforts are planned for various subway lines, including the Fulton Line, Liberty and Rockaway Lines, and Nassau Street, Sixth Avenue, and Broadway lines. These upgrades are expected to cause service disruptions, necessitating close coordination between the city and the MTA to maintain mobility for riders.

The MTA board comprises 23 members representing its entire service area. Seventeen members hold voting power: six appointed by the governor, four by the mayor, and one each by the executives of Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. Four other counties share a single vote among their representatives. The board's responsibilities include approving contracts, service changes, and fare adjustments, with a mandate to consider the MTA's financial health. While board positions are largely advisory, members can significantly influence agency operations, as demonstrated by past efforts to rally support for or against specific transit policies.

Key facts
| Appointee | Previous Role | Key Experience |
|—|—|—|
| Janette Sadik-Khan | NYC DOT Commissioner | Protected bike lanes, Citi Bike, Times Square pedestrianization, Select Bus Service |
| Melanie Hartzog | Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services | City budget management, pandemic response, non-profit leadership |

The appointment of Sadik-Khan, in particular, brings a strong advocate for street design and transit-oriented development to the MTA board. Her experience in implementing transformative street-level changes and her deep understanding of bus rapid transit systems are expected to be invaluable as the MTA grapples with enhancing bus service, delivering major capital projects, and improving the overall rider experience. The focus on "fast buses" and efficient transit operations aligns with broader urban planning goals of creating more sustainable, accessible, and livable cities.

Source: Streetsblog NYC (https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/06/02/guess-whos-back-janettes-back)

Key facts