Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing progressive changes to the city’s transit system. So progressive, in fact, that anyone who’s been living in a cave for the past eight years might think that Bloomberg could actually contribute to the wellbeing of the working people of New York City.

For instance, Bloomberg has recently noticed that the public transit system is “the lifeblood of our city.” He should know; he rides the 6 train to work (after being chauffeured from his mansion to a subway station by SUV, of course). Apparently, he’s come to the realization that the city’s lifeblood isn’t as plentiful as it should be. He’s released a whole 33-point program to fix transit for New Yorkers!

Why is a bankrupt MTA still issuing bonds?

According to Wednesday's New York Times, the MTA is advertising directly to the public to sell its tax-exempt bonds. Ed Koch is helping with the radio ads. The money is needed to "buy new equipment and maintain the network, which will improve reliability, safety and customer service," says Koch.

Actually, the money will be used to pay off existing bondholders! Why would anyone want to invest before Richard Ravitch files his report in a month or two about the MTA's finances? Two people wrote this story and there's not one mention about the credit rating of the bonds?

Wednesday brought the welcome news that Matthew Long, the son of Conservative Party boss Mike Long was released from the hospital. Matthew Long was seriously injured in an accident while riding his bike to work during the transit strike.

It’s ironic that this occurred the same week, that Westchester State Senator Nick Spano introduced a bill would require the MTA to pay half of the strike fines levied against the TWU for illegal strikes, strikes like the one that was  indirectly responsible for Matthew Long’s injuries.

The transit strike that occurred in December crippled the city, ruined the holiday season for some businesses, and cost quite a bit of money for the city.  Still, I believe that Roger Toussaint made a horrible calculation.  Of course the MTA was not negotiating in good faith, but what did he expect?  And, why did Toussaint fail to understand that he would lose the battle and the public?  How, exactly did he expect to move a lame duck administration through a strike action?  I believe that the TWU had a right to be have some action, but, as I stare out of my window this morning, I pose this question -- how many more people would have been supportive of the strike action if it had been delayed until April 16th?

In case you haven't heard, NY1 has the story here: in print and via stream. And John Holusha of the Times just filed the story here.

In short, Toussaint gets 10 days and must pay $1,000.  Ed Watt and Darlyne Lawson, two other TWU administrators, face fines of $500 a piece, and no jail time.