Assemblymember Steven Raga Engages MTA on 7-Train Quality of Life Issues

Queens, New York — Assemblymember Steven Raga recently met with officials from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to tackle long-standing quality of life issues along the 7-Train corridor, particularly in the communities of Jackson Heights, Corona and Woodside.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders from both local and transit leadership, as Assemblymember Raga was joined by Assemblymember Catalina Cruz and New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan. Representing the MTA was NYC Transit President Richard Davey Crichlow, along with personnel from MTA stations, facilities, subway operations, and management teams responsible for third-party station entrances.

For years, residents along the 7-Train corridor have raised concerns over deteriorating conditions at stations, inadequate maintenance, trash accumulation, and overcrowding, particularly during rush hours. The 7-Line, commonly referred to as the "International Express," serves some of the most densely populated and diverse neighborhoods in the city, making it a critical part of daily life for thousands of working-class families, immigrants, and essential workers.

Aside from cleanliness and maintenance, other challenges raised include station accessibility, noise pollution, infrastructure repairs, and ensuring that third-party managed entrances uphold the same standards of safety and cleanliness as those operated directly by the MTA.

The meeting is part of ongoing efforts by Queens-based elected officials to engage directly with MTA leadership and ensure that community concerns are not only heard but addressed in a coordinated manner. For the residents and commuters along the 7-Line, improvements to the transit system are tied directly to their daily routines, economic opportunities, and overall quality of life.

The MTA, in response to these concerns, committed to closer coordination with local officials, promising further site assessments, inspections, and direct follow-ups on the specific issues brought to the table. These collaborative efforts aim to bridge the gap between community needs and transit agency action, particularly as the MTA continues to work on long-term infrastructure improvements citywide.

Assemblymember Raga’s leadership on this issue reflects his broader advocacy for improved transportation infrastructure, community development, and constituent services throughout his district. By proactively engaging with transit officials, Raga is helping build stronger partnerships between city agencies and the communities they serve.

The dialogue with MTA leadership also highlights the importance of elected officials being directly involved in addressing hyperlocal issues that have significant impacts on daily life. As neighborhoods in Queens continue to grow, the need for reliable, safe, and clean public transportation remains a top priority for local leaders.

Efforts to resolve the problems plaguing the 7-Line are expected to continue, with further meetings, assessments, and action plans in the works. Residents along the corridor can expect continued engagement from their elected officials as they push for sustainable, long-term improvements to one of New York City’s most vital transit lines.