41.   But advocates for mass transit pointed out that the mayor did not try to protect several other projects in neighborhoods that did not support him.

42.   But he did not call for any money to aid the metropolitan mass transit system in carrying out its capital plans.

43.   But he was silent on mass transit.

44.   But he needs to learn how to stand up to the governor and fight for mass transit passengers.

45.   But his mother told officials he had an affinity for mass transit.

46.   But experts said there could be value in providing more mass transit choices for weekend hot spots -- the zoo, Griffith Park, Staples Center, for example.

47.   But it turned down mass transit, opting for more highways instead.

48.   But if the governor did not allow borrowing to resume next year, he contended, the effects on the mass transit improvements throughout the region could be dire.

49.   But mass transit looms large as an obstacle to those who do not go regularly to the city.

50.   But Pataki said his plan provided the greatest benefit to the low-income New Yorkers who are most dependent on mass transit.