During an event on October 8, 2026, New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn stated that most car owners in the city are "wealthy" and criticized parking as a public land "giveaway." Flynn emphasized that the administration is focusing on walking, public transit, cycling, and e-bikes, suggesting that the current policies are designed to encourage motorists to abandon their cars. He claimed that car owners are more than twice as wealthy as non-car owners and described car ownership as a "burden" for lower-income residents.
The remarks prompted a response from Brooklyn4All, a grassroots group representing various transportation users, who argued that transportation should accommodate diverse needs. A spokesperson for the group highlighted that many drivers include seniors, people with disabilities, and those with non-traditional work hours. They emphasized that for many in the community, a car is essential for daily activities such as commuting and grocery shopping.
Flynn referenced a 2024 report from Hunter College, which indicated that low-income residents often need cars more than higher-income residents for economic mobility. The report noted that car ownership is influenced more by housing type and neighborhood than by income, race, or age. It also revealed that vehicle ownership rates vary significantly across boroughs, with 85% of Staten Island households owning a vehicle compared to only 23% in Manhattan.
Despite acknowledging that some lower-income residents require cars, Flynn maintained that enhancing transportation options for those without vehicles aligns with the city’s transportation equity goals. The Hunter report recommended strategies to make vehicle ownership more expensive and parking more difficult, including paid street parking and a recurring registration fee based on vehicle value. Flynn mentioned that these proposals are under review by the administration.
Brooklyn4All criticized the approach, arguing that it unfairly burdens working-class families already facing financial challenges. They clarified that the report's authors aimed to target occasional car use rather than those who depend on vehicles for essential tasks. The report acknowledged the DOT as a client and thanked the agency for its participation in shaping the report's contents. Ryan Russo, who guided the report, is no longer affiliated with Hunter College and did not respond to requests for comment.