New York transit advocates on Tuesday called the proposed $15 billion federal transit aid plan as proposed by lawmakers in the U.S. Senate insufficient and more than double the amount was needed. 

The proposal, a bipartisan compromise unveiled on Tuesday, was called "a good framework, and we are all committed to doing what it takes to get it done" by U.S. Sen. Mark Warner.

Mass transit systems across the country have strained under the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic and the reduced ridership that has evaporated revenue. 

"The $15 billion for public transit proposed by several senators today falls short of what this moment demands," said Riders Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum. "For six months, the Senate has left the nation's riders hanging while transit agencies's needs have only grown."

Plum said at least $32 million is need from Congress to aid mass transit. 

In New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has already received an infusion of federal support. But the authority will need more funds to close massive shortfalls created by the crisis.

"Congress must face the reality that public transit undergirds the nation's most productive economic regions and is a lifeline for millions of essential workers," Plum said. "A skinny relief bill is an anemic response to the worst crisis public transit has ever faced."

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the backing of the bill. It has Republican and Democratic support.