Mayor Zohran Mamdani nominated Janette Sadik-Khan and Melanie Hartzog to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board, joining existing city representatives Dan Garodnick and David Jones who remain in their seats.

The four city appointees together complete the city’s four seats on the 23-member MTA board, which oversees contracts, service changes, and fare decisions across the region.

The MTA board has advisory influence and represents the transit region from the Hudson Valley to Suffolk County, with responsibilities including approving major contracts and service changes.

The agency oversees New York City subways, buses, and commuter rail lines as part of its core duties.

Context for the board’s work includes upcoming transit expansions and upgrades, such as the Second Avenue Subway phase 2, Penn Access, the Interborough Express, and extensive signal upgrades.

There is historical tension around coordinating city and state roles on the MTA board, reflecting governance dynamics and past resignations.

Hartzog, former deputy mayor for health and human services and current CEO of New York Foundling, will emphasize affordable, accessible, and reliable transit on the board.

Mamdani seeks faster buses and bus-priority improvements, with Sadik-Khan and Hartzog expected to push for rapid, efficient service, even amid discussions of fares.

The appointments illustrate a broader strategy to align MTA priorities with the mayor’s transportation agenda while navigating funding and planning challenges.

Sadik-Khan, a former DOT commissioner renowned for Select Bus Service and pioneering bike infrastructure, brings experience to advance the mayor’s fast-bus agenda on the MTA Board.

Nominations must be approved by the New York State Senate.

Current board members Dan Garodnick and David Jones will continue serving alongside Mamdani’s other appointees.