homework - No buses on Staten Island

Click HERE to watch the video. Read the story. Answer the questions.

Story:

Queens, NY (3/2/2010) - People from Queens and Staten Island voiced their concerns Tuesday night over the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's proposal to cut services and stop free MetroCards for city students.

At a public hearing in Flushing, people packed the ballroom at the Sheraton La Guardia East to voice their anger at the MTA.

People spoke about the agency's plan to phase out free student MetroCards. A deaf student who attended the hearing garnered a standing ovation when he talked about what the cuts would mean to students.

"Please don't make these cuts. Please, please try to focus in on resolving these issues," said the student.

Elected officials also took aim at the MTA, saying the agency is out of touch and needs to consider other alternatives to the cuts.

"I get it. I get it. You have to have these hearings. Some of you aren't even paying attention," said Assemblyman Jose Peralta.

"Demand the commuter tax, demand federal stimulus money. We'll walk with you, but you have to meet us halfway, you have to join us today," said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.

MTA Chairman Jay Walder said the public hearings are an important part of the process as the agency figures out how to get the $800 million it needs.

"All of this is part of the discussions that can take place after the public hearings, but I don't want to mislead anybody. There are no easy answers to deal with a shortfall of the magnitude we have to deal with, so we're going to have to take steps to deal with it," Walder said.

The MTA has also proposed eliminating the W and M subway lines.

Meanwhile, another public hearing was held on Staten Island where the agency is looking to alter or totally take away 17 local and express buses.

Those who came out to the hearing said the buses are the only way to get around, since many residents don't have cars, and their borough has no subways.

Questions:

1) Where did this story take place?

2) When did this story take place?

3) What did the deaf student say?

4) How many buses on Staten Island does the MTA want to cut?

5) How much money does the MTA need?

6) Why are the people in Staten island so upset?

Info from NY1