New York assembly member Zohran Mamdani recently introduced “Fix the MTA,” a package of eight bills to dramatically improve New York City’s beleaguered Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Mamdani, one of eight Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) members in the New York State Legislature, represents parts of Queens including “the People’s Republic of Astoria,” with fellow elected socialists Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Kristen Gonzalez, and Tiffany Cabán.

According to Mamdani, the legislation would transform New York City’s often decrepit public transit. He sat down with Jacobin contributor Peter Lucas to discuss his new legislation, its unorthodox introduction, and a universal approach to fixing New York’s public services.