"The more you stick your head in the sand on this issue . . . " the more you look like a looney gooney ostrich bird waiting for a train that is not about to arrive . . . " When is the USA going to wake up and recognize that capital investment in essential infrastructure requires regular maintenance and expenditure on upkeep to remain viable?
4
I don't blame politicians (solely) for this. I blame the American people, who by and large are selfish individualists who for the last 40 years have been unwilling to pay taxes necessary to support the common good.
9
Ever wonder where all the transit fare money is going? NYC averages almost 6 MILLION riders daily (365 days a year). The biggest chunk goes to worker's salaries and benefits. Because they are allowed to strike, they can cripple the city and so the city must pay extorted salaries and benefits (double, triple or even higher multiples than the job is worth say to a regular business). In the old days, token clerks (the people who converted cash (max $20 bills) into fare tokens earned double and triple that of the average bank teller. NYC did away with tokens many years ago, but not a single token clerk was fired.
4
Here in califorbia, that money will be taken out of the transpotation fund and moved to the general fund to fund free healthcare and education for illegal aliens from mexico..thats the big problem with tax increases.
1
The New York subway could save money by more automation. Its difficult to do so with the unions though. They demand drivers in every car even when they car can run by itself.
2
So typical of a country claiming greatness and exceptionalism while conservatives insist government is the problem and thus the smaller the better. Are Americans too cheap to pay for the infrastructure they need and should want or too dumb to understand why investment in it pays back vastly greater dividends. Whatever the answer — and it's probably both, the result is a second-class country that pretends to be otherwise.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
5
So much chat about increasing taxes. Meanwhile, any mention of accountability clears a room.
4
Let's stop with the generalities - somebody please tell me how much it costs to take a ride on the NY subway.
Never mind, I found it. it is $3.00 if you pay cash. With a MetroCard it is $2.75 but wait, some people pay half of that! And how many people ride for FREE?
You can get an unlimited 30 day pass for $116.50 but again some people only pay $58.25 for that. Sounds like one of those deals on TV!
It costs 15 bucks cash to drive a car or motorcycle over the GW Bridge!!!
Now why should the people who drive be charged more to support the subway?
Raise the subway fare - it is too low!
Never mind, I found it. it is $3.00 if you pay cash. With a MetroCard it is $2.75 but wait, some people pay half of that! And how many people ride for FREE?
You can get an unlimited 30 day pass for $116.50 but again some people only pay $58.25 for that. Sounds like one of those deals on TV!
It costs 15 bucks cash to drive a car or motorcycle over the GW Bridge!!!
Now why should the people who drive be charged more to support the subway?
Raise the subway fare - it is too low!
5
Because the subways and commuter trains are what make NYC the economic powerhouse it is... Not the people in cars. If there were no subways you could kiss it all goodbye.
3
I might be willing to accept that option... ;>)
2
You might want to check to see how much the average NYC resident subsidizes you. You might not be as smug.
2
The New York City subway system is the lifeblood of city. When running properly it is the most efficient way to get around the five boroughs. The Federal and State governments need to pass legislation to fund not only the repairs and upgrades of the subway system, but the railways (Metro North) and highways that connect us all. If our Federal and State governments did this, this country could flourish again.
8
This is what you get when the greater public good is of less value than the gains of just a few.
Just try and take a look across your borders to Europe, Singapore or Hong Kong - even Moscow, to see how it's done.
Just try and take a look across your borders to Europe, Singapore or Hong Kong - even Moscow, to see how it's done.
7
What's wrong with transit? Maybe a lack of constituency. People who could help don't care, and with reason.
Boston's subway is ear-splitting, dirty, slow, crowded, and inconvenient.
The noise of the cars, especially at the Copley turn, is teeth-shattering.
The smell of urine, and worse, turns the stomach.
Service is unpredictable. To reach your appointments on time, use a taxi, or drive your car.
The people packed like garbage into the cars pass infection around like a game.
Walk half a mile to the nearest stop. Try to get to Mass. General from the Charles Street station in Winter.
And the coup de grâce: surly, rude, arrogant employees.
That's the opinion I formed in the 1960's and 70's, before I abandoned Boston. Has anything changed?
Boston's subway is ear-splitting, dirty, slow, crowded, and inconvenient.
The noise of the cars, especially at the Copley turn, is teeth-shattering.
The smell of urine, and worse, turns the stomach.
Service is unpredictable. To reach your appointments on time, use a taxi, or drive your car.
The people packed like garbage into the cars pass infection around like a game.
Walk half a mile to the nearest stop. Try to get to Mass. General from the Charles Street station in Winter.
And the coup de grâce: surly, rude, arrogant employees.
That's the opinion I formed in the 1960's and 70's, before I abandoned Boston. Has anything changed?
6
The most important think to remember is that, in general, European spending on transportation infrastructure (aviation, rail and roads) is about double the US. You get what you pay for. Historically, Americans have paid to get bigger houses, bigger cars, and more TVs and not shared benefits like infrastructure, especially transit since it's thought to be used mostly by the lower class.
10
"The Federal Transit Administration found that public transit systems have a backlog of $86 billion in critical maintenance nationwide." The 2016 defense budget is about $600 billion, seven times greater. Where the money goes reveals our priorities. It also shows how effective the military-industrial complex is in extracting corporate welfare.
11
I was heading back from Ithaca last week after visiting my sister, husband and their kids and got thinking about this while driving. This would probably need a supercomputer of sorts to really figure out the planning; if one looks at Route 1 and i95, they for the most part run parallel up and down the east coast. This will provide one example; if you drive down to Philly there is construction going on which is meant to add a new lane however it will not be completed until however many years. It backs traffic up daily. Perhaps take a page from inner cities with one way streets; change up the traffic pattern, 95 goes north and rt1 goes south or vice versa. Other highways take up similar patterns with local major roads (611, 413 etc) as well following similar patterns. A program and planners would have to figure out the best set up. Sure a few extra miles are driver, but in turn we crank up the speed limit to 75mph on the highways. Designate a lane or two (depending on the area) for just buses, and perhaps an extra lane just for slow tractor trailers/trucks. Keeping open a few lanes for cars and construction. Certainly this doesn't solve the train issue which needs to be solved, but at least we could lessen the impact that construction has on major highways, create rapid bus lanes etc. It's a funky idea but at least it would seemingly improve the pace of traffic but perhaps lead to problems being ignored..then again problems are already being ignored so shrug.
1
No surprises here. Government is fond of big, shiny new projects but terrible at maintaining infrastructure already in place. Too much money spent on employees, benefits and bureaucracy and not enough on basic maintenance.
3
In 1980, a consultant in DC named Chester Johnson was telling everyone who would listen about the coming infrastructure crisis and inadequate infrastructure maintenance.
6
The entire transportation system is run on political considerations.
Roads and bridges are a terrible state because they take the tolls to subsidize MTA which knows these subsidies will not both maintain the fare and do necessary upgrades and repairs. Thus noting get replaces just a band aide fix.
It is absolutely ridiculous that you can go from Woodlawn in the Bronx to JFK for the same fare from GCT to 57th St.
If they charged by the station or zone as does Metro North Rail they just might have enough to do some actual upgrading, not just repairs.
NYC unlike other beautiful systems is the only one with a flat fare.
This is not economics it political pandering for votes.
Any time a politician is involved nothing gets done. Politicians as individuals do nothing, as a group the all get together to agree nothing can be done.
Roads and bridges are a terrible state because they take the tolls to subsidize MTA which knows these subsidies will not both maintain the fare and do necessary upgrades and repairs. Thus noting get replaces just a band aide fix.
It is absolutely ridiculous that you can go from Woodlawn in the Bronx to JFK for the same fare from GCT to 57th St.
If they charged by the station or zone as does Metro North Rail they just might have enough to do some actual upgrading, not just repairs.
NYC unlike other beautiful systems is the only one with a flat fare.
This is not economics it political pandering for votes.
Any time a politician is involved nothing gets done. Politicians as individuals do nothing, as a group the all get together to agree nothing can be done.
5
Is it really that bad here in NYC? I take the subway every day, it is relatively clean and on time, unpleasantly crowded too often, but I get where I'm going quite easily. Sure, there is so much work to be done to improve the system, but I see progress that others maybe don't. Second Avenue is happening with funding for the expansion of the line to East Harlem. Number 7 to Hudson Yards, Fulton Street station, WTC transit hub, East Side access...... I know, everything takes at least twice as much money and time to build as promised, but, we are building and spending billions and billions on it between the Port Authority and MTA. Don't forget the overhaul of LaGuardia that is coming. Just saying, things here in the city are not as dire as some would imagine. Progress is happening, slowly, even painfully slow, but it is happening.
5
Echoing what a lot of other commenters have said.....I wonder how nice the subway looks in Baghdad after our intervention there? All the money that was poured into Iraq an Afghanistan (and subsequently stolen or squandered) would have made the need for this article moot.
7
How lower taxes and smaller government working out for you?
Rich people: "Great! We don't take public transportation."
Everybody else: "Awful! We've been duped."
Rich people: "Great! We don't take public transportation."
Everybody else: "Awful! We've been duped."
10
Gee, maybe the common thread is big city union employees who aren't held accountable?
7
Why is that people always look to the gas tax as a revenue source of public transportation. That tax was and should be used to maintain the nations roads and bridges not trains and buses. Those who use the pubic transportation services should pay to run it. Would it make sense if I was to propose that an extra fee be added to each subway ticket to build or repair a highway, Those rides would feel greatly put upon and yet they would see no problem with the reverse.
People complain about the service but are not willing to pay for it. Not much different than many things in this country today, everybody wants something but doesn't want to pay for it.
I would like to see signs go up in the subway cars saying '' we know the trains are falling apart, are you will to pay to repair them ??- the management '''''
People complain about the service but are not willing to pay for it. Not much different than many things in this country today, everybody wants something but doesn't want to pay for it.
I would like to see signs go up in the subway cars saying '' we know the trains are falling apart, are you will to pay to repair them ??- the management '''''
5
This country is around 20 TRILLION in debt. And our infrastructure is crumbling, despite all those "shovel ready jobs".
Where did all the money go? We know where some of it went. But 20 TRILLION?
How much is sitting in the Caymans, Panama, Switzerland, or Monaco put there by our own elected officials and gov't connected people?
Where did all the money go? We know where some of it went. But 20 TRILLION?
How much is sitting in the Caymans, Panama, Switzerland, or Monaco put there by our own elected officials and gov't connected people?
6
And let's not forget all the badly needed jobs with good wages these repairs will create. Let's take the money from the bloated defense budget and do them now.
10
This article's title starts with "Why", but really misses the opportunity to dig into that question. Clearly more funding is necessary, and secondarily efficiency improvements. Where would the money come from? City, state, or federal funds? Rider fees? Clearly proposals and legislature are put forth to address that. How is that blocked? Who votes against? What are the political and economic dynamics? Everyone has opinions, clearly, but it would be nice to get some investigative facts. Things seem to be far better overseas; please elaborate that comparison. Are there communities in this country that do better? How and why?
5
@Ace Tracy: Agree, take some of the money from the DoD budget. Maybe take some of the money from OCO (overseas contingency operations) and add a new line for DCO (domestic contingency operations) and direct it to mass transit.
3
In NYC it is obvious, the lines are overcrowded and if only 5% of the riders are not behaving, then the subways get filthy. to make matters worse , the sound from old brakes leave many riders deaf, and I think are gourds for a class action lawsuit. More security is needed, more active cleaning of subway stations, and a freeze of top salaries at the MTA or even a 10% decline in pay for the top 100 salaried positions.
4
Only a $86 billion backlog in repairs? That's less than one year's spending on the war in Iraq under George Bush.
9
There are no people as stupid as the people in the United States. They allow their do nothing congress to go on and do absolutely nothing for them when it comes to infrastructure. There is plenty of money for the military and for the needless wars that we've fought with over six trillion down the rabbit hole but
almost nothing to fix the roads, the bridges, the subways and almost everything
that your average American needs everyday. As the song still says, "When will
they ever learn...............?
almost nothing to fix the roads, the bridges, the subways and almost everything
that your average American needs everyday. As the song still says, "When will
they ever learn...............?
10
AMEN!
1
New neighbor additions that support subways are also in order. Streetcars not busses.
1
Civil engineers give our nation very poor grades on all components of our infrastructure - water, sewer, roadways, bridges, trains. When are we going to listen to them and respond with sensible solutions?
3
Why can't current taxes be used to build and maintain infrastructure? Why do tax surpluses go to fund bonuses and higher union contracts?
3
There must have been something in the water 100 years ago that made people more serious about confronting the long-term issues facing the country.
Or maybe there is something in the water now telling us to just go out and have fun.
Or maybe there is something in the water now telling us to just go out and have fun.
4
1% tax on all businesses in each of these cities which employee over 200 employees.
Raising fares, tolls, etc., will only hurt the riders and force people to find jobs closer to home. This has become the norm for decades and obviously isn't working, so why keep trying to solve the problem doing the same thing over and overv again?.
Raising fares, tolls, etc., will only hurt the riders and force people to find jobs closer to home. This has become the norm for decades and obviously isn't working, so why keep trying to solve the problem doing the same thing over and overv again?.
2
Maybe if we stopped spending so much money on war we would have enough to actually spend on everything INSIDE the country. We have this notion of spending so much money abroad in international ventures that things on the inside get ignored for decades. I think it’s time the government focused on US for a while.
5
At least the NorthEast HAS mass transit.
5
Remember the old commercial where the mechanic says you can pay me now or later? It is later and we have not kept our infrastructure up and the costs are getting higher. President Obama wanted to work on infrastructure as a way to get us out of depression, but Republican's in Congress said no. Know the needs are greater and costs are higher.
3
I agree with Obama about the cities not contributing nearly enough to the infrastructure (like in Flint). All the people who have to use mass transit with the over-crowding and delays that make them late for school/work are FARE-PAYING CUSTOMERS! The cities' transit authorities should use our exorbitant fare money to put the improvements and extra trains and buses in place quickly. Where is this money going?
1
Here's an idea - ELIMINATE THE FEDERAL GAS TAX!
Why should Congress and the President be the middle people in collecting these funds to just turn around and pass them back to the states?!
Let each state set the gas tax rate at what it want in order to meet their respective transportation and transit needs.
If Montana wants to spend it on snow plows and back roads, so be it.
If we here in NYS want to use it for the transit system that benefits the most commuter in NYS, that is NYC Transit, LIRR and MetroNorth, let us do so (should Governor Cuomo so deign to see that as being what he would allow as our bullying overlord!).
if poverty ridden states like Alabama lose out - thems the breaks! Southern states have been clamoring for states rights for decades - so let this be an instructive start of what they would have to deal with when getting a lot less Federal largesse.
Let's stop complaining and take responsibility and fiscal control for local transportation and transit!
Why should Congress and the President be the middle people in collecting these funds to just turn around and pass them back to the states?!
Let each state set the gas tax rate at what it want in order to meet their respective transportation and transit needs.
If Montana wants to spend it on snow plows and back roads, so be it.
If we here in NYS want to use it for the transit system that benefits the most commuter in NYS, that is NYC Transit, LIRR and MetroNorth, let us do so (should Governor Cuomo so deign to see that as being what he would allow as our bullying overlord!).
if poverty ridden states like Alabama lose out - thems the breaks! Southern states have been clamoring for states rights for decades - so let this be an instructive start of what they would have to deal with when getting a lot less Federal largesse.
Let's stop complaining and take responsibility and fiscal control for local transportation and transit!
4
Why do Republicans hate mass transit? It fits their ideology to a "T". There are no regulations for riding the subway - you can be drunk, sleepy, distracted etc, most people take the subway to work and hard to track you on the subway - unlike driving.
(Inside joke, the T is Boston's subway
(Inside joke, the T is Boston's subway
2
Just one note of clarification. When author mentioned the population of NYC, she mentioned the population of the city proper. When she mentioned the populations of Boston and DC, she provided regional numbers. While the NYC subway does not leave the city proper and the others do, the article suggests regions that are closer in size than they are. NYC metro dwarfs both by far with close to 24 million people.
6
I read that too... I said that is a false equivalency... Puts it in perspective that NYC proper is millions larger than the entire metro areas of the other 2.
1
Unfortunately our leaders in Washington have made a choice (and this includes President Obama): unbudgeted trillions to wage forever war, but little money to repair domestic infrastructure.
What makes this so unfortunate is that both parties endorse war spending at the expense of everything else, so we can't just vote them out of office.
What makes this so unfortunate is that both parties endorse war spending at the expense of everything else, so we can't just vote them out of office.
1
How is it possible to write this article without mentioning Congressional (read: Republican) hostility toward funding transit in northeastern (read: Democratic) cities?
2
Our nation could crumble as we throw away billions on aircraft that will never fly. Where are our priorities?
3
Boston is so desperate for improvements on the T that Mayor Walsh was tempted to sign off on a blank check to the IOC because the plan included funds for public transportation improvements.
2
This is all about Political Capital,
Politicians play the let it rust, leak, crumble and when it get really bad then it's time for big contracts, headlines etc. rather than continually upgrading and pulling maintenance.
Politicians play the let it rust, leak, crumble and when it get really bad then it's time for big contracts, headlines etc. rather than continually upgrading and pulling maintenance.
5
Chicago's system is horrible too. I got just back from Paris, where the system is far more extensive, and the trains all actually ran efficiently. In Chicago, there are constant delays for "sick passengers," stuck doors (even on train cars only a few years old), "signal problems," and the like. The escalators are quite often broken, another thing that I never say in Paris.
2
Riders are paying daily at a fare of $3+ for nearly 6 million trips daily or about $20 million per day or roughly $8 billion per year. Unfortunately the system is so inefficient and corrupt that billions more are needed. The workforce is generally rude and uncaring. The contracting is rife with political favoritism and waste. When will NY wake up. NY needs Donald Trump to do a Wollman Rink on the subway system or billions more will be wasted.
6
Go to the MTA website (NY) and you will see that $3 cash is the highest fare anybody pays.
Most ride for much less and how many people ride for free? I don't know, but I'd bet a lot of MTA & City employees don't pay a cent to ride.
There is no reason that the people crossing the GW Bridge should pay for the subway unless the ride it.
Most ride for much less and how many people ride for free? I don't know, but I'd bet a lot of MTA & City employees don't pay a cent to ride.
There is no reason that the people crossing the GW Bridge should pay for the subway unless the ride it.
2
Decades ago, the backlog of deferred maintenance in the National Parks was in multiples of billions of dollars, and those of us who worked with NPS in the Department of the Interior knew this, but as maintenance wasn't and isn't a priority, the backlog just grew. Most visitors didn't notice that roads were crumbling, bridges falling down, and roofs on visitors' centers leaking. It's been almost 20 years since I was part of the Federal budget process, so I have no idea how huge this amount is now.
I used the DC metro from 1976 to 1999. Like the National Parks, this system was a "crown jewel" of public transportation. When there was a minor problem, it got fixed. But minor problems turn into life-threatening crises when there are too many of them to keep up with. The problems faced by public transportation in the Northeast are the same as those faced by the National Parks - deferred maintenance eventually catches up with you and there's no money in the bank, or, appropriated to take care of things - but with a big difference. On subways, people notice, and human lives are at stake. When the DC Metro shut down in March, it was all over social media. People take their lives into their hands when they venture on these tracks. Somebody needs to wake up. If the roof on your house leaks, you don't wait until your house is a swimming pool to fix it. Until federal budget priorities are more balanced, this won't be addressed. I wonder how many people will die before something is done.
I used the DC metro from 1976 to 1999. Like the National Parks, this system was a "crown jewel" of public transportation. When there was a minor problem, it got fixed. But minor problems turn into life-threatening crises when there are too many of them to keep up with. The problems faced by public transportation in the Northeast are the same as those faced by the National Parks - deferred maintenance eventually catches up with you and there's no money in the bank, or, appropriated to take care of things - but with a big difference. On subways, people notice, and human lives are at stake. When the DC Metro shut down in March, it was all over social media. People take their lives into their hands when they venture on these tracks. Somebody needs to wake up. If the roof on your house leaks, you don't wait until your house is a swimming pool to fix it. Until federal budget priorities are more balanced, this won't be addressed. I wonder how many people will die before something is done.
6
The three problems are (1) lack of money, (2) lack of vision and will, and (3) lack of smarts.
(1) Raise taxes on the rich, close corporate loopholes and dodges, and shift money out of the military -- that will take care of the first problem, or at least made a serious dent in it. It would require a serious and successful political struggle against our oligarchs -- but it could be done.
(2) There must be clear goals and strong popular support. We must actively desire to get out of our automobiles and into public transportation or bicycles. We must actively want denser housing. How can we create these desires, or give them a boost? I don't know.
(3) Money is not always enough. It must be spent efficiently. By way of example, the East Bay (meaning the towns and counties on the east side of San Francisco Bay) raises billions upon billions of dollars that it parcels out to dozens of municipal and regional agencies. And the recipients of these scattered funds can do whatever they please with it. Just a couple of years back, my small city of Hayward (pop. 150,000) was handed nearly a hundred million dollars. The city decided to sink the entire sum into a rather minor upgrade of a single, long street running from one border of the city to the other -- turning a city thoroughfare (once the home of trolleys) into a quasi-highway. Commuters in automobiles can now pass through our city in less time. Whoopee! Again, I don't know how to cure such stupidity.
(1) Raise taxes on the rich, close corporate loopholes and dodges, and shift money out of the military -- that will take care of the first problem, or at least made a serious dent in it. It would require a serious and successful political struggle against our oligarchs -- but it could be done.
(2) There must be clear goals and strong popular support. We must actively desire to get out of our automobiles and into public transportation or bicycles. We must actively want denser housing. How can we create these desires, or give them a boost? I don't know.
(3) Money is not always enough. It must be spent efficiently. By way of example, the East Bay (meaning the towns and counties on the east side of San Francisco Bay) raises billions upon billions of dollars that it parcels out to dozens of municipal and regional agencies. And the recipients of these scattered funds can do whatever they please with it. Just a couple of years back, my small city of Hayward (pop. 150,000) was handed nearly a hundred million dollars. The city decided to sink the entire sum into a rather minor upgrade of a single, long street running from one border of the city to the other -- turning a city thoroughfare (once the home of trolleys) into a quasi-highway. Commuters in automobiles can now pass through our city in less time. Whoopee! Again, I don't know how to cure such stupidity.
8
Excellent article. My wife, a brilliant social scientist, was yelling at many university and community leaders to pay attention to this way back in the late 90s, when she saw bright graduate students and faculty applicants reject their job offers because of high housing costs and bad infrastructure, including bad transportation, that was turning good recruits away from Coastal states and city universities. Midwest universities were picking up on those who were rejecting jobs in cities and the coastal States. This is a serious economic issue. Good article, and definitely needs more research. Don't just get economists on these kinds of research, get social workers and socioogists.
7
NYC contributes a lot more tax money to Albany and to the Federal government than it is getting back.
Much of this nonsense would have been avoided or mitigated had we gotten our tax money back.
The only short-term fix to our situation that I can think of is to encourage people to walk whenever they can instead of waiting for overcrowded trains. Public transport in NYC is phenomenally successful, and we'd like to keep it that way. I think our problem is that fast, convenient, cheap public transport has morphed from phenomenally successful to insanely successful. With a zero tolerance band for breakdown of any kind including evacuation of sick passengers
We'll rise to the challenge, though..
Much of this nonsense would have been avoided or mitigated had we gotten our tax money back.
The only short-term fix to our situation that I can think of is to encourage people to walk whenever they can instead of waiting for overcrowded trains. Public transport in NYC is phenomenally successful, and we'd like to keep it that way. I think our problem is that fast, convenient, cheap public transport has morphed from phenomenally successful to insanely successful. With a zero tolerance band for breakdown of any kind including evacuation of sick passengers
We'll rise to the challenge, though..
3
Stop sending jobs overseas. Stop conducting wars all over the world. That's how we get the money to pay for our aging infrastructure. The government is driving us into a third world country. We had a public transportation system years ago but the auto and tire industry saw to it that we demolished those systems and put people in cars. Greed is driving all this and the notion that we need to be the police force in the world. We need an honest politician to take the reins of government and end the corruption or we will become like the eastern european countries.
8
Three wishes for public transportation:
1) Align buses and subways into one network. The only people who know how to ride buses are New York residents because of the absurd numbering systems and routes. If buses were properly mapped and had terminals at major stations like Grand Central then they could provide alternative paths much as Tokyo does with its combination of metro and privately owned lines.
2) Prioritize simple, proven funding sources over innovations. New York is too often trying to invent new sources like taxes on bridges and taxis that take the eye off the ball of making metro transportation funding self sufficient. Stored value payment cards, private real estate leases in stations and more comfortable stations and cars are all services that are much in demand by riders and area businesses. Small investments in these can return a modest profit.
3) The government and the city need to take definitive position on how transportation is funded and organized. The constant uncertainty around funding incentivizes investments in lobbying, union placation and public relations over actual management and investment. No business can be successful without a long-term strategic plan and the constant lurching by government encourages focus on the short-term and nothing else. Government entities should establish a long-term trust fund and leave it at that. The restructuring of pension funds that large companies undertook should be seen as an example that this is possible.
1) Align buses and subways into one network. The only people who know how to ride buses are New York residents because of the absurd numbering systems and routes. If buses were properly mapped and had terminals at major stations like Grand Central then they could provide alternative paths much as Tokyo does with its combination of metro and privately owned lines.
2) Prioritize simple, proven funding sources over innovations. New York is too often trying to invent new sources like taxes on bridges and taxis that take the eye off the ball of making metro transportation funding self sufficient. Stored value payment cards, private real estate leases in stations and more comfortable stations and cars are all services that are much in demand by riders and area businesses. Small investments in these can return a modest profit.
3) The government and the city need to take definitive position on how transportation is funded and organized. The constant uncertainty around funding incentivizes investments in lobbying, union placation and public relations over actual management and investment. No business can be successful without a long-term strategic plan and the constant lurching by government encourages focus on the short-term and nothing else. Government entities should establish a long-term trust fund and leave it at that. The restructuring of pension funds that large companies undertook should be seen as an example that this is possible.
5
Even without the current problems, Investing in public transit is increasingly urgent as a powerful tool in combatting global warming. And if drivers want to believe that public transit is not their problem, they should consider what would happen on the roads if everyone got in a car instead of using public transit. There's a good reason New Yorkers are willing to be packed in those subway cars.
The point is that this should be a no-brainer, a win-win proposition, instead of the typical knee-jerk reaction against spending anything on 'public projects' that only benefits someone else.
At the same time, money should be spent wisely, and having relied on both NYC and Boston transit systems, I'm not convinced that this has always been so, such as expensive new or renovated stations when basic, but efficient ones would do.
The point is that this should be a no-brainer, a win-win proposition, instead of the typical knee-jerk reaction against spending anything on 'public projects' that only benefits someone else.
At the same time, money should be spent wisely, and having relied on both NYC and Boston transit systems, I'm not convinced that this has always been so, such as expensive new or renovated stations when basic, but efficient ones would do.
10
The Trump Administration is committed to massive American infrastructure improvement across the board not excluding urban public and private transport. It will be paid for by huge purchases of our long-term Treasury Bonds which we offer at near-zero or even negative interest, to domestic and foreign purchasers who want to protect their assets by placing them with the Government of the safest and most secure Nation on Earth -- America under the Trump Administration.
2
Shameful. I ride the Boston Red Line almost daily and receive travel alerts on my smartphone. Not a day goes by without a red line delay of some kind. Disabled trains seem to top the list. Apparently, we'd rather waste money on the military than spend money on infrastructure. The US public transportation system and its basic infrastructure is on par with the third world. We spend 54% of federal discretionary spending on the military. Transportation: 2%.
Maybe we can convince the DOD to designate some apache helicopters for public transportation.
The situation in DC is nothing short of a total embarrassment for the nation's capital. And guess what? Entrepreneurs and small business don't build or maintain subways, roads, and bridges. But both groups need these systems to work in order to have viable businesses.
Maybe we can convince the DOD to designate some apache helicopters for public transportation.
The situation in DC is nothing short of a total embarrassment for the nation's capital. And guess what? Entrepreneurs and small business don't build or maintain subways, roads, and bridges. But both groups need these systems to work in order to have viable businesses.
6
Fare revenue is skyrocketing for all transit systems. So how is there no money for maintenance? What happened? Bloated transit pensions are what happened. There's plenty of money. It's just being spent to pay for thousands of 50-year-olds not to work. Incidentally, this is not only why fares go up, but also muni taxes, school taxes, etc. And services plummet. These union labor contracts are toxic.
6
Maintenance is a key issue. With no alternative paths and tracks, the work must be done quickly in order not to have service disrupted for long periods. Tunnels develop leaks, especially here in Boston where the tracks follow tunnels below sea level. Cars get old and need to be replaced. The subways are only a portion of the regional transit system, which includes trains with their own problems. Tracks are not built for high speed and we've had numerous fatal accidents resultant from human error. Railroads were not maintaining their systems even 60 years ago. All that causes delay, high risk and very high maintenance costs. As Lyndon Johnson declared a war on poverty, we must declare war on public transit, before we declare war on China.
1
As the article notes, a higher population is one of the things already affecting these systems.
While the maintenance issue is real and needs to be solved, I wonder what New York City's answer will be to its projected population increases, which are expected to be substantial.
Here's a webpage that I'd encourage people to explore; it shows the NYC Planning Dept's figures for its current population and projected future population increases (the future projections in two PDFS linked at the bottom of the page).
http://www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/data-maps/nyc-population/current-futur...
The City estimates its population increased by 4.6% between 2010 and 2015. In the first page of its December 2013 Update to its population estimates for 2010-2040, the City says population will grow from 8.2 million in 2010 to 9.0 million by 2040. Without saying why, the Update states that "The growth rate between 2010 and 2040 is expected to be lower than that experienced in the 1980-2010 period (1.2 million or 16.6 percent), but it is sufficient to propel the city across the 9 million mark by 2040." It is interesting to note the US Census Bureau's 2015 population estimate of 8,550,405 is almost exactly the same as the City's 2020 estimate of 8,550,971.
It is past time for local, state and national planning and discussion about handling our projected population increases -- which will be considerable -- especially when we're already struggling with our current needs.
While the maintenance issue is real and needs to be solved, I wonder what New York City's answer will be to its projected population increases, which are expected to be substantial.
Here's a webpage that I'd encourage people to explore; it shows the NYC Planning Dept's figures for its current population and projected future population increases (the future projections in two PDFS linked at the bottom of the page).
http://www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/data-maps/nyc-population/current-futur...
The City estimates its population increased by 4.6% between 2010 and 2015. In the first page of its December 2013 Update to its population estimates for 2010-2040, the City says population will grow from 8.2 million in 2010 to 9.0 million by 2040. Without saying why, the Update states that "The growth rate between 2010 and 2040 is expected to be lower than that experienced in the 1980-2010 period (1.2 million or 16.6 percent), but it is sufficient to propel the city across the 9 million mark by 2040." It is interesting to note the US Census Bureau's 2015 population estimate of 8,550,405 is almost exactly the same as the City's 2020 estimate of 8,550,971.
It is past time for local, state and national planning and discussion about handling our projected population increases -- which will be considerable -- especially when we're already struggling with our current needs.
3
The plight of the subway system is merely "the canary in the coal mine" reminder of the deep infrastructure neglect we face as a nation. Years of accumulated government debt, unsustainable trade deficits, and a completely unfair tax code coupled with our addiction to cheap imported goods with those "too good to be true" prices and a "throw our fellow worker under the bus" mentality has left us as a nation hemorrhaging its economic prosperity. The envious tranportation systems of modern Asian cities and ostentatious opulence of some Gulf states point to where much of our money has gone.
3
Conservatives who live in less dense areas fail to understand that cities are the places where wealth and capital accumulate and flow out to them. From their vantage point, taxes are too high because the roads they drive and the services they pay for are sparingly used.
There has to be some way to communicate to lawmakers who represent these areas that the built environment needed to efficiently handle the housing, transportation, working and leisure needs of dense clusters of people is expensive. But more importantly that a failure to invest in it at a high level with innovation as well as maintenance and repair will beggar their own constituents in the long run.
Is there some way that the fabrication of new subway cars or equipment can be situated in these poorer, less dense areas (we don't need to repeal Davis Bacon to get money into everybody's hands). Demand-side, common sense for capitalism starts on these tracks.
There has to be some way to communicate to lawmakers who represent these areas that the built environment needed to efficiently handle the housing, transportation, working and leisure needs of dense clusters of people is expensive. But more importantly that a failure to invest in it at a high level with innovation as well as maintenance and repair will beggar their own constituents in the long run.
Is there some way that the fabrication of new subway cars or equipment can be situated in these poorer, less dense areas (we don't need to repeal Davis Bacon to get money into everybody's hands). Demand-side, common sense for capitalism starts on these tracks.
4
The amazing thing about the comments here is that there are so many extremely valid ones. Unlike other esoteric areas like foreign relations where in depth knowledge is often required to have an educated opinion, everyone is an "expert" on their morning commute. Some of the extremely valid themes and questions presented and that I have wondered about for some time are; one, why does everything cost so much more in this country than overseas even when considering expensive countries like Germany and Japan?; two, why do environmental approvals take ridiculously long?; three, why can't there be a stable funding mechanism in place to fund this? There will be two kinds of cities in the future. Those with a sound public transit system that are economically developing, and those without that are stagnant.
2
Question 1 - lawyers and unions; 2 - lawyers and activists; 3 - lawyers and politicians (often one and the same).
1
I hate to be a backseat driver, but having used public transportation in both London and Paris during the past year, I am perplexed as to why our public transportation system, which is much younger cannot function well. Could it be that the ratio of funding for never ending wars to general maintanance and upgrading of our infrastructure is like a 100 to 1? Could it be that our government officials continue to confuse not spending money with saving?
And in New York it is really becoming horrific. The constant raises in either MTA/LIRR fares, not to mention the every increasing tolls on the bridges and tunnels. Where is all this money going? I remember being in high school in the late 90's and hearing about how the 2nd avenue line was expected to be completed in 2009 and thinking why so long. And 7 years later it seems foolishly optimistic.
Since England and France are our allies and benefit, maybe they could lend us a few consultants to help us out with our public transportation problems. Too bad the people in charge seem to only be interested in solutions that waste time and money as opposed to ones that actually solve issues.
And in New York it is really becoming horrific. The constant raises in either MTA/LIRR fares, not to mention the every increasing tolls on the bridges and tunnels. Where is all this money going? I remember being in high school in the late 90's and hearing about how the 2nd avenue line was expected to be completed in 2009 and thinking why so long. And 7 years later it seems foolishly optimistic.
Since England and France are our allies and benefit, maybe they could lend us a few consultants to help us out with our public transportation problems. Too bad the people in charge seem to only be interested in solutions that waste time and money as opposed to ones that actually solve issues.
15
It is all about the money and the political decisions to spend that money on these important public transit projects and their continuous upgrades to make a better community for all. Clearly, American politicians have neither the desire or the will to even understand the importance of all of this, hence, the situation in which these projects are of little importance.
Agreed. I have bonded with the London Underground over the past half dozen years. Londoners complain that it is crowded and, yes, one of the lines will often be taken down during the weekend for maintenance work. But there's always a way to get around and, well gee, they're doing actual maintenance! Things are usually in good shape wherever I go even though it gets incredible use. The Paris Metro remains a wonder of efficiency even when the government has had to watch its budget since the Euro crisis. A couple months ago I was in Prague and their system is clean and astonishingly smooth considering how old the trains themselves seem to be. Plus they have a great network of trams. Los Angeles' system is spreading out albeit at a torturously slow pace. Worryingly, some of the older parts are looking a bit dog-eared when they're less than 30 years old and ridership is still low because of insufficiently frequent service. I should not have to wait 15 minutes for a subway train at 9:00 a.m. on a weekday but that's schedule on the main line here. Americans desperately need to learn the value of public goods.
5
While overall you are correct - you forget that in London and Paris they pay higher fares as well.
1
If I had a dime for every kid who moved here after college from some place with no subways, and then spent all their time complaining about the T and resisting buying homes or paying taxes, I'd stop voting against Prop 2 1/2 overrides. But that's just the opinion of a local person, who actually grew up here and plans to stay.
9
Only homeowners are entitled to municipal services? Isn't that a bit undemocratic? Besides, renters pay property taxes indirectly, and everyone who works pays income and (again inditrctly) payroll taxes.
Jeez, what a snob!
Jeez, what a snob!
Baby boomers in this country just took and took and took and now they are complaining that they are on the precipice of retirement and cannot pay. The baby boomer generation did nothing to reinforce the nations infrastructure and instead demanded lower. This is no different than living in a house and not keeping up on the maintenance.
12
I've traveled to about 40 countries on a budget -- always using the local transportation -- and I have to say that the Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston subways are the worst I've encountered anywhere in South America, Europe and Asia.
Outside of peak rush hour, DC's Metro trains come less frequently than high-speed intercity rail trains in Europe. And once you're on board, the trains nauseatingly lurch forward with frequent pauses between stations. Drivers have literally had to leave the train to use a telephone in the tunnel to contact central control, because the radios don't work in the tunnels.
New York City's Subway is slightly more reliable than the DC Metro, but the stations are absolutely appalling -- as if they haven't been maintained in 70 years. Trash, filthy and decay is everywhere. And there aren't even signs -- in most stations -- to tell you when the next train is coming.
Boston's system is a mix of DC and New York: overcrowded and unreliable, but also horrific decay -- Red Line trains with the roofs literally rusted through.
Meanwhile, you visit "poor" countries like Thailand, Portugal, Romania, Turkey and Chile and their systems, while imperfect, are nowhere near as bad as the metro systems in the United States.
Outside of peak rush hour, DC's Metro trains come less frequently than high-speed intercity rail trains in Europe. And once you're on board, the trains nauseatingly lurch forward with frequent pauses between stations. Drivers have literally had to leave the train to use a telephone in the tunnel to contact central control, because the radios don't work in the tunnels.
New York City's Subway is slightly more reliable than the DC Metro, but the stations are absolutely appalling -- as if they haven't been maintained in 70 years. Trash, filthy and decay is everywhere. And there aren't even signs -- in most stations -- to tell you when the next train is coming.
Boston's system is a mix of DC and New York: overcrowded and unreliable, but also horrific decay -- Red Line trains with the roofs literally rusted through.
Meanwhile, you visit "poor" countries like Thailand, Portugal, Romania, Turkey and Chile and their systems, while imperfect, are nowhere near as bad as the metro systems in the United States.
19
Fixed rail can't be run at a profit. It needs to be seen as important to cities as police, fire and sanitation. The main trouble as in so much of what would make America better is Republican ideology against public improvements.
31
The problem is too many Americans have bought in to the Republican mantra of government and taxes being evil, hence, the situation that currently exists. The society of engineers have stated quite unequivocally, the infrastructure in America, of which public transit is an important part, is on par with third world countries. Before too long, the lack of support for infrastructure upgrades will do serious damage to the American economy.
6
Fixed rail is run at a profit in Tokyo.
Well, Deus2, there is ample evidence of inept and corrupt government operations (TSA, MTA, VA, IRS, etc.) taking care of politics and their own turfs and budgets before the public interest while squandering millions or billions...it's only reasonable that at some point people don't trust the same liars.
1
Our crumbling infrastructure is a far bigger threat to the safety and prosperity of this country than ISIS or the Taliban. We need to get our priorities in order and get out of the habit of being World Cop! In addition, it is time to send the Grover Norquists and people of his ilk to the the woodshed so that we can raise the revenue and priority of getting the infrastructure of the country up to the level one would expect of a country which considers itself a world leader. If we can't do that we need to stop telling everybody how "Exceptional" we are!
27
To reduce overcrowding, these transit systems should devote all their capital funds to modernizing their signal systems and to buying new cars. The half a billion dollars New York spent to extend the 7 train one stop and the four and a half billion dollars to build the second avenue line 3 stops should have been spent on improvements to the current system.
5
First, there is not enough money to go around.
Second, a significant percentage of what money there is is not handled properly - you know - the many layers of fraud, waste & abuse.
These failures in our infrastructure are a reflection of society in general - lost its way and falling apart - at the seams.
I'm 59 and very worried for my kids and grandkids.
Unless folks protest, our mediocre (at best) leaders will continue to kick the same can down the same road.
Second, a significant percentage of what money there is is not handled properly - you know - the many layers of fraud, waste & abuse.
These failures in our infrastructure are a reflection of society in general - lost its way and falling apart - at the seams.
I'm 59 and very worried for my kids and grandkids.
Unless folks protest, our mediocre (at best) leaders will continue to kick the same can down the same road.
11
I have two thoughts on this.
1) perhaps the solution is NOT to improve transit, but rather to develop and incent work alternatives that do not require commuting. Think of the load that would take off the systems, especially since it would reduce the peak bulges at commuter hours! If we need a breakthrough, we should NOT be looking at ways to shore up a broken system.
2) I agree that funds are NOT being directed at this as they should be. I know that in NC, the highway gas taxes have been getting put in the general fund, and now we are in a bind because maintenance is so far behind..... and the solution is to put in toll roads... wonderful, but a sign of earlier shortsightedness and pandering by politicians, not innovative thinking!!!!!
I also think that we must be careful about generalizations re millenials, public transportation, and urban settings. This may be true now, but I am seeing a trend for these aging millenials (who are getting a generally slower start on their lives than prior generations due to college loans, slow job market, etc.), to buy houses and move out to the suburbs as they get established, marry, and want to raise families. Building a massive transit complex to serve millenial urbanites may not be the solution in the long run. I think this needs a lot of further thought.
Also, it seems that mass transit is a wealth redistribution mechanism, and in some ways forcing urbanization and mass transit is social engineering of the worst kind.
1) perhaps the solution is NOT to improve transit, but rather to develop and incent work alternatives that do not require commuting. Think of the load that would take off the systems, especially since it would reduce the peak bulges at commuter hours! If we need a breakthrough, we should NOT be looking at ways to shore up a broken system.
2) I agree that funds are NOT being directed at this as they should be. I know that in NC, the highway gas taxes have been getting put in the general fund, and now we are in a bind because maintenance is so far behind..... and the solution is to put in toll roads... wonderful, but a sign of earlier shortsightedness and pandering by politicians, not innovative thinking!!!!!
I also think that we must be careful about generalizations re millenials, public transportation, and urban settings. This may be true now, but I am seeing a trend for these aging millenials (who are getting a generally slower start on their lives than prior generations due to college loans, slow job market, etc.), to buy houses and move out to the suburbs as they get established, marry, and want to raise families. Building a massive transit complex to serve millenial urbanites may not be the solution in the long run. I think this needs a lot of further thought.
Also, it seems that mass transit is a wealth redistribution mechanism, and in some ways forcing urbanization and mass transit is social engineering of the worst kind.
3
How much of the republican's lack of support for infrastructure spending is due to the union funding it provides the democrats? Vice versa?
5
No, its too much money spent on needless wars, subsidies given to corporations and corporate welfare.
3
If we use money we normally give to allies for 1-3 years, we could address many of the issues. I know, this sounds like sense. One has to wonder why sense is lacking among our elected officials as it pertains to addressing our infrastructure challenges.
12
the most productive areas in the country, on the east and west coast are suffering because of this. The BART system in the Bay Area was built in the 70s and has had no major updates since then.
Why is there no investment in the most basic infrastructures in our country? Because our political and mega-millionaire class don't need any of it. Sad and Shameful.
Why is there no investment in the most basic infrastructures in our country? Because our political and mega-millionaire class don't need any of it. Sad and Shameful.
10
The jobs that infrastructure build-and-repair would provide; the added economic activity as the middle class and lower income people are able to use the infrastructure - all sacrificed in the name of drown the government in the bathtub.
10
The shrinking of resources for tax cuts and loopholes for the big money investors is shameful, and it is entirely due to political corruption.
It is flabbergasting that individual car travel is favored by policy. How is it possible that gasoline taxes have not risen in a quarter century?
In New York, former governor Pataki stripped funding from mass transit and when Giuliani was mayor he abolished the needed commuter tax, hoping it would boost his chances of being elected to State-wide office.
Our great cities are crumbling into an abyss because of self-serving choices made by the political class- who rig the system and sometimes remain in office for life, to prolong their time with noses in the trough. Like pigs.
It is flabbergasting that individual car travel is favored by policy. How is it possible that gasoline taxes have not risen in a quarter century?
In New York, former governor Pataki stripped funding from mass transit and when Giuliani was mayor he abolished the needed commuter tax, hoping it would boost his chances of being elected to State-wide office.
Our great cities are crumbling into an abyss because of self-serving choices made by the political class- who rig the system and sometimes remain in office for life, to prolong their time with noses in the trough. Like pigs.
11
# 1 -- decades of delayed maintenance.
# 2 -- funds going to build new roads and parking decks, which just adds to more auto traffic, which leads to building more new roads and so on and so on . . .
# 3 -- the upper level MTA officials' disdain for the subway rider.
The ghost of Robert Moses walks (drives?) among us!
# 2 -- funds going to build new roads and parking decks, which just adds to more auto traffic, which leads to building more new roads and so on and so on . . .
# 3 -- the upper level MTA officials' disdain for the subway rider.
The ghost of Robert Moses walks (drives?) among us!
8
WE all know why our infrastructure is a mess. The GOP controlled Congress is determined to defund EVERY Urban program. Then they can say "See Government does not work. Privatize ASAP". Its that simple. Really.
24
Nice answer for the current term on the national level perhaps, but how do you address the years when the Democrats controlled Congress? We're talking about a problem 30, 40, 50 years old. And how about those Democrat strongholds like DC, Boston and Massachusetts, SF and California?
1
In the summer, the underground subway stations in New York are like ovens. I am sure they are a health hazard.
I don't understand why no US cities can have an subway system that is as good as the ones some countries in Asia or Europe.
I don't understand why no US cities can have an subway system that is as good as the ones some countries in Asia or Europe.
6
Unimpressed, please read the comment by Ernest Lamonica, right above yours. He hit the nail!
5
It's not the just the northeast.
BART, which serves San Francisco and Oakland, has been a mess.
Riders get jam-packed trains, frequent delays and underneath it all is the same issue - an old infrastructure designed for much lower ridership levels that costs too much to upgrade/replace.
BART, which serves San Francisco and Oakland, has been a mess.
Riders get jam-packed trains, frequent delays and underneath it all is the same issue - an old infrastructure designed for much lower ridership levels that costs too much to upgrade/replace.
8
under invested in maintenance and repair, and over compensated in salaries and benefits , with folks retiring in their forties with six figure salaries for life etc sorry the unions ruined the systems no need to look anywhere else
5
The repair estimate of $86 billion is about a month of the forever war industry's tab.
11
I often ride the NYT subway without undue fear and find it to be reliable, relatively cheap and up to the job.
I've lived in DC 30 years and hate METRO with a passion. Dark ugly cavernous stations where anyone on a train can't view the station signs, obnoxious combative station attendants who are visibly irritated when they have to deal with the public and have arrested customers caught chewing a piece of candy in their mouth, constant delays on trains - many on lines that already have infrequent service.
The METRO system is a disaster and until completely different people are put in charge, it will continue to deteriorate.
I've lived in DC 30 years and hate METRO with a passion. Dark ugly cavernous stations where anyone on a train can't view the station signs, obnoxious combative station attendants who are visibly irritated when they have to deal with the public and have arrested customers caught chewing a piece of candy in their mouth, constant delays on trains - many on lines that already have infrequent service.
The METRO system is a disaster and until completely different people are put in charge, it will continue to deteriorate.
5
I just got back from a trip to Ireland. I took pictures of the rail to show my NYC friends and family. The universal reaction was, "wow, those trains are beautiful." What an opportunity this country wasted when Congress (with the help of conservative governors), refused Obama's rail proposal. This country is so backward now it is sad. I imagine half of Congress has probably never left the country. The politicians get driven around in their gas guzzling (subsides by tax dollars) limos and have no clue how far behind the country is compared to the rest of the world. American exceptionalism indeed!
15
And just how big (or small) is Ireland in comparison to the US? What works in a relatively small area will probably not work in a country as big as the US.
5
Nonsense. Have you never heard of the term, Economies of Scale? If anything, a larger country like the U.S. with its significantly higher tax base can do it for overall less cost than a small country like Ireland with a fraction of the population and tax base. It boils down to the political will and understanding the importance of such projects to the community. American politicians have neither the political will or the desire to understand the importance of all of this and now the country is paying a very high price for decades of negligence.
3
I imagine you were in the Dublin area? The rest of Ireland is as dependent on cars as anywhere you'll find in the US.
I believe Ryan Bingham has it a little backwards when he stated, "Most train systems seem to be run by weak political appointees". Most political appointees do NOT take public transit - PERIOD. They rely on their personal drivers to shuttle them from hither and yon. It is difficult for politicians to endorse and/or find the money for programs like public transit when they do not have any skin in the game.
10
Almost all evidence suggests that the problems with DC area's Metro is not about funding of infrastructure, but rather the gross incompetence and negligence of the system's executives, the managers, the board of directors, and jurisdictions that own the system. This is like education--it isn't primarily a money problem.
6
This is a multifactorial problem and there are lots of good ides here. It would be good if the people who make the decisions about public transport actually had to ride it every day to get to work. This should be a requirement. Get rid of their chauffeured, or even un-chauffeured, cars, and make anyone responsible for running or planning transportation needs use public transportation.
15
"The Federal Transit Administration found that public transit systems have a backlog of $86 billion in critical maintenance nationwide. "
Can't do it while Congress sends upwards of $4 Billion a year to Israel, deemed too little by 83 Senators who wrote a letter to Obama encouraging him to hike it as high as Netanyahu sees fit. As for De Blasio, he is too busy funding religious school security guards (unconstitutional) to bother with the subway in NYC.
Can't do it while Congress sends upwards of $4 Billion a year to Israel, deemed too little by 83 Senators who wrote a letter to Obama encouraging him to hike it as high as Netanyahu sees fit. As for De Blasio, he is too busy funding religious school security guards (unconstitutional) to bother with the subway in NYC.
13
Once more, Philadelphia, a much bigger city than Boston and Washington D.C with an underground public transit system on rails (trolleys) in most most of Center City and above ground in the rest of the city in addition to the regional rail lines also underground in the center of the town, is not discussed. Here too the city is experiencing a population increase, a vibrant revitalization and an unprecedented construction boom but the public transit system remains antiquated and inefficient and rather pathetic for the 5th or 6th largest urban area of the country. It is a pity that the state of Philadelphia public transit system never became an important campaign issue during the recent mayoral election.
11
The prosperity of these towns is in such contrast to the troubles of the midwest cities (Flint/Detroit/Cleveland/Akron/Toledo) that we here in Flyover Country should be forgiven when we say: "Pay for it yourselves!"
2
Since when is Washington DC in 'the Northeast'? Did they move it to New England?
8
This is a depressing situation. Now that people are ready for mass transit and its global warming benefits, mass transit has been starved for so many years that it isn't ready for the people.
8
As a country trillions of dollars in debt, we spend billions of dollars in aid to countries like Israel, Palestine and countless others yet we don't have any money for basic necessities like transportation infrastructure. It's literally like a person who doesn't have money to pay their mortgage but is borrowing thousands of dollars to give to charity.
10
Aid is not the biggest expense - foolish wars are and excess bases around the world
2
Cut out the wars and the trillions spent on corporate welfare and you will have all kinds of money to deal with these important issues.
2
Any rational and semi-educated developed nation would be able to fix our infrastructure problem with ease. Unfortunately, it requires trade-offs, which american's do not do anymore. This is what we get for building our interstate highways through every major city in this country. It's left us with an inefficient transportation system that we cannot afford to maintain. One train car, bus, sidewalk or bike lane can move more people for less money and less destruction than our current car/suburb/rural-centric infrastructure. Here in Seattle, our buses are overflowing and the recent addition of 2 new light rail stations has barely even put a dent in the pent-up demand for public transit in this city. There's no debate here about the usefulness of public transit or bike infrastructure but we are going to have to wait another 30-40 years to finish the rest of our system. The federal gov't will barely offer any assistance and the rest of our state that is subsidized through our city's booming economy does not want to give us the authority to fund this system more quickly. The political system is rigged against cities in every way possible. What this country needs more than a political revolution is an urban revolution. I won't hold my breath though...
8
Matt,
Here is a thought, if Seattle wants to upgrade its public transit system, then it can float bonds, raise taxes, cut other programs in Seattle to pay for it. Why should the rest of the country pay for Seattle's system?
You are right, there are trade-offs. It seems that you do not want to make any and have someone else pay so your trips around Seattle are better. The users of the system should be paying for it.
Here is a thought, if Seattle wants to upgrade its public transit system, then it can float bonds, raise taxes, cut other programs in Seattle to pay for it. Why should the rest of the country pay for Seattle's system?
You are right, there are trade-offs. It seems that you do not want to make any and have someone else pay so your trips around Seattle are better. The users of the system should be paying for it.
This is all driven by the lack of federal funding due to the Republicans' control of the purse in DC. They seem to believe that spending more on the Military while cutting taxes helps our economy. All while our infrastructure falls apart. So now, Speaker Ryan wants to cut taxes more (more voodoo economics) and spend less on making this country truly competitive-by improving our water, roads, rails and airports. I too travel around the world and am embarrased by the state of affairs in the US. We are put to shame by so many other countries....shame on us ...
10
I guess cities and states controlled by Democrats, like Boston, SF, DC, California and Massachusetts are totally unable to do anything for decades other than sit idly by and watch the times when Republicans control Congress? And what's the excuse when Democrats controlled Congress??
All of the money that was initially supposed to go for capital improvements was instead spent for operating costs, like worker salary increases and management bonuses. Until the MTA, New York State and City can guarantee that any tax or fare increase will really, absolutely, no excuses, be spent on capital improvements, there is no way I would support any more taxes or fare increases to pay for the New York City subways.
7
I sincerely hope your statement that capital monies for improvements went to operating costs like salary increases and management bonuses is false because if that money indeed was used in that capacity, I believe that may be illegal. The Feds, Auditors, and folks like that could have a field day if capital monies was indeed spent on operating costs.
2
You know what would be a lot cheaper? Bike infrastructure done right (systematically). Sure, bikes might only relieve 3 - 5% of the mass transit pressure, but over time, new development could be tied in to bike highways and hubs.
5
Once again the only solution to help public transportation is to place on the backs of those who have little or no access to it. Let's not forget that the northeast already has the highest in both tolls and gas prices yet the roads and highways it's supposed to be going to are still in bad shape for reasons most could never figure out. My guess is that politicians are using them for other things that are making them go up even higher even though much of it still won't be going where it's supposed to be going to. Seriously, I'm getting tired of ideas such as road pricing being the only solution when it's constantly being seen as not only as a regressive tax, but also a punishment for those who are coming from transit deserts and have little to no viable alternatives for getting around without driving. BTW, the rest of downstate NY also pays taxes to the MTA, so why are we stuck with commuter trains and buses that have sporadic schedules while NYC has more frequent transit? Seriously, I'm getting tired of us motorists being the cash cow just to fund mass transit when we can barely use it ourselves. I say before even thinking about this idea, the MTA should be investigated first on where the money they are receiving is going to otherwise it will just be seen as just another black hole where the same things will happen and will demand to create another tax to do the same things unless they are fixed up first.
6
What do you think happens when you cut taxes and cut spending?
6
There has not been 40 years of tax and spending cuts. This represents poor planning and gross mismanagement.
8
Taxpayers will have more money to use for themselves -not other people. Maybe that is why people who don't use public transit do not want to pay for it.
1
Nice...so does that mean that people who don't drive shouldn't pay for roads and bridges?
American public transit in general is a joke. While there are exceptions here and there, overall it's a sad state of affairs. You only have to leave the country and go to Europe or Asia to see effective and timely mass transit that's done right. Sadly, this condition will continue so long as taxes are demonized as "evil" and governments are hamstrung from being able to do what they're actually good at. Taxes are the cost of civilization, and Americans have been duped into believing that there really is such a thing as a free lunch, and that they can have a "great" country, but don't have to pay for it. What an embarassment our nation is becoming, for so many reasons.
12
Aside from Rome, whose is horrible due to the fact that anytime you dig somewhere for a new tunnel you find something.
2
It's not going to work. It's time to ban traffic and either reserve some avenues (in NYC specifically) to trolleys or buses only from 6AM to 10PM. Leave some space for commercial delivery (that's why I like a trolley line down the middle of the street) and your problem is solved. A trolley won't be as fast as the subway but with no traffic to contend with, they should do fine. Same would be true in any other US city. Cheaper and more effective than trying to "upgrade" the subways.
4
The US government plans to spend $1 trillion to upgrade nuclear weapons. (I wonder if Obama will mention that in Hiroshima.)
I can think of a few better ways to spend that money.
I can think of a few better ways to spend that money.
6
If we end up in a nuclear WW III with a radical Islamic Caliphate it will be money very well spent.
1
Perhaps you might want to enlighten us all as to your plans for survival of this carnage.
It is downright stupid not to increase the gasoline tax, in this era of lower gas prices, as part of the picture to fixing these transportation issues. Even as an Ohioan I see the value of investing in transportation infrastructure nationwide, as truly benefits all of us. I heard the senators had their own private subway at the Capitol in D.C., and I'll bet it is running smooth as silk.
4
The common thread among these agencies is that their management is a "shared responsibility" (a euphemism for finger-pointing) among various governmental agencies. In the case of the New York's MTA, the governor and mayor have the shared responsibility to find a reliable long-term source of funding but can't seems to even discuss it though they're both Democrats. The situation in WMATA is even more complex and involves many more governmental units. No doubt Boston faces similar management complications.
Political leadership seems to be in short supply in these situations and the result is that the problems continue to fester.
Political leadership seems to be in short supply in these situations and the result is that the problems continue to fester.
4
I never cease to be amazed at people whose first response to issues like this is to demand more funding - yet they never seem to want to check on where that new money (and billions of the old) went and how it was spent.
I suppose it's easy to just suppose that if, say, the MTA was given a billion dollars it would be used to actually improve the hard product (rails, signals, cars, etc.). But if a large portion of that goes into larger administrative staff, larger salaries, more bonuses, more benefits, paying off prior pension obligations, more consultants, grandiose architecture and the like, then the problem will remain the same - and some will suggest the same solution, more money.
If Republicans (and more Democrats than many would like to admit) are worried that much government spending is wasteful and duplicative, one must honestly admit that there is a very large kernel of truth in it. Why is efficiency and accountability not demanded as stridently as more money?
I suppose it's easy to just suppose that if, say, the MTA was given a billion dollars it would be used to actually improve the hard product (rails, signals, cars, etc.). But if a large portion of that goes into larger administrative staff, larger salaries, more bonuses, more benefits, paying off prior pension obligations, more consultants, grandiose architecture and the like, then the problem will remain the same - and some will suggest the same solution, more money.
If Republicans (and more Democrats than many would like to admit) are worried that much government spending is wasteful and duplicative, one must honestly admit that there is a very large kernel of truth in it. Why is efficiency and accountability not demanded as stridently as more money?
13
Time to raise the gas tax a few cents to pay for maintenance of roads, bridges and public transit.
TANSTAFFL
People routinely accept gas price increases $.25 without a murmur. All that money going to large for profit corporations and to foreign powers. No question it would be better to put money towards infrastructure we all share.
Even drivers who never use public transit benefit. Without better Metro they face worse traffic jams. Metro improves their drive because a person using public transit is a driver not in their way.
TANSTAFFL
People routinely accept gas price increases $.25 without a murmur. All that money going to large for profit corporations and to foreign powers. No question it would be better to put money towards infrastructure we all share.
Even drivers who never use public transit benefit. Without better Metro they face worse traffic jams. Metro improves their drive because a person using public transit is a driver not in their way.
4
First you have to stop the politicians from taking that "repair money" and spending on everything else, which is what we have now. Just look at the national highway funds or the taxes you pay on every airline ticket - spent on unrelated things.
4
George I totally agree we need to avoid diversions of funds, but we cannot wait until the world somehow becomes perfect before we start fixing problems. That way lies decay, decrepitude and disaster. Raise the funds and start work NOW. Graft and corruption are ongoing problems to be controlled, not reasons to shoot ourselves in the foot. One observation for you about diversion of funds: in the federal procurement system so many rules are in place to prevent waste that the time wasted following the rules and staff to enforce the rules costs more than the amount of waste prevented.
All the more reason to have a limited federal bureaucracy.
The DC Subway does not have a dedicated source of funding. Due to a lack of money, subway officials deferred maintenance for years even though they knew their were problems that needed to be addressed.
3
The United States has the lowest taxes as a share of GDP of any major industrialized country. And it shows. Investment in public resources, be they roads, schools, or public transit, is a low priority in the United States. People are more concerned with adhering to the Grover Norquist pledge than in building a country that works.
4
Yep, like the old saying, there is a price to pay for everything.
Speaking for NYC, the big problem is density from overdevelopment and the problems will get worse until someone does something about this.
5
At one time the US did amazing things. Now it's sad to say we are becoming a third world country in terms of our infrastructure. With all the trillions spent on our military we can't even win wars anymore
9
There is an elegant and simple solution to all of this. We give politicians naming rights to maintenance projects. Thus you can imagine the flow of money. Big project in a Hudson River tunnel: name it "The Beloved and Honorable Chris Christie Maintenance Project." These types of names shine for a long period of time when major work like this is done.
2
Great satire. They've been doing that for years. In fact, it seems they are busy removing disgraced politician's names from things of late.
3
And on top of the issues mentioned in this article, there's the dilapidated Northeast Corridor that serves Amtrak rail passengers from D.C. to Boston. Congress needs to step up to the plate on all of these issues. We elect individuals to Congress to provide leadership, but unfortunately, the service they provide the public doesn't seem to be much better than any of the rail or subway service.
9
"Taxes are the sinews of the state." We have become a self-absorbed group of individuals rather than a society. We have know-nothing politicians who seize an opportunity to cement their own positions by railing against taxes and government. And now we are being forced to take a grown-up look at the world that this course of inaction has led us to. If you don't water your flowers, they die. If you don't tend to your infrastructure, it dies. And so does the economy it inhabits. We need to spend less on entertainment and diversion and more on the basic needs of a civilized society: healthcare, safety (public safety and military), education, transportation, clean water and communications. All must contribute and those who have more need to give more. Time also to restore civics to prominence in public education so that we don't have so many people walking around with surprised looks on their faces when they are shocked to find that we cannot get any kind of a civic free lunch. Those who want "the market" to drive everything need to understand that "the market" needs to interact with "the government" in order to be safe and effective.
6
John Ralston Saul, in his book, "The Unconscious Civilization", speaks to this issue:
"There has never been so much disposable money, yet there is no money for the public good. In a democracy this would not be the case, because the society would be centred, by general agreement, on disinterest. (Rather than self-interest, JJ) In a corporatist system there is never any money for the public good because the society is reduced to the sum of the interests. It is therefore limited to measurable self-interest."
"There has never been so much disposable money, yet there is no money for the public good. In a democracy this would not be the case, because the society would be centred, by general agreement, on disinterest. (Rather than self-interest, JJ) In a corporatist system there is never any money for the public good because the society is reduced to the sum of the interests. It is therefore limited to measurable self-interest."
7
It is a combination of things.
Chief among them, in addition to lack of funds, is overbuilding. The small area of Manhattan served by the many subway lines is becoming too dense. It has too many people and they simply cannot fit on the lines as they now exist. Spread the population out.
Chief among them, in addition to lack of funds, is overbuilding. The small area of Manhattan served by the many subway lines is becoming too dense. It has too many people and they simply cannot fit on the lines as they now exist. Spread the population out.
1
Right on! This is what happens when you build higher and ever taller structures - both residential and commercial in Manhattan and the other boroughs; population density increases and transit needs increase. But do you really think that citizens living outside the area who never use the transit system are going to be enthusiastic about increased taxes to pay for something they will never use. They should pay for maintenance of their transportation needs (road maintenance, snow plowing etc) and expect that a city of great size, power and wealth should do the same..
On one hand, the problems in Boston and Washington are qualitatively different from those in New York.
But what reasonable person would give the MTA a nickel? Over and over they have demonstrated their incompetence. Pick any project and it's done incompetently. Indeed, they made BILLIONS of dollars disappear renovating an office building (2 Broadway). And, like their creator, Nelson Rockefeller, they have an edifice complex.
The city of New York should take back the subway system and stop subsidizing the LIRR and Metro North.
But what reasonable person would give the MTA a nickel? Over and over they have demonstrated their incompetence. Pick any project and it's done incompetently. Indeed, they made BILLIONS of dollars disappear renovating an office building (2 Broadway). And, like their creator, Nelson Rockefeller, they have an edifice complex.
The city of New York should take back the subway system and stop subsidizing the LIRR and Metro North.
3
The view that "public transportation is for losers" remains pervasive among older Americans. That may be part of the problem. It is gratifying to hear that millennials appear to think differently. I really can't imagine Boston and New York turning into Houston and Charlotte, aka overgrown suburbs sprawling in every direction. America's big northeast cities are among the few cities in the country that actually look and feel like actual cities.
I, for one, don't understand how some unhealthy person who drives a car two blocks down the street to buy a 48 oz. cup of soda from 7-11 can be called a "winner." I'm sure foreign tourists look at such Americans, shake their heads silently, and feel sorry for them.
I, for one, don't understand how some unhealthy person who drives a car two blocks down the street to buy a 48 oz. cup of soda from 7-11 can be called a "winner." I'm sure foreign tourists look at such Americans, shake their heads silently, and feel sorry for them.
7
The bureaucrats' solution is always more money. How about more accountability? But this threatens their job security.
5
Building and maintaining stuff costs money. You can have all the accountability you want, but that's just reality. As a share of GDP, taxes in the United States are the lowest among industrialized countries. Public resources are not considered worthy of investment by our political representatives. They would rather serve their wealthy donors and adhere to the Grover Norquist pledge.
3
bgabriel28 - bureaucrats don't build or maintain; giving larger benefits or pensions doesn't build or maintain anything; raising salaries does build or maintain anything; giving bonuses to the top execs doesn't build or maintain anything. That's precisely the point - HOW the money is spent is as important as ensuring that there is enough there to actually do building and maintaining.
2
Keep paying the motorman and the conductors $200K a year with Cadillac benefits and pension, and there will never be money left over to actually fix the infrastructure.
Most locations mentioned in this article (including NYC Transit, Chicago and here in the great public sector paradise of CA) made a choice years ago to let the unions and the workers stick their hands in the cookie jar, and dole out out sized pay for blue-collar jobs. Now we have the outcome. No money left for repairs, but a seemingly endless bank account for 1/4 of the LIRR to rake in 6-figures a year to clip tickets. Or the next BART labor holdup to give already-overpaid workers even more Cadillac benefits.
Yes, our infrastructure has been overlooked; but it's not a revenue problem, it's an expense and efficiency problem. It's time the public sector came back to earth and left some money to actually maintain the trains.
Most locations mentioned in this article (including NYC Transit, Chicago and here in the great public sector paradise of CA) made a choice years ago to let the unions and the workers stick their hands in the cookie jar, and dole out out sized pay for blue-collar jobs. Now we have the outcome. No money left for repairs, but a seemingly endless bank account for 1/4 of the LIRR to rake in 6-figures a year to clip tickets. Or the next BART labor holdup to give already-overpaid workers even more Cadillac benefits.
Yes, our infrastructure has been overlooked; but it's not a revenue problem, it's an expense and efficiency problem. It's time the public sector came back to earth and left some money to actually maintain the trains.
5
And SF MUNI employees are guaranteed to be paid the average of the other two most generous transit systems in the country - a guaranteed silver medal in the hand-in-the-cookie-jar competition!
And the potholes here, those are gold medal winners - considering the mild weather here all year long, I don't know how we get them. I used to think that baking hot weather to buckle the pavement and then frozen winters with plenty of road salt was required to get craters like ours.
And the potholes here, those are gold medal winners - considering the mild weather here all year long, I don't know how we get them. I used to think that baking hot weather to buckle the pavement and then frozen winters with plenty of road salt was required to get craters like ours.
3
With all our issues in Europe, why is it that infrastructure including trains, highways, landscaping, garbage pick up, parks, airports, trains, train stations, and beaches are so well maintained?
Here in Provence, when I drive through vineyards on perfectly paved roads, I feel privileged and rewarded for the taxes I pay to maintain the country. The terrorist attacks are in another world hundreds of kilometers away but if I wanted to visit Paris, Brussels, or London, I would not hesitate.
What is the difference in attitude between Americans and Europeans? I can only say that most of us living here in Europe really care!
Here in Provence, when I drive through vineyards on perfectly paved roads, I feel privileged and rewarded for the taxes I pay to maintain the country. The terrorist attacks are in another world hundreds of kilometers away but if I wanted to visit Paris, Brussels, or London, I would not hesitate.
What is the difference in attitude between Americans and Europeans? I can only say that most of us living here in Europe really care!
5
Could it possibly be the fact that the US provides the bulk of NATO defense spending, allowing the NATO countries to spend their money for infrastructure and social programs rather than defense?
3
Then cut back and stop the needless wars.
There is an alternate narrative that could take place any time the government shows the will. Expand the CityBike programs and make them free, or virtually free. With the same program now in place only bigger. As in pennies a ride, to keep track of the bikes. Grid lock on the roads and rails could be relieved somewhat, in the near term through this alternative.
The fare payers didn't cause this mess. They have paid in to the system all along. To the extent plausible they deserve relief presently from the decades long negligence to properly fund public transit. It is incumbent on government to do what it can to relieve present day congestion so that people can live and get to work in the city on as reliable basis as possible. Government needs to do its duty to recognize and respond to problems that have been generations in the making and are generations from being fixed.
Commuters: Demand that government do its job.
4
From what I'm reading, people in urban areas want taxes used to upgrade public transportation. Others who live hundreds of miles from a city don't want their taxes to fund mass transit.
When a flood or tornado hits in another part of the US, do you want the people in the Northeast to say, "we don't live there, so don't waste our taxpayer money?"
People, we're all in this together. How about acting like we're the United (emphasis on United) States of America?
When a flood or tornado hits in another part of the US, do you want the people in the Northeast to say, "we don't live there, so don't waste our taxpayer money?"
People, we're all in this together. How about acting like we're the United (emphasis on United) States of America?
19
It's too simplistic to scapegoat Republicans for the overall problem. What about the decades of cronyism, self-dealing, and multi-level mismanagement by generations of Democrats running these BLUE STATE transportation systems?
6
I would be curious to see an overlay of how much money these areas 'give back' to developers and companies by offering 'tax breaks'. I live in Jersey City and it seems that every time you turn around, the developer of another large building are given huge tax breaks for years.
7
There's nothing wrong with any of our infrastructure that can't be fixed with adequate finding. Failure, thy names are Grover Norquist and The GOP. (With corruption in Albany as handmaiden.)
5
Somebody should go to prison for that $4 billion subway station just built at a time when the money was needed for maintenance.
3
Is that the new 7 stop? The one where the station has quite bad water leaks? That $4,000,000,000 station?
1
As long as people outside the metro areas do not understand the importance of mass transit their representatives will not approve money for fixing, updating, or even doing more than bare maintenance on subways, trains, Amtrak, etc. America is car country, wasteful car country as shown by how cars are marketed, used, and catered to. Places that used to be safe for biking are not. Pedestrians have to worry that they will be run over by drivers texting or talking on their cell phones. Cars provide entertainment systems that most of us don't need unless we're planning a long road trip.
Trains, subways, buses, and even air travel can be better ways to get around. In metro areas we should be able to get to and from work in a reasonable amount of time using public transportation. Unfortunately, due to a lack of imagination and funding, it's not possible. We might pay more in taxes but we might have less congested torn up roads and better air quality.
Trains, subways, buses, and even air travel can be better ways to get around. In metro areas we should be able to get to and from work in a reasonable amount of time using public transportation. Unfortunately, due to a lack of imagination and funding, it's not possible. We might pay more in taxes but we might have less congested torn up roads and better air quality.
6
I recently retired and moved away from the Washington, D.C. area. One of the joys of retirement is never having to ride the Washington Metro System again. When I started working in D.C. the Metro was a fantastic system. Over the next 36 years that I was riding it. It slowly deteriorated into and inefficient, unreliable and unsafe system. There are many former management persons who should be in jail for allowing that to happen.
6
This is why a nativist like Trump has got all of his chances of scoring the presidency. Americans have been contending with disintegrating and dangerous infrastructures since the postwar period. I can fully understand why Trump and his supporters drive home the need for more investment in the United States instead of wasting any more time and energy on foreign affairs.
The United States deserves a decade or two to improve the situation on the home front, before things deteriorate any further.
The United States deserves a decade or two to improve the situation on the home front, before things deteriorate any further.
4
Corporate Greed and Government "everything by the book" mentality aside, we can do things the hard way, or we can do them the "a little room to wiggle" way.
1. There is a lot of bickering on large Contracts, so much so it's gotten to the point that Contractors don't want to do Government work. Because there are so many people that have job titles with NO EXPERIENCE towards their job description that make decisions affecting outcome of projects, there often is a "let them make this HUGE mistake because they deserve it" mentality. And they do. From design through implementation. In 30 years you'd be astounded by some of the backstabbing among Gov. employees, and the grotesque amount of waste on inspection/safety/legalese. More qualified, less promoted from within on the inspectors would help. Right now there are a lot of Vets in these positions,sorry, it was it is.
2. Then, there are the smash and grab low bidders that leave behind a pile mess for the next guy. They throw out a stupid low bid and then get ahead on extras. This may be found in a least 1 big city or more.
3. The more the Government becomes agencies full of people NOT TRYING TO GET FIRED so they can make early retirement at age 55, the sooner we can get on with productive Federal Contracts that complete on time, under budget, and with a modicum of professionalism. And.....why in the world does the work have to be 100% bonded (insured) to do the work? It's the big Corporate way, make it hard for the little guys.
1. There is a lot of bickering on large Contracts, so much so it's gotten to the point that Contractors don't want to do Government work. Because there are so many people that have job titles with NO EXPERIENCE towards their job description that make decisions affecting outcome of projects, there often is a "let them make this HUGE mistake because they deserve it" mentality. And they do. From design through implementation. In 30 years you'd be astounded by some of the backstabbing among Gov. employees, and the grotesque amount of waste on inspection/safety/legalese. More qualified, less promoted from within on the inspectors would help. Right now there are a lot of Vets in these positions,sorry, it was it is.
2. Then, there are the smash and grab low bidders that leave behind a pile mess for the next guy. They throw out a stupid low bid and then get ahead on extras. This may be found in a least 1 big city or more.
3. The more the Government becomes agencies full of people NOT TRYING TO GET FIRED so they can make early retirement at age 55, the sooner we can get on with productive Federal Contracts that complete on time, under budget, and with a modicum of professionalism. And.....why in the world does the work have to be 100% bonded (insured) to do the work? It's the big Corporate way, make it hard for the little guys.
4
This is a longstanding problem, and much of it is political. Groups like the regional plan association have long said that mass transit makes the NYC strong, that the ability to commute to/in NYC made it an economic powerhouse. Yet you have people like Captain Bligh (our dear governor of NJ, who resembles Charles Laughton in that role a great deal), whose answer to commuting is "well, the jobs can move to NJ" (leaving out that in NJ, commuting to jobs requires driving, and the roads are a mess, despite spending billions widening them). For years, to, conservative types argue mass transit should "pay for itself", be 'run like a business', and of course, like the tea party idiots today, don't see that dollars spent on mass transit get multiplied. Working class people can afford to get to work, and businesses have access to that, and it also makes the city attractive, because you don't have to drive.You can see the result of this down in the sun belt and a city like Atlanta, which has little mass transit and is choked with traffic. Then, too, you have the economic goldmine that is NYC, yet Cuomo refuses to help pay for transit, instead he spends billions of dollars on dubious projects upstate, that help politican cronies, then wonders why he gets blamed. Among other things, does it dawn on the politicians upstate just how much NYC keeps the states economy going? The evidence is all there, that mass transit boosts the economy many fold, but we still have the 'car is king"
6
If we need to identify a single person to blame for this, I nominate Grover Norquist. For years, he has browbeaten Republicans into believing that taxes are bad, infrastructure spending is bad, and public goods are bad. Pathetic.
10
It's time for a one time federal bailout of America's cities and towns. Any plan should include significant investments in modernizing local infrastructure. For those concerned about local reform, terms and conditions will need to be incorporated. These should probably include various options for more reasonable government employee retirement plans. Reform your plans to make them supportable or forfeit the money. States and local agencies can do this any way they wish. If they want to try to raise taxes and retain gold plated plans, so be it. The only requirement would be that they meet financial criteria that is sustainable. In return, they would get a one-time cash infusion stabilizing all existing plans. This bailout/investment combination should be a phased, multi year program. It must also include a structure designed with an exit strategy in mind. Receiving agencies should not get addicted to this extra federal cash. Rural areas must be included equitably, out of both need and political fairness. It's time that we simultaneously ended the state and local fiscal hangover from 2008. We must move on and start growing again.
2
Having just been in DC, I can attest to the poor condition of their subways. Besides the general decay, the information on how to ride the trains is deplorable. Trying to decipher which trains take you where is not intuitive at all. I cannot imagine how a non-English speaking person would cope. Shameful. How embarrassing.
4
When you starve government to give tax breaks to the rich, this is what you get. Now you see the results of Saint Reagan's policies.
7
A calibration point: Right now we, the USA, are spending nearly a trillion-with-a-T dollars over a decade to "upgrade" our nuclear weapons. I have little doubt that has some benefits, but let's not argue about having resources. Think about that trillion, and, say, divide it up into 20 parts for 20 major US cities. $50 billion can still buy you something! Think of the country we'd be living in at the end of a full decade of major construction and improvements.
3
"Think about that trillion, and, say, divide it up into 20 parts for 20 major US cities. $50 billion can still buy you something!"
Why only for cities, probably because most of them are run by democrat political machines?
Why only for cities, probably because most of them are run by democrat political machines?
2
Let's Make America Great Again! More money for defense contractors.
2
Part of the short fall in money is due to poor union contracts. Unlike those of us who work in the private sector and pay for a significant part of the cost of our health care and our 401K plans transit workers in NYC pay almost nothing.
It used to be that people earned less in public sector jobs but had better much retirement benefits. Today they earn more than many workers in the private sector and pay nothing or nearly nothing in health care costs and retirement costs.
The labor legacy costs to system are both onerous and in the long run are unsupportable by the riding public.
It used to be that people earned less in public sector jobs but had better much retirement benefits. Today they earn more than many workers in the private sector and pay nothing or nearly nothing in health care costs and retirement costs.
The labor legacy costs to system are both onerous and in the long run are unsupportable by the riding public.
3
We know what this is about. The wealthy travel by private car, private jet. Any dollar coming out of their pockets for public transit infrastructure is, to them, a dollar wasted. Every time some dimwit in Congress flogs the budget deficit as the source of all evils I wish to condemn him/her to a daily commute on the 38 Geary bus. A pox on them all.
4
Come to Holland. We'll show you how it's done. Trains, buses, trams, metro, all working extremely well. And you can always ride your bike, should there be a problem. Who needs a car? In Holland, infrastructure is happenin'. It's expensive but way worth the cost.
11
Having just returned from a week in Spain & Portugal, scarcely Europe’s richest countries, we could not help but be impressed by the public transportation systems in both countries, not to mention the very first world highway system. The subway systems in Madrid & Lisbon are modern, fast & clean. The high speed trains in Spain a marvel.
Yes, these two countries ran up sizeable national debt to build (and in some cases overbuild) this first rate infrastructure. But it does show what modest income countries can do when they don’t fritter away a trillion dollars chasing after mythical WMDs in the desert, or half a trillion a year on the most bloated military establishment in the world, or $3 ½ billion a year in foreign aid to scarcely impoverished Israel (to go up to $40 billion for the next 10 years – just about half of the maintenance deficit for the NE public transportation systems).
Just think what we could do if we made smarter choices on how to spend our collective wealth.
Yes, these two countries ran up sizeable national debt to build (and in some cases overbuild) this first rate infrastructure. But it does show what modest income countries can do when they don’t fritter away a trillion dollars chasing after mythical WMDs in the desert, or half a trillion a year on the most bloated military establishment in the world, or $3 ½ billion a year in foreign aid to scarcely impoverished Israel (to go up to $40 billion for the next 10 years – just about half of the maintenance deficit for the NE public transportation systems).
Just think what we could do if we made smarter choices on how to spend our collective wealth.
10
If money stopped pouring from the Northeast states to the taker states in the south there would be more than enough assets to rebuild.
5
What about the obscene amount of money that appears out of no where for elections -- think that could be put to better use? No, spending it on the public good is apparently not a good investment.
Apparently it breaks down to a crassly corrupt and professionally unfit MTA management, overlapped with a corrupt city administration and a mass-media that's indolent towards this issue.
This decay is a result of multiple, convergent factors, and although might seem far-fetched, mass-media has a prime role by simply not addressing this long-overdue problem. The same with the Sanitation authority; it is beyond outrage that nobody from the Sanitation Department has ever raised the rat-infestation and squalor problems that are omnipresent in NYC subway system.
This decay is a result of multiple, convergent factors, and although might seem far-fetched, mass-media has a prime role by simply not addressing this long-overdue problem. The same with the Sanitation authority; it is beyond outrage that nobody from the Sanitation Department has ever raised the rat-infestation and squalor problems that are omnipresent in NYC subway system.
5
Obama complains about "underinvestment" in infrastructure, but supports spending at least a trillion dollars to create a new generation of nuclear weapons. Change You Can Believe In. And The Band Played On.
If it was the law that the work day starts and your pay starts when you step on public transit to get to the place you work you'd see action faster than a lightning strike.
Here in Toronto, we also have a struggling transit system. A lot of the issues are the same : old infrastructure; drivers don't want to pay for public transit infrastructure; suburban residents use it the most during peak commute hours but don't pay anything beyond the fare; and city, provincial and federal governments are not always politically aligned. The reality is that everyone has to pay for transit AND roads AND highways. These things are not mutually exclusive but make up our transportation infrastructure as a whole. Add in the environmental impact and and efficiency measures (20 min shorter commute is 3 hours and 20 mins freed up each week), I don't think any cost is too expensive. The benefits outweigh the costs regardless of how you commute.
3
There is zero reason to subsidize transit. It's inexplicable that this capitalist nation does not understand markets.
The problem is that people that drive do not pay for what they get. They are subsidized in three ways:
1. The physical infrastructure. Roads, signs, maintenance are all subsidized by the federal, state, and local tax payer. That is ridiculous. Vehicle weight determines how much damage you do while driving on a surface, so you should pay miles driven x vehicle weight into a fund to build and maintain physical infrastructure.
2. Civil infrastructure. Police, emergency crews, licensing are all subsidized (AGAIN) by taxpayers. You should pay a hefty fee to be licensed, be tested yearly for competence, and be fined heavily for any accidents you cause that require emergency response.
3. Pollution. I'm talking carbon, noise, and the actual poisons (including micro particles that come off of tires at high speeds and cause cancer). These affect--that is the price is paid by--everyone, even though some people drive more than others (and thus create more of the pollution than others). A per gallon tax would help, though there's very little that can be done about noise pollution.
You should pay for what you get. I shouldn't pay for what you get.
Address the above, and the price of driving will increase, this will allow public transit fares to increase to cover the costs of running it. Yes, this is not "fair" to poor people. Life is not fair to poor people.
The problem is that people that drive do not pay for what they get. They are subsidized in three ways:
1. The physical infrastructure. Roads, signs, maintenance are all subsidized by the federal, state, and local tax payer. That is ridiculous. Vehicle weight determines how much damage you do while driving on a surface, so you should pay miles driven x vehicle weight into a fund to build and maintain physical infrastructure.
2. Civil infrastructure. Police, emergency crews, licensing are all subsidized (AGAIN) by taxpayers. You should pay a hefty fee to be licensed, be tested yearly for competence, and be fined heavily for any accidents you cause that require emergency response.
3. Pollution. I'm talking carbon, noise, and the actual poisons (including micro particles that come off of tires at high speeds and cause cancer). These affect--that is the price is paid by--everyone, even though some people drive more than others (and thus create more of the pollution than others). A per gallon tax would help, though there's very little that can be done about noise pollution.
You should pay for what you get. I shouldn't pay for what you get.
Address the above, and the price of driving will increase, this will allow public transit fares to increase to cover the costs of running it. Yes, this is not "fair" to poor people. Life is not fair to poor people.
1
I have travelled to many cities around the world. Many of the public transit systems have been very useful and convenient. The New York transit system is fantastic although very congested due to the amount of people. Toronto is one city who's transit system needs a complete overhaul. 80% of the city relies on bus' due to the fact that the subway system has not been built entirely throughout the city. Lack of planning and outer city considerstion limits the transportation in this city.
1
With 100, 000 people every year moving in to the Greater Toronto area, it can have a serious affect on transit and infrastructure. Over the next several years money from both the Federal and Provincial governments have finally been assigned to help alleviate many of the problems. it will taer time but, unlike the U.S. it will be gradually improving.
I would like Congress to explain to me why they felt spending a trillion dollars on a plane no one wants instead of funding upgrades to transit systems in the Northeast is a good use of taxpayer money.
NY is the economic engine of the nation. Stop treating us like we're the third world.
NY is the economic engine of the nation. Stop treating us like we're the third world.
6
Perhaps, in part, because, however wasteful, the first obligation of the Congress and the federal government is to provide for the national defense, not to repair the problems of a mismanaged local transit system.
One simple solution to the funding issue would be to establish a carbon tax with a portion dedicated to mass transit upkeep and improvement. Seems logical to me to have the cause of climate change help pay for a way to reduce it.
1
The problem is not under investment in infrastructure. It is investment in infrastructure that does not solve transportation problems. Boston and Washington are typical examples of local transportation systems that are in trouble. Washington got its H-Street streetcar line and Boston is about to get an extension of its 19th century green line streetcar system. Neither of these projects solve a transportation problem but will be much more costly to operate than the bus routes they replaced.
2
"Between 2007 and 2014, the U.S. spent eighty-nine billion dollars on contracting in Afghanistan": from a New Yorker article on corruption in Afghanistan and, as anyone who has a home or car (or office building) knows, long periods of neglect until there is no choice but to repair always results in higher spending than maintenance . So much for being financially "conservative
7
My first ride on the DC Metro was when it was not quite a year old, back in the spring of 1977. It has since been a part of my life, from three jobs that carried me to DC, vacations, and frequent trips in my 20s to DC for a get away. My last trip on the Metro broke my heart. It was like seeing an old friend in their last days. It struggles and creaks along, no longer the sleek, clean, amazing thing of its early days.
Folks, this is our country's capital, the Metro needs to be revitalized, clean, sleek and show off our country. Have we no pride?
Folks, this is our country's capital, the Metro needs to be revitalized, clean, sleek and show off our country. Have we no pride?
3
So what happened to all those "shovel ready" infrastructure job s Obama promised us? In stead he continues to0 give Wall Street free money at the fed window and we get Trump supported by all those people who didn't get those promised jobs.
3
The Republicans cut the funding that would have gone for this.
1
Perhaps you remember our GOP controlled Congress?
2
The Republican Congress refused to fund them.
Have those workers ask their representatives why that is.
Have those workers ask their representatives why that is.
2
Look at all the taxpayer dollars that are being wasted by giving billionaires "research and development" money and tax breaks for driver-less cars, space exploration and robots. It's simply a waste of OUR money. Look at all the taxes the wealthiest are doing their best not to pay while they steal from OUR national, state, county and city treasuries with OUR government contracts and tax loopholes. OUR infrastructure has suffered greatly since BIG democracy-destroying money masters started trying to take it over 40+ years ago and WE are paying the price. The answer is to tax back all that wealth and put average people to work repairing and building OUR country's infrastructue. In Washington state we should demand that the DOT run rapid transit down the center of every freeway and major arterial in Seattle and other densely populated areas. NOW! We should also demand that the contracts for this work go to employee-owned companies, with no outside investors, where every employee shares responsibility and profits equitably rather than to the already wealthy-beyond-comprehension contractors who have gotten the work in the past. It's time for a new business model in America.
12
You can take all that research and development tax credit money and funnel into public sector unions and the result will still be zero.
1
There would be plenty of money for this work, as well as much other necessary improvements to the entire economy if we stopped flushing trillions of dollars down the military industrial complex toilet.
16
Cities cited in the article are already some of highest taxed in the nation. It is clear that public officials in these cities do not know money management. More taxes will likely go to their bloated public employee unions and their unsustainable pension benefits. These systems should be privatized like in Japan.
7
Like the railroads were, Barbarika? The Robber Barons cared about nothing except quick profits and did not maintain the railroads so OUR government had to bail them out. No thanks. Public/private partnership with equally shared profits is much better.
4
Perhaps, first, you should ask Scott Walker and all of his rich cronies to pay their fare share of taxes, then maybe there would be more money to deal with these issues. Clearly, you know little or nothing of how public transit operates. Privatizing in the past has proven to be an utter failure in that the system is so capital intensive that the rates for individual usage would be raised so high, it would no longer be worth using, thus, right from the outset, defeating the whole purpose of affordable transit for all. Not everyone can afford a car or even needs one. Steady growing ridership is critical to maintain the infrastructure of a growing urban center something in which the cities of Wisconsin know little about.
2
Deus02 and njglea, ever heard of the famous bullet trains of Japan? yup the 300 kmph ones. They are privately operated. Also Wisconsin has far better roads than Boston despite arguably worse Weather. If the loony left in Madison lets Scott Walker work, the situation will be even better.
But we have to build a wall and deport Muslims first. Next, we have to construct separate transgendered bathrooms and make sure we're monitoring the sexual habits and uteri of women 18 and older. So, no, we really don't have time to think about crumbling infrastructure or the money to waste on it. Subways are just used by people who work or go to school. Education is for snobby elites and working is for poor people.
21
As a Northeasterner...we need the Federal Government to help out here. It's long been known that the region gives more in federal taxes than it receives and it's unclear why the Feds can't address efforts here first.
And, again, much of that above debate is ensconced in a larger guns/butter argument. We still have unneeded military bases in much of the country, we still build needless weaponry without even blinking an eye. So much pork is funneled through military spending it's ridiculous.
Why we can't look at shoring up the infrastructure and mass transit options of our country as a defense/military effort is past me.
Lastly, when we tell India and China they need to pollute less, but they see what type of backing we give to popular, needed mass transit, we really can't lecture them can we?
And, again, much of that above debate is ensconced in a larger guns/butter argument. We still have unneeded military bases in much of the country, we still build needless weaponry without even blinking an eye. So much pork is funneled through military spending it's ridiculous.
Why we can't look at shoring up the infrastructure and mass transit options of our country as a defense/military effort is past me.
Lastly, when we tell India and China they need to pollute less, but they see what type of backing we give to popular, needed mass transit, we really can't lecture them can we?
7
Perhaps using our money to maintain our transportation system instead of providing free security and defense to Japan, South Korea and Europe for the past 50 years. This is why Trump is popular. Our leaders are stupid.
9
@pepperman33
Ask the Republican leadership why they won't fund rebuilding our infrastructure. Oh yeah, Obama is for it.
If the US had not taken a leadership role in foreign affairs we'd likely have a lot more to worry about than infrastructure.
Trump is a know nothing.
Ask the Republican leadership why they won't fund rebuilding our infrastructure. Oh yeah, Obama is for it.
If the US had not taken a leadership role in foreign affairs we'd likely have a lot more to worry about than infrastructure.
Trump is a know nothing.
2
One option is the businesses that attract all the millenials and other workers to the big city should recognize their responsibility and agree to pay for much needed infrastructure. What of Google, Facebook, BofA, Wall Street, other current-day business titans? Will they pay for the needed investments, or insist on paying little or no taxes? They benefit directly from the wise investments of previous generations in public transit, and should pay a little to keep the system going.
6
Part of the frustration has to be with the inefficiencies of the transit authorities.
They run the systems like they have a blank check. $20 billion for a 8-mile long tunnel; $3 billion for a leaky station; $1 billion to repair a single station.
If you ran it like a business, you'd see fiscal improvements.
They run the systems like they have a blank check. $20 billion for a 8-mile long tunnel; $3 billion for a leaky station; $1 billion to repair a single station.
If you ran it like a business, you'd see fiscal improvements.
5
Cities and states have plenty of opportunities to raise local taxes to pay for their systems. Every gas tax has a state component. Raise it if you see fit and you keep every penny. Unless connected to a military issue or a very strategic resource, none of which that meet the bar come to mind, Federal Government has nothing to do with local transportation.
Besides just shifting the load, many writers prefer to have Feds load up on debt to buy this investment to avoid requirement at state and city levels to balance budgets and meet debt capacity limits. That is a very lame reason.
For people that say, what about roads: Toll them, bring it on. The 21st century is you want it, you pay for it. Don't pay, don't get. Learn it, Love it, Live it.
Besides just shifting the load, many writers prefer to have Feds load up on debt to buy this investment to avoid requirement at state and city levels to balance budgets and meet debt capacity limits. That is a very lame reason.
For people that say, what about roads: Toll them, bring it on. The 21st century is you want it, you pay for it. Don't pay, don't get. Learn it, Love it, Live it.
1
Why subways are troubled?
Could it be that Americans are so in love with cars that they would rather choke their cities than do the right thing?
Could it be that AAA, the oil industry and owned-and-operated politicians conspire to promote cars over public transit?
Could be.
Could it be that Americans are so in love with cars that they would rather choke their cities than do the right thing?
Could it be that AAA, the oil industry and owned-and-operated politicians conspire to promote cars over public transit?
Could be.
2
As others are pointing out... When you go overseas, the public transit systems one finds generally put ours, literally, to shame.
I live in the Boston area and the MBTA system is basically worse than what you would find in the Third World.
While there is every reason to try and ensure that mass transit systems are run cost effectively, we need to recognize that it will be necessary to subsidize them with tax dollars... And that it is in everybody's interest to do so.
Even you drive to work in a Maserati, you still benefit from a good mass transit system since you will have to deal with less traffic and less competition for a parking spot when you get into town. Similarly, for cities that get a lot of tourism, you are losing visitors if the spend an hour or so waiting on a subway platform that reeks of urine watching rats scuttle around on the tracks.
I live in the Boston area and the MBTA system is basically worse than what you would find in the Third World.
While there is every reason to try and ensure that mass transit systems are run cost effectively, we need to recognize that it will be necessary to subsidize them with tax dollars... And that it is in everybody's interest to do so.
Even you drive to work in a Maserati, you still benefit from a good mass transit system since you will have to deal with less traffic and less competition for a parking spot when you get into town. Similarly, for cities that get a lot of tourism, you are losing visitors if the spend an hour or so waiting on a subway platform that reeks of urine watching rats scuttle around on the tracks.
6
Boston needs to rethink the T. There are far too many areas in which it can be said of any other major area: you can't get there from here (e.g. Harvard Square from Kenmore Square). Too many neighborhoods are not served by trains at all, instead being at the mercy of buses. Some stretches truly defy reason—South Huntington past Brigham Circle comes to mind, where the road is narrow and must be shared by moving cars and buses, parked cars, and the Green Line.
The commuter rail doesn't go to Logan airport and only recently have the T displays shown the time before the next train.
Years ago, Boston dug transit tunnels clear under the city—no small feat. Surely a city that accomplished that could make major changes to its public transit system.
The commuter rail doesn't go to Logan airport and only recently have the T displays shown the time before the next train.
Years ago, Boston dug transit tunnels clear under the city—no small feat. Surely a city that accomplished that could make major changes to its public transit system.
3
You could always privatize the MTA; eliminating the corruption that is at the heart of the problem. American’s are not under-taxed they are the victims of a government that is out of control. The problem is not under-investment in infrastructure; it is that whatever investment there is gets funned through the government/union complex.
We know that the left is going to call for increasing the taxes on the wealthy; they look for any reason to call for an increases in taxes. Remember in the seventies when taxes where higher; the subway was in considerably worse shape than it is today.
We know that the left is going to call for increasing the taxes on the wealthy; they look for any reason to call for an increases in taxes. Remember in the seventies when taxes where higher; the subway was in considerably worse shape than it is today.
4
"...their efforts are being closely watched by planners and business groups who fear economic growth in the region could slow if the systems cannot keep up."
I wonder how many of these business groups are the same who do everything they can not to pay their fair share in taxes, and also manipulate our politicians to keep our tax system riddled with loopholes.
These same politicians who fight tooth and nail against any and all domestic spending on infrastructure. (Republicans, I'm looking at you).
Yet, these same business leaders recognize the importance of infrastructure in our cities. So long as they don't have to pitch in tax dollars to expand and maintain it.
I wonder how many of these business groups are the same who do everything they can not to pay their fair share in taxes, and also manipulate our politicians to keep our tax system riddled with loopholes.
These same politicians who fight tooth and nail against any and all domestic spending on infrastructure. (Republicans, I'm looking at you).
Yet, these same business leaders recognize the importance of infrastructure in our cities. So long as they don't have to pitch in tax dollars to expand and maintain it.
6
The person who made that comment, Ms. Campbell, is in New York. Last time I checked, the mayor of New York City is a Democrat, most of the government in NYC is Democrat, and the governor of New York state is a Democrat. So how exactly did Republicans cause this issue in NYC?
It's divisive attitudes like this that lead to polarization of the electorate and nothing getting done. Please say something constructive about how to solve this problem instea dof blaming Republicans.
It's divisive attitudes like this that lead to polarization of the electorate and nothing getting done. Please say something constructive about how to solve this problem instea dof blaming Republicans.
2
I live in a European city with streetcars. One line or another is always being maintained or repaired. I haven't driven a car, or felt any need to, in over 25 years. I take trains to any destination within 500-700 km.
6
The Washington system (WMATA), where I am a regular rider, is, rightly, the target of many, many complaints about its dismal performance (go on Twitter and check the #wmata hashtag to get a feel for the ridership's frustration).
What the article largely ignores is the cost side of the equation. Public entities always believe that solution to a cost-revenue gap is "increasing subsidies" and never "lowering costs." The problem plaguing WMATA (and perhaps the other systems) is that management has bought what it hoped would be labor peace with its very adversarial union, and as a result, about three quarters of its budget goes to labor costs, which leaves inadequate funding for maintenance and the rest. Not only are labor costs bloated, but many blue collar employees enjoy well over 6 figure wages due to what appears to be poor management of overtime costs (this also drives up pension expenses, as pensions are based on total compensation and employees nearing retirement can and do work the system to maximize their pensions, which results in many employees reportedly getting higher pay in retirement than their base salaries.
Ultimately, unless these systems are managed less like government entitles and more like the private businesses they should emulate, since they are essentially selling a service to their customers.
What the article largely ignores is the cost side of the equation. Public entities always believe that solution to a cost-revenue gap is "increasing subsidies" and never "lowering costs." The problem plaguing WMATA (and perhaps the other systems) is that management has bought what it hoped would be labor peace with its very adversarial union, and as a result, about three quarters of its budget goes to labor costs, which leaves inadequate funding for maintenance and the rest. Not only are labor costs bloated, but many blue collar employees enjoy well over 6 figure wages due to what appears to be poor management of overtime costs (this also drives up pension expenses, as pensions are based on total compensation and employees nearing retirement can and do work the system to maximize their pensions, which results in many employees reportedly getting higher pay in retirement than their base salaries.
Ultimately, unless these systems are managed less like government entitles and more like the private businesses they should emulate, since they are essentially selling a service to their customers.
2
Remember the "Peace Dividend" that was supposed to come after the end of Vietnam and the Cold War?
That was supposed to happen under Clinton in the 1990s. We never saw it.
Instead by 2008 we have un-funded wars and the TARP bailout to white collar thieves.
I pay a lot of taxes. This is the frustrating thing...we get no say on budget priorities.
That was supposed to happen under Clinton in the 1990s. We never saw it.
Instead by 2008 we have un-funded wars and the TARP bailout to white collar thieves.
I pay a lot of taxes. This is the frustrating thing...we get no say on budget priorities.
3
Municipal governments in these cities are all being crushed under the costs of pension plans for workers. They take up a bigger percentage of their budgets every year. So capital improvements go to the bottom of the priorities lists and the infrastructure just gets worse and worse.
10
I don't know about NYC or D.C. but pension costs are less than 5% of the budget here in Boston. A lovely Republican governor decided to wrap all the Big Dig related transit debt into the MBTA. The result? Debt payments, that the MBTA was not responsible for incurring, eat up a whopping 20% of the budget. Maybe not having the public transit folks pay for the fancy highway remodel would work. Imagine, the T would have a whopping extra $500 million to spend on repairs each year. A decade of that and we could probably make inroads into repairing the system properly.
1
The story is the same with all of our big-city systems: 1) revenue does not even cover operating expenses, so maintenance is "deferred" over decades until the system just breaks down; 2) the initial infrastructure is done with no redundancy or room for growth, so breakdowns and traffic increases leave no room for growth or a flexible response maintaining service levels; 3) cities start self-righteous "wars on cars" to force folks onto public transit and are them amazed, just amazed, that the system cannot handle even a small increase in traffic; 4) nothing is bought off-the-shelf and so, like military aircraft, the costs come in 3x the initial budget and touted but unproven technology does not work; and 5) politicians fund the system operations with bond proceeds and other dollars actually earmarked for capital improvements. All of this is well-known and can be seen all over, but it is all denied and ignored as each new system comes on line-"Its going to be all different this time.....................".
6
President Obama is right. The infrastructure of the country is falling apart and fixing it is an investment in the future.
One wishes that instead of demonizing successful people and creating animosity between Americans, he's just said, "I need to repair 15,000 bridges. If you're a young person in your first job, I need a penny a bridge from you. If you're an established person, I need a dollar a bridge. If you're a really successful person, I need $10 a bridge."
Nobody is going to argue that we need subways to run and bridges to not fall. Public transportation is a great investment - vital to the growth and prosperity of any city. They also provide good jobs for everybody from a kid just starting out to engineers and managers.
One wishes that instead of demonizing successful people and creating animosity between Americans, he's just said, "I need to repair 15,000 bridges. If you're a young person in your first job, I need a penny a bridge from you. If you're an established person, I need a dollar a bridge. If you're a really successful person, I need $10 a bridge."
Nobody is going to argue that we need subways to run and bridges to not fall. Public transportation is a great investment - vital to the growth and prosperity of any city. They also provide good jobs for everybody from a kid just starting out to engineers and managers.
1
Wouldn't it be great if all the obscene deficit spending we did as part of the "stimulus" several years ago had actually gone to something useful like repairing our aging infrastructure?
7
"The Federal Transit Administration found that public transit systems have a backlog of $86 billion in critical maintenance nationwide."
The Obama administration and congress are getting ready to give Israel $40 billion as its negotiated allowance for the next 10 years.
That $40 billion is almost enough to fix half of the critical public transit maintenance nationwide.
Washington please consider spending that money here where it can benefit the American people.
The Obama administration and congress are getting ready to give Israel $40 billion as its negotiated allowance for the next 10 years.
That $40 billion is almost enough to fix half of the critical public transit maintenance nationwide.
Washington please consider spending that money here where it can benefit the American people.
4
Why is the subway system so poorly maintained you ask ? ? Didn't they tell you ? The 1 % never ride the subway. Have you ever heard of TRUMP on a subway ? Or The (COKE BOYS) Koch Brothers ? Or Mitt Robmey ? and you never will. As far they all know, why fix what ain't broke and what they never care about ? For such people subway travel is for the Riff-Raff.
5
NYC is in a bit of trouble having elected a radical leftist looney tune mayor. Guiliani and Bloomberg did great work straightening out a crime ridden, decaying mess of a city only to have a leftist crack pot with delusional aspiration of grandeur of assuming some greater national role in electoral politics preside over a rather rapid decay in public safety, particularly in poorer minority communities, and other quality of life issues. New York City and State are similar to Chicago and Illinois in that they are all sinking fiscal cesspools created by a corrupt, incompetent government class.
4
The criminals you are talking about are the ones form Wall Street ARE THEY?
1
Increase the gasoline tax. It's a no brainer.
5
. . . .And The HIGHWAY Tolls too. That way Subway riders never even have to pay half of what their ride actually costs. Meanwhile you people in your cars pay your way and the subway too. You should look for that second or third job maybe, so we don't run outta money.
1
We have nationally elected politicians who boast about how little we are taxed, not about the superior services available to us. It is no different for state and local officials who boast about savings. When did a mayor boast about the subway service transporting millions. When did a governor boast that the state roads and bridges were the best, most cared for in the nation. When did congress boast that the nation set the standard for inter-state travel.
And we certainly do not wish to be known as the nation with the best educational programs in the world.
Still, we have something to be proud of: we have a lot of billionaires and they have private planes, some even fleets, for their personal travel. Take a subway? Me, never.
And I will wager not one knows who built the IRT
And we certainly do not wish to be known as the nation with the best educational programs in the world.
Still, we have something to be proud of: we have a lot of billionaires and they have private planes, some even fleets, for their personal travel. Take a subway? Me, never.
And I will wager not one knows who built the IRT
1
Underinvested? Hardly....Incompetence, graft, corruption, political hacks, and arcane Union work rules. Mass. Gov Baker can't get the commuter trains repaired...Why? because of union work rules---NOT lack of money! These systems are public welfare for the politically connected and Union bosses...just check out the payrolls. They do not care about the service levels or cost. Did everyone forget the $15B Boston Big Dig?
6
It is not an exaggeration to say that I worry about our country's infrastructure everyday. Perhaps it is reinforced because my dad is a civil engineer by training, but it's not hard to see that our infrastructure is crumbling. And that is what we can see: think about what we can't see as well (underground pipes, electrical cables, etc).
I visited Chicago last weekend and rode "the L" for the first time in my life. Looking up at those bridges, I was worried. They look ancient. I would not be surprised if one of those bridges in Chicago collapsed in the next ten years. It would be sad for it to take some fatalities for the people in charge to pay attention to our infrastructure.
I visited Chicago last weekend and rode "the L" for the first time in my life. Looking up at those bridges, I was worried. They look ancient. I would not be surprised if one of those bridges in Chicago collapsed in the next ten years. It would be sad for it to take some fatalities for the people in charge to pay attention to our infrastructure.
7
Ms. Campbell's concern about businesses relocating might seem valid, except that one need only look at the unreliable highway system. Nearly every weekday there are multiple crashes on the beltways around some of the larger cities, backing up traffic for miles.
It seems to me that businesses might pitch in to shore up public transportation, since those taking it most often are probably commuting to and from workplaces and schools, the latter being essentially feeders for the former.
It seems to me that businesses might pitch in to shore up public transportation, since those taking it most often are probably commuting to and from workplaces and schools, the latter being essentially feeders for the former.
2
Fugettaboutit!!!! Lets just cut taxes on the wealthy and cut services and infrastructure on the middle and lower income! That is called trickle down economics!!! Who cares anyway! all those wealthy Citizens United contributors and they don't even go into cities; they fly over them!
1
What's the problem? Simple. The cities used Federal Funds to build infrastructure and neglected to use their own funds to maintain that infrastructure in a cynical bid to get the Feds to pay.
Democrats who run the big cities would rather spend money on social services than infrastructure.
Democrats who run the big cities would rather spend money on social services than infrastructure.
1
"Democrats who run the big cities would rather spend money on social services than infrastructure."
Of course the democrats who run big cities would rather buy votes with "free" social services for the poor since that is what keeps them in power.
Of course the democrats who run big cities would rather buy votes with "free" social services for the poor since that is what keeps them in power.
1
In Boston, the issue is longstanding feather bedding by unions coupled by gross mismanagement. MBTA workers can retire and start drawing a pension at 20 years of service, so by their early 40's. They have ridiculous work rules & leave policies that allow workers to routinely collect overtime while working less than 40 hours per week. They accumulate enormous amounts of leave time that never expires, and has to be paid off at the pay level they are at when they retire. The sooner the MBTA is abolished, and 21st Century work rules installed, the better.
2
A story on three big transit systems that does mention their crippling unfunded pension liabilities and labor costs can't be taken seriously.
4
I see a lot of proposals here to go after federal money to solve NYC's problems.
Here's the problem: even if NYC goes after 1 billion a year, because it's a federal program, and NYC is (generously) at 1/20th of US's population, the problem will have to be roughly at 20 billion at least. More importantly, since NYC is not the most cash strapped place, the way such grants are normally awarded, to get the 1 billion out the program will have to be at 30 billion. Plus, the way these program operates is this billion is likely to be split into smaller grants, so, for example, it's more likely that people on Long Island will FINALLY be able to install accessible elevators with this money rather than much of it will go to NYC, so make it 40 or 50 billion to address this.
Finally, it's quite likely that any federal program won't cover operational expenses or subsidize the rides, so, while it may alleviate some of the problems with outdated signalling equipment, for example, the pension plan woes are there to stay. Even to the contrary, proof of operational sustainability will likely be a requirement to begin with. And we're already at 10% of federal defense budget.
So, before you start gloating over federal funds, please consider all the strings that come with it.
Here's the problem: even if NYC goes after 1 billion a year, because it's a federal program, and NYC is (generously) at 1/20th of US's population, the problem will have to be roughly at 20 billion at least. More importantly, since NYC is not the most cash strapped place, the way such grants are normally awarded, to get the 1 billion out the program will have to be at 30 billion. Plus, the way these program operates is this billion is likely to be split into smaller grants, so, for example, it's more likely that people on Long Island will FINALLY be able to install accessible elevators with this money rather than much of it will go to NYC, so make it 40 or 50 billion to address this.
Finally, it's quite likely that any federal program won't cover operational expenses or subsidize the rides, so, while it may alleviate some of the problems with outdated signalling equipment, for example, the pension plan woes are there to stay. Even to the contrary, proof of operational sustainability will likely be a requirement to begin with. And we're already at 10% of federal defense budget.
So, before you start gloating over federal funds, please consider all the strings that come with it.
As a liberal, it's boorish to see fellow readers talk about defense spending as a reason for why transit infrastructure spending is so abysmal. Or talk about how Europe is so great. The answer is simple, mass transit and active transportation should be supported instead of driving and flying.
This country's poor transportation policies that funnel billions into expanding roads that do nothing except grow congested and then crumble.
The Earth is melting and yet here we are building more roads and suburbs that are the least sustainable development we got.
You can't build a bike lane in New York City without losing their sanity. What makes you think we can tackle actual transportation issues?
This country's poor transportation policies that funnel billions into expanding roads that do nothing except grow congested and then crumble.
The Earth is melting and yet here we are building more roads and suburbs that are the least sustainable development we got.
You can't build a bike lane in New York City without losing their sanity. What makes you think we can tackle actual transportation issues?
1
The solution is not higher taxes- it's allocating collected monies from tolls and bridges correctly. NY Port Authority collects a kings ramsom daily, yet money is wasted on high executive salaries and other so called pet projects that government officials fund for their cronies.
3
As long as we prioritize spending over $600 Billion annually on the military, our infrastructure will continue to crumble....at some point there won't be anything for our military to defend but they will have the best equipment that money can buy.....where are our priorities ??
2
I used the PATH trains(connects NJ with NY) for 3 years from 2011-2014. The trains were obviously very crowded during peak hours, but I had seen worse in India and so could understand the rare delays. Now I see that the WTC station has been linked with the Fulton street hub. While NY subway and PATH has it's faults, New Yorkers and New Jerseyites still have it better than billions of people in the third world. Sharing a metro area with 10+ million folks is not easy at all and yet NY/NJ does it better than any other in the world.
This is a result of the tax cutting mania. The wealthy and the corporations are paying lower taxes than they did years ago, and our infrastructure is suffering for it.
7
Can we please stop spending money on wars and start spending on fixing this problem? If we weren't fighting a war this year we could easily fix this problem nationwide in ONE YEAR!!!
5
The entire MTA Subway system, on which millions of people depend, could be fully repaired and expanded for years to come simply by confiscating the private wealth of a single New Yorker. With $40 billion, the city's richest citizen, David Koch, could fund the entire system and still have millions left. There is, as we say, something wrong with this picture.
4
I'm - almost - speechless. Confiscating wealth? I know we need to get rid of that pesky second amendment, but you want to gut the rest of the Constitution too? "Liquidate the kulak," da, comrade?
Not speechless enough.
On the one hand large chunks of the population fear that automation will make their jobs obsolete. On the other, there's a vast and growing backlog of infrastructure work to be done. Hopefully automation will make infrastructure repair and development affordable, creating a jobs boom.
4
Our elected officials on both sides of the aisle have failed us. It's as simple as that.
1
America is the modern day Roman empire. America has gotten so big and spread all over the world. We have forgotten about our home and now it is collapsing history has a way of repeating itself. It is time we get out of this empire thing and start fixing our home before it completely falls apart and we will have no one to blame but ourselves.
6
It doesn't help NY that the quasi-governmental agencies running the subway are almost completely opaque and have a expense heavy c-suite, or that miscreants like the LIRR employees hire crooked docs to get "full disability" (95% "retire" on full disability!?) thus bloating the pension expenses and reducing available funds for infrastructure maintenance.
9
Why not raise taxes on the obscenely rich to 75%?
5
Maybe because our main tax systems tax income, not wealth?
One unusual suggestion, impossible given our politicians, would be to ask the riders of the system to pay the actual cost of providing the service. Living in Rochester, I rarely get the benefit of riding the subway in New York City. However, I am asked to subsidize those New York City residents who do ride it. If we operate this business like a business, there would be more emphasis on cost effective solutions rather than taxpayer bailouts.
4
All taxes are evil.
But most evil of all are any taxes on people "earning" a million a month.
The theft of their money by tyrannical government prevents them from doing Good Works to benefit us all, including rainbows and puppy dogs for the kiddies--as long as they pay.
But most evil of all are any taxes on people "earning" a million a month.
The theft of their money by tyrannical government prevents them from doing Good Works to benefit us all, including rainbows and puppy dogs for the kiddies--as long as they pay.
4
The 2nd Ave NYC subway line was proposed in 1919 and is still unfinished. If all goes well(!), an abridged version will start operating later this year. The full proposed line a mere 8.5 miles long would have an expected cost of $17 billion.
The NEAT Goatherd Base Tunnel under the Alps is 35 miles long. Construction started in 1999 and will open to passenger and cargo trains this coming June.
The cost of this project was the equivalent of $10.3 billion all funded by Switzerland.
Meanwhile here, in the US, infrastructure proposals are bogged down by political bickering mostly stoked by members of the GOP (Grand Obstructionist Party).
And Trump should talk less about building a wall at the Mexican border and more about rebuilding our ageing bridges, roadways, railroads, etc.
The NEAT Goatherd Base Tunnel under the Alps is 35 miles long. Construction started in 1999 and will open to passenger and cargo trains this coming June.
The cost of this project was the equivalent of $10.3 billion all funded by Switzerland.
Meanwhile here, in the US, infrastructure proposals are bogged down by political bickering mostly stoked by members of the GOP (Grand Obstructionist Party).
And Trump should talk less about building a wall at the Mexican border and more about rebuilding our ageing bridges, roadways, railroads, etc.
6
" in the US, infrastructure proposals are bogged down by political bickering mostly stoked by members of the GOP (Grand Obstructionist Party)."
Could that possibly be because the democrats demand that all infrastructure work be restricted to "prevailing wage" union members who will then kickback most of their union dues to the democrats. The GOP would be foolish to approve any scheme that gives union kickback money to the democrats.
Could that possibly be because the democrats demand that all infrastructure work be restricted to "prevailing wage" union members who will then kickback most of their union dues to the democrats. The GOP would be foolish to approve any scheme that gives union kickback money to the democrats.
Sorry, but GOP obstructionism regardless of project is its MO vis-a-vis the Democrats. Even more so if it has anything to do with Obama's proposals. The record is there for all to see.
Will The Donald pave the way for Making America's roads Great Again?
Will The Donald pave the way for Making America's roads Great Again?
WHY?
One reason! Lack of money being spent to maintain them and build new ones, just like the rest of our crumbling infrastructure: roads, airports, bridges, and pretty much ANY public facilities!
And how/why is that allowed?
Outrageous right-wing opposition to spending money to build and fix things, rooted in Reagan's "government IS the problem" mantra, which has become so deeply ingrained in "conservatives" and even many "moderates" that it's like a knee-jerk reaction.
Mix in a little pernicious disinformation, like the notion that building roads, bridges, and subways someone benefits "someone else," not all of us together! And the idea that nobody should have to pay for anything for the greater good of society!
European nations understand they have to maintain their physical and social and infrastructures--that's why they build/maintain physical transport systems and support social infrastructure (education, healthcare, and social services). That's why their standards of living are higher all-around, less extremely unequal, and citizens in those countries are happier with their governments and with their lives overall than people in the USA!
One reason! Lack of money being spent to maintain them and build new ones, just like the rest of our crumbling infrastructure: roads, airports, bridges, and pretty much ANY public facilities!
And how/why is that allowed?
Outrageous right-wing opposition to spending money to build and fix things, rooted in Reagan's "government IS the problem" mantra, which has become so deeply ingrained in "conservatives" and even many "moderates" that it's like a knee-jerk reaction.
Mix in a little pernicious disinformation, like the notion that building roads, bridges, and subways someone benefits "someone else," not all of us together! And the idea that nobody should have to pay for anything for the greater good of society!
European nations understand they have to maintain their physical and social and infrastructures--that's why they build/maintain physical transport systems and support social infrastructure (education, healthcare, and social services). That's why their standards of living are higher all-around, less extremely unequal, and citizens in those countries are happier with their governments and with their lives overall than people in the USA!
8
Currently fares only cover about 20% to 25% of the cost of a ride. The rest of the ride is subsidized by non-riders who don't use the system. If riders paid more of their fair share, the transit system would be better funded. The MTA could raise an additional $2 billion for the system by raising fares by $1.
6
The article posed a question but offered no answer.
Part of the answer is the unfortunate habit, shared across public and private organizations, to focus on initial capital costs, but not on subsequent captial investments. All too frequently, organizations are willing to expend high capital costs but are reluctant to follow that with the necessary spending on maintenance, renovation and replacement.
In the case of public transit systems, we are seeing the consequences of flawed policies dating back to the post-war period.Polticians of both polticial parties decided that only private, profit-seeking organizations could accomplish anything of value. What public enterprises there were were allowed to wither away. We see the same pattern in our public housing, our roads and bridges, even our schools. There is hardly a school system in the country that does not have an eye-watering backlog of deferred maintenance.
Fixing this problem means putting people before profits. It involves a more realistic appraisal of what profit-seeking organizations can do and building a non-private sector that will do what they cannot.
Part of the answer is the unfortunate habit, shared across public and private organizations, to focus on initial capital costs, but not on subsequent captial investments. All too frequently, organizations are willing to expend high capital costs but are reluctant to follow that with the necessary spending on maintenance, renovation and replacement.
In the case of public transit systems, we are seeing the consequences of flawed policies dating back to the post-war period.Polticians of both polticial parties decided that only private, profit-seeking organizations could accomplish anything of value. What public enterprises there were were allowed to wither away. We see the same pattern in our public housing, our roads and bridges, even our schools. There is hardly a school system in the country that does not have an eye-watering backlog of deferred maintenance.
Fixing this problem means putting people before profits. It involves a more realistic appraisal of what profit-seeking organizations can do and building a non-private sector that will do what they cannot.
4
The subways (example IRT) WERE private profit-seeking enterprises. But when government refused to allow normal fare increases, the companies were driven out of business. Compared to a car, the subways should have a fare of about $6.00 and pay a "gas" tax equivalent of about 5 cents per mile more. Like with the roads, fares are kept too low to pay for upkeep.
2
When politicians are hired not to raise taxes on the rich under any circumstances, the country's infrastructure obviously collapses. What a shock!
10
I commute by Metro every day. While infrastructure investments are sorely needed to improve safety and efficiency, some fault also lies with Metro's management. Recall several years ago when Metro fired the contractor running its commuter lots because the workers collecting cash parking payments were stealing millions annually. Every time a name change is made to stations, the cost of updating the signage in all the stations runs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars instead of having digital displays that can be updated instantly at virtually no charge. I arrived at my station on Monday this week and saw "wet paint' signs on railings and shelters that didn't need to be painted in the first place, and were painted over the weekend by employees earning overtime. They rehire retired annuitant collecting employees to be part-time bus route drives instead of developing a solid workforce. The list can go on. DOT gives Metro millions every year and the management and board are not held accountable.
11
" I arrived at my station on Monday this week and saw "wet paint' signs on railings and shelters that didn't need to be painted in the first place, and were painted over the weekend by employees earning overtime."
lol...I notice the exact same thing in the NYC system....workers who are being paid god-only-knows-what per hour, 'sauntering' up and down the platform with their little paint can and brush, making a dab here and there to cover up a pen mark, or graffiti, etc. The MTA also often periodically re-paints the doors of their maintenance rooms, subway platform support beams, stairwells, etc. Thing is though, these support beams, stairwells etc. are often literally 'crumbling', not to mention often oozing mysterious clear brownish slime. But hey, a fresh coat of paint can make anything look great, right? Wrong.
It's stupefying...the lack of common sense so often found in city-run agencies.
lol...I notice the exact same thing in the NYC system....workers who are being paid god-only-knows-what per hour, 'sauntering' up and down the platform with their little paint can and brush, making a dab here and there to cover up a pen mark, or graffiti, etc. The MTA also often periodically re-paints the doors of their maintenance rooms, subway platform support beams, stairwells, etc. Thing is though, these support beams, stairwells etc. are often literally 'crumbling', not to mention often oozing mysterious clear brownish slime. But hey, a fresh coat of paint can make anything look great, right? Wrong.
It's stupefying...the lack of common sense so often found in city-run agencies.
1
With respect to the Washington metro, what is said in public does not make sense. It is very expensive, always full and does not run often except during rush hour. Where all the money from the fares go? How come there was no maintenance done for so many years? The income money was spent on salaries of the drivers of the trains???? I don't think so.
Looks like some people make a lot of money from this and a serious legal investigation is missing.
Looks like some people make a lot of money from this and a serious legal investigation is missing.
3
Money from fares goes to general operating expenses, not maintenance/capital projects. I believe this is also the case in Boston.
2
Maybe it's time for the wealthy states in the Northeast to keep hold of the federal taxes and stop subsidizing the Evangelical Welfare Empire that is the South.
26
That's fine with us as long as you don't mind all the Democrat voters who will head North for their social services benefits after we cut them off.
Have you any idea how much of that money goes to all the military bases you didn't want up North? Are you going to shut them down?
Have you any idea how much of that money goes to all the military bases you didn't want up North? Are you going to shut them down?
1
The federal government needs to take infrastructure much more seriously, and understand that outdated subways, roads, bridges etc need to be addressed sooner rather than later. The money is there...it's just us deciding what's more important: providing and maintaining safe, modern infrastructure for American citizens or...getting involved in one pointless war after another.
With regards to the NYC MTA, they need to be creative. So long as we can't fix all the overcrowded subway lines, we should consider ways to improve bus transportation, i.e., more Express buses and Select Bus Service on ALL bus lines (no more of one passenger at a time having to board/pay through the front door only). Other countries are WAY ahead of us with regards to public transportation efficiency. Anyone who has to ride an MTA bus in NYC knows how painfully slow it is, all because most bus line rides include dozens of stops, some of which will have up to 50 passengers all having to board/pay one at a time, through the front door. Are you kidding me?...and all of this just because the MTA is paranoid that 1 or 2 riders may try to sneak-in through the back door?
We need to speed up the process re: adding potentially more ferry boat lines to Manhattan, from other boroughs and NJ. Ditto for a light-rail train connecting Eastern Queens to Eastern Brooklyn. The city also needs to DISincent the use of private vehicles, especially on main streets in outer boroughs, and where MTA buses normally travel
With regards to the NYC MTA, they need to be creative. So long as we can't fix all the overcrowded subway lines, we should consider ways to improve bus transportation, i.e., more Express buses and Select Bus Service on ALL bus lines (no more of one passenger at a time having to board/pay through the front door only). Other countries are WAY ahead of us with regards to public transportation efficiency. Anyone who has to ride an MTA bus in NYC knows how painfully slow it is, all because most bus line rides include dozens of stops, some of which will have up to 50 passengers all having to board/pay one at a time, through the front door. Are you kidding me?...and all of this just because the MTA is paranoid that 1 or 2 riders may try to sneak-in through the back door?
We need to speed up the process re: adding potentially more ferry boat lines to Manhattan, from other boroughs and NJ. Ditto for a light-rail train connecting Eastern Queens to Eastern Brooklyn. The city also needs to DISincent the use of private vehicles, especially on main streets in outer boroughs, and where MTA buses normally travel
3
Quit shoveling trillions to corporations, WS and million/billionaires and invest in infrastructure. That is the "Silver Bullet".
2
Complex transit systems like these need to be federally regulated like air carriers regarding their ongoing maintenance requirements - Would you (knowingly) fly an airline that deferred $7 billion in maintenance and repairs?
5
The problem is fairly simple, we have created a superclass of rich who own most of the wealth in this country. Through devaluations in tax liability for this class we have not only limited wealth distribution, but we have no appropriate funds to keep up the country's infrastructure. There are a horde of personal jets polished to perfection in this country, there are subways from BART to the NY subway that are on their last legs.
It's that simple, you can mechanically intellectualize the issue until the subway no longer even runs, or you can fix the actual problem.
It's that simple, you can mechanically intellectualize the issue until the subway no longer even runs, or you can fix the actual problem.
13
Like other commentators, I marvel at the public transport system in Europe. I'm in the midst of a long stay in England and have traveled to the far reaches of the country [I'm now in a little village in Yorkshire having traveled here from London with a single change of trains in less than 3 hours] on trains which run often, have reserved seating and are rarely empty. The US is so very far behind it's shocking.
18
The American public can't/won't stomach the high tax rates that European countries have.
6
Neither will the American corporations and billionaires with their low tax rates, subsidies and offshore tax havens that has contributed to the increase in taxes for the rest of the American people that have to pick up the difference to fund these projects. That is OK with you?
I gather then, if you suffer a severe illness and cannot pay your medical bills and have sky high student loans, that is better than paying higher taxes and an overall better of quality of life?
I gather then, if you suffer a severe illness and cannot pay your medical bills and have sky high student loans, that is better than paying higher taxes and an overall better of quality of life?
@Deus02, you've misread my comment. I am willing and able to pay higher taxes to better our society (transit and many, many other things). And I'm sickened by the low tax rates paid by the highest earners. But politically speaking, the vast majority of the american public is not with me.
Pls step off your high horse.
Pls step off your high horse.
1
This issue isn't limited to just the subways, as terrible as the subways are in NY. My commute from NJ to NY has become almost unbearable. My house is 7 miles from my office in midtown and it usually takes me over an hour to get in. If the government doesn't get serious about making real changes and improvements to infrastructure, I do think there will come a breaking point where it just won't be worth it anymore. NY just won't be as appealing if you can't get around it without aggravation. I fantasize about moving away from here all the time, and the #1 reason would be my commute. It would be worth it to move (even for a lower-paying job) if I could get back those 2-2.5 hours a day that I commute, and spend it with my kids instead. Officials offer up excuses about lack of funding. It's like the article said--you will end up paying no matter what, whether it's now or later. And maybe with more than just money, maybe with people's lives, since there is a safety issue here as well. Bottom line is it's not a priority to them. If it were, they would focus on it and really address it, instead of slapping band-aids on a system that needs major surgery. Unfortunately, I worry that it will only take an entirely preventable disaster for this to happen...reactive instead of proactive.
10
Seven miles? Pshaw... I ride my bike 15 miles each way to work no problem. You could probably walk to work in the time it takes you to drive.
The problem is that our politicians do not take public transportation. They have personal drivers.
9
Stories like this sadden me. Mass transit is one of the hallmarks of efficient, forward-thinking transportation--of which subways especially are the pinnacle! Driving a car for your daily commute is the absolute pits. Riding in on a fast-moving train (or even a slow-moving bus) boasts countless advantages, from the environmental to our own mental well-being.
How is it possible that in the United States, the supposedly most-developed of developed countries, we've allowed these great public amenities to languish for lack of investment? Shameful.
How is it possible that in the United States, the supposedly most-developed of developed countries, we've allowed these great public amenities to languish for lack of investment? Shameful.
97
When far too many Americans have, for decades, continually bought in to the Republican mantra that government and taxes are evil, this is the result.
Any travel to the cities of Western Europe, Scandinavia, Asia and many other places will easily demonstrate that the United States is far from the most developed of developed countries.
Our cities are run down, we have largely ugly architecture, our infrastructure is crumbling, our mass transit systems are largely disgusting and our suburbias are nothing but shopping malls, strip malls, gas stations and Starbucks. China builds more mass transit in a year than we build in a century. It takes the NYC MTA longer to replace an existing escalator than it does to build a 60-story office building.
Our cities are run down, we have largely ugly architecture, our infrastructure is crumbling, our mass transit systems are largely disgusting and our suburbias are nothing but shopping malls, strip malls, gas stations and Starbucks. China builds more mass transit in a year than we build in a century. It takes the NYC MTA longer to replace an existing escalator than it does to build a 60-story office building.
2
ZoetMB, excellent point about the countries that beat us hands down in terms of infrastructural development. That's why I was careful to qualify my description with "supposedly."
Americans have never been keen on public transportation. We like cars and the open road. Pretty soon the upkeep of the ancient old NYC subways will get so out of control the government will just give people cars because it will be cheaper. US trains and mass transit are not only terrible but also expensive.
No wonder most Americans avoid them like the plague.
No wonder most Americans avoid them like the plague.
"US trains and mass transit are not only terrible but also expensive. No wonder most Americans avoid them like the plague. "
I disagree. Most Americans who own cars do not do so 'because' of poor public transportation or the cost, but because they simply 'like' owning a car. Many car owners have never taken public transportation, or have done so so few times that they'd not even be able to form a valid opinion about a 'typical' subway commute. They don't want anyone 'dictating' to them how they should travel, or on what timeline. They don't want to be forced to rub shoulders with other human beings. Mass transit is expensive? lol. That's just one of the many reasons why I don't own a car. Who needs the aggravation (parking hassles/parking lot fees, shoveling in the winter, repairs and maintenance, insurance, AAA membership, traffic, paying for gas, etc.)
I can get-up-and-go anytime I please. It's called 'Metro North, LIRR, taxi, uber, zipcar, Short Hills Bus line, Amtrak, etc. ;-)
I disagree. Most Americans who own cars do not do so 'because' of poor public transportation or the cost, but because they simply 'like' owning a car. Many car owners have never taken public transportation, or have done so so few times that they'd not even be able to form a valid opinion about a 'typical' subway commute. They don't want anyone 'dictating' to them how they should travel, or on what timeline. They don't want to be forced to rub shoulders with other human beings. Mass transit is expensive? lol. That's just one of the many reasons why I don't own a car. Who needs the aggravation (parking hassles/parking lot fees, shoveling in the winter, repairs and maintenance, insurance, AAA membership, traffic, paying for gas, etc.)
I can get-up-and-go anytime I please. It's called 'Metro North, LIRR, taxi, uber, zipcar, Short Hills Bus line, Amtrak, etc. ;-)
1
We must realize that in America the most important thing is for the wealthiest among us and big corporations to pay a little in taxes as possible. Everyone else is supposed to pay for improvements in infrastructure. Let those who use it pay for it — that's the philosophy. One exception occurs when a super wealthy person can have his name placed on the object. What about the Koch A train? Or Trump Station, instead of Times Square?
3
" Let those who use it pay for it — that's the philosophy."
Shocking! Horrible! Mustn't be allowed!
Shocking! Horrible! Mustn't be allowed!
A small part of the problem in DC at least, where I lived for a time, is that some living within bus-distance of work/home/wherever use the metro instead, which is often twice as expensive and crowds the system. I remember asking a friend if we should catch a bus, and the look of shock on her face was comical: "I have NEVER used the bus before, just the metro." She had lived in DC for two years.
I lived and or worked in New York for almost 20 years. I have never taken a bus because I can walk faster. Besides I lived a block from the LL train Dekalb Avenue stop on Stanhope Street and four blocks from the M Train Knickerbocker Avenue and Wyckoff Avenues stops.
We need $86 billion to fix the subways? Some estimates are we spent $88 billion in Afghanistan in 2015. And the news is that the current government needs more direct US military help to hold off the enemy. So we'll spend another $80 billion in 2016. We started there in 2001.
10
We could have built every major transit system in the country from scratch for the $1.7 trillion the war in Iraq cost. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-war-anniversary-idUSBRE92D0PG2013...
5
The money to fix infrastructure must be found, but it should come from local sources. Each and every region in this country needs massive infusions of capital to fund repairs, maintenance, and necessary expansion of all forms of infrastructure, including public transportation, highways, water systems, sewers, and the power grid.
This is money that, for the most part, should be raised and spent locally. Each region will have its own priorities. If the bulk of the money comes from Washington, it will be spent the way the Federal government does most things: based on politics. Which is exactly the wrong way to move forward.
Personally, I would like to see Federal taxes lowered, and local taxes raised if necessary. But if this proves impractical, blocks grants to the states, distributed on the basis of population, might be a viable approach.
One more thing: the world has many problems; they are in endless supply. This country must decide how much to spend abroad, when there is so much that desperately needs to be done at home. Even this great nation's resources are limited.
This is money that, for the most part, should be raised and spent locally. Each region will have its own priorities. If the bulk of the money comes from Washington, it will be spent the way the Federal government does most things: based on politics. Which is exactly the wrong way to move forward.
Personally, I would like to see Federal taxes lowered, and local taxes raised if necessary. But if this proves impractical, blocks grants to the states, distributed on the basis of population, might be a viable approach.
One more thing: the world has many problems; they are in endless supply. This country must decide how much to spend abroad, when there is so much that desperately needs to be done at home. Even this great nation's resources are limited.
1
"Personally, I would like to see Federal taxes lowered, and local taxes raised if necessary. But if this proves impractical, blocks grants to the states"
It will never happen. The feds over collect taxes so they can use them to bludgeon the states into submission using grants. The states can't raise taxes because it would destroy their citizens.
It will never happen. The feds over collect taxes so they can use them to bludgeon the states into submission using grants. The states can't raise taxes because it would destroy their citizens.
More government investment yes, but in NYC at least, expect to pay more. I hate fare hikes but $2.75 just isn't enough
1
When gas was more expensive, we should have established a price floor. Say $4.00/gallon, but adjust it to cost of living in an area, or whatever.
When the price of oil dropped, the gap between the market price and that $4.00 price tag could have been used to fund a great deal of infrastructure and without the feeling of a tax increase. Alas...
When the price of oil dropped, the gap between the market price and that $4.00 price tag could have been used to fund a great deal of infrastructure and without the feeling of a tax increase. Alas...
2
Those complaining about the trillions being spent on stupid wars are right to complain but thinking that that borrowed money would be used for the aims people are arguing for is just magical thinking.
2
With all due respect to the reporter, this article is not so good. It's headlined "Why Subways in the Northeast Are So Troubled" but doesn't actually explain why. What, exactly, needs to be done to the New York system? Replace the signals? Add barriers between the track and the platform? Upgrade the trains? Add more trains? Add more track and stations? What?
1
In NYC, what is the average fare (in $) and what does it cost the MTA to carry one passenger?
"Cost to Carry" minus "Average Fare" equals the subsidy per passenger.
Shouldn't the fare be raised at least a little before taxing others to pay for the passenger subsidy?
Why is the answer for public transportation always to tax someone else?
I bet the "Cost to Carry" could be reduced a lot by reducing unnecessary expenses.
"Cost to Carry" minus "Average Fare" equals the subsidy per passenger.
Shouldn't the fare be raised at least a little before taxing others to pay for the passenger subsidy?
Why is the answer for public transportation always to tax someone else?
I bet the "Cost to Carry" could be reduced a lot by reducing unnecessary expenses.
2
What does it cost to build the road that you drive on? Do you pay your fare share? How much subsidy are we taxpayers providing you to commute to work on an interstate highway?
Please broaden your thinking. Highways and airports are subsidized with more tax dollars than all transit systems combined.
Please broaden your thinking. Highways and airports are subsidized with more tax dollars than all transit systems combined.
5
@KellyNYC,
The roads we drive on are paid for by USER TAXES. There is Federal & State tax on every gallon of fuel that we buy. Many roads have tolls as do many bridges and tunnels.
It costs $15 to drive a car across the GW Bridge if you pay cash.
How much do you pay to take a ride on the subway?
My guess? At lot less than $15! And it is "fair share" not "fare share" although that could be used in this context since you don't pay much of your fare share... ;>)
The roads we drive on are paid for by USER TAXES. There is Federal & State tax on every gallon of fuel that we buy. Many roads have tolls as do many bridges and tunnels.
It costs $15 to drive a car across the GW Bridge if you pay cash.
How much do you pay to take a ride on the subway?
My guess? At lot less than $15! And it is "fair share" not "fare share" although that could be used in this context since you don't pay much of your fare share... ;>)
1
Yes, I made a spelling error. Good lord forgive me. Yes, drivers (me included) pay user taxes, fuel taxes, etc. But they don't cover the entire cost. So my point is that, yes, transit is subsidized by state and federal taxes beyond users taxes/fees/fares, etc.. But so are airports and so are roads. Transit should not be singled out.
(if those post has spelling errors, please accept my apologies in advance).
(if those post has spelling errors, please accept my apologies in advance).
1
The solution is simple. All the places mentioned. NYC, BOS, WDC have had unimpeded growth in jobs and real estate for the past 50 years. They can afford to pay for whatever is needed by their wealthy citizens.
A lot of the comments mention European countries as an example to follow and I certainly wish we could have in NY a Euro-style subway system. The issue is that European countries have regularly updated their subway system over the years, including the fundamental infrastructure, tracks, stations, etc., and the investments have been spread over many years. In NY, where the infrastructure remained virtually unchanged since the early 20th century, modernization would essentially require time travel...
86 billion in critical transporatation maintenance! this government is spending 400 billion on a fighter jet it doesn't need . its so american!
2
why stop at the northeast? san francisco's BART never functioned as well as the lines you mention and is now also overcapacity, with unexpected breakdowns and frequent disruptions. it cannot even keep escalators running.
it needs a new transbay tunnel and better east bay-silicon valley connectivity. in the city we need a line under geary out to the beach.
our housing prices and our lack of infrastructure investing in transportation ARE related.
it needs a new transbay tunnel and better east bay-silicon valley connectivity. in the city we need a line under geary out to the beach.
our housing prices and our lack of infrastructure investing in transportation ARE related.
2
I would think your property tax situation would have more to do with the lack of infrastructure than the housing prices per se.
1
This issue is firmly related to climate change. Quick, clean, affordable and ubiquitous public transit has the effect of removing literally millions of cars from the road on a daily basis and millions of pounds of greenhouse gases.
All the better of the electricity that powers these systems is generated from renewable resources.
More broadly, the slow strangulation of our nation's mass transits systems that began about 70 years ago can definitely be laid at the feet of the auto and petroleum industries. Their political influence set stage for our car-centric culture and it's close cousin, suburban sprawl.
All the better of the electricity that powers these systems is generated from renewable resources.
More broadly, the slow strangulation of our nation's mass transits systems that began about 70 years ago can definitely be laid at the feet of the auto and petroleum industries. Their political influence set stage for our car-centric culture and it's close cousin, suburban sprawl.
3
...and Robert Moses, who so callously ripped-apart entire communities in NYC
I am refugee, from NYC. When I come back once a year and take the subway
The 1, 4 or 5 train, it makes me appreciate where I now live and how sad it is for me to see people who have to take the subway everyday.
By the way, not only is the subway system failing, have you ever driven in the FDR drive to The BQE? The bridges and tunnels to are in need of repair.
Yep, I love to visit for a few days every year but am only to happy to leave.
The 1, 4 or 5 train, it makes me appreciate where I now live and how sad it is for me to see people who have to take the subway everyday.
By the way, not only is the subway system failing, have you ever driven in the FDR drive to The BQE? The bridges and tunnels to are in need of repair.
Yep, I love to visit for a few days every year but am only to happy to leave.
2
And we feel sad for you having to live in Vermont.
2
I don't feel sad for him. I'm rather envious of people who take the plunge to leave NYC, and end up being happier. Overall, Vermont is a beautiful state with a great quality of life, albeit at a much slower pace, and where I'm sure people develop more meaningful relationships with the community and neighbors. Not to mention lots of great, locally-grown food.
1
Yes, Avina, i'm sure they develop meaningful relationships in Vermont. But I challenge that they are MORE meaningful. Maybe that's been your experience, but not mine. Most New Yorkers are able to develop lasting and deep relationships here. Not sure why being in VT would be any different (plus or minus).
While the subways are being repaired and expanded surface public transit must have clearer streets for transit and that can be done as it is in Beijing by limiting use of autos -- all imposed by quick pass monitoring.
The proposal has been made to design buses that can ride over car lines, not likely in older US cities. We are talking here about thinking the public-private interface and taxation policy reasonable for urban existence. Leadership and dialog or live with it as now.
The proposal has been made to design buses that can ride over car lines, not likely in older US cities. We are talking here about thinking the public-private interface and taxation policy reasonable for urban existence. Leadership and dialog or live with it as now.
5
The problem is that no one wants to pay for anything. In the 1960s Boston's T or MBTA worked very well, but over time with tax caps (proposition 2 1/2) there has been no funds to fix anything. Everyone wants something for nothing and when they don't get it, they complain. Tax cuts always sound good and no one wants to pay higher taxes, but how can any of these cities move forward if there isn't any investment in infrastructure. Interestingly, California was suffering for years under a Republican state legislature, but when they were voted out and Jerry Brown raised taxes the ship was righted. We as a country need to right our ship. We don't need anymore battle ships or fighter planes. What we need are efficient modes of transportation to get us to work.
116
It is the old story about the single occupant driver who continually complains about the traffic, yet, when it comes to spending the money on public transit to help alleviate the problem, they will complain and whine about why they should pay more tax because they never use the system anyway.
3
Check California's unfunded pension deficit. in 1999, Gray Davis, Democrat, and a Democratic legislature massively and retroactively increased retirement benefits for effectively all public employees. The state treasurer finally had to report the shortfall this year. Voila, $65 billion in debt and that doesn't count medical benefits which no one has any clue on except that the total there is higher. So, we have cops/firemen making $300,000 a year in retirement. Surely that's sustainable, right?
And Jerry Brown, unbelievably, is the only semi-adult fiscal leadership in Sacramento right now in spite of his ridiculous bullet train fiasco. Once he's gone, they'll be like pigs at the trough with any money that's left.
And Jerry Brown, unbelievably, is the only semi-adult fiscal leadership in Sacramento right now in spite of his ridiculous bullet train fiasco. Once he's gone, they'll be like pigs at the trough with any money that's left.
Yes, Jerry Brown convinced the state to raise taxes and has been a good moderate governor. However, the Republicans have been in the minority in both houses of the legislature for over twenty years.
Troubles? Speak for yourself, John. Not here in the Quaker City. Ridership is up by a quarter thanks to salutary management and the price of gas; reliable annual funding from the state voted several years ago has enabled SEPTA to renovate hundreds of subway stations and concourses, and the new multi-card fare system that obviates passengers' need for exact change or tokens is about to go system-wide. So it can be done, but only if everyone living within a regional public transit hub doesn't take one of its most valuable infrastructural assets for granted as it so readily can.
18
It'd be nice for our subway system to have more reach though, no? To still have as few proper subway lines as we have in such a big city is quite ill-considered.
1
nobody lives there
2
Cheap gas prices drive ridership down, not up. Also, "reliable annual funding" in Pennsylvania? The State didn't even pass its FY16 budget unil March....9 months into the fiscal year. Not exactly the model for others.
1
We need a new Marshall Plan for rebuilding America. The subways systems in our large cities are just a symptom of the problem. We have tens of thousands of bridges that need repairs, intercity rail that needs to be upgraded, sewage and water systems that are constantly failing. It's a Third World outcome when a bridge in a major US city on a major interstate highway collapses in broad daylight killing several people, but that's what happened in Minneapolis. What bridge will go next, what tunnel will cave in, what water main will rupture flooding homes and washing cars down the street next?
I heard that for every 1 billion in public works projects spent 25,000 permanent jobs are created. Not sure if that's accurate, but I have no doubt that rebuilding America is worth the investment and I'm willing to pay high taxes to do so.
I heard that for every 1 billion in public works projects spent 25,000 permanent jobs are created. Not sure if that's accurate, but I have no doubt that rebuilding America is worth the investment and I'm willing to pay high taxes to do so.
114
You sound like the sucker the current government is looking for; shovel ready projects just waiting for the tax money to roll in. The corruption in government has to be addressed first.
Dont tell a Republican that, they are more than willing to have the bridge just fall down.
Are you part of the top 1% global financial elite of the world, Tim Smith? If so, thanks for your offer to pay more taxes. If not, speak for yourself. Food servers and beauty operators have to pay tax on their tips and social security and unemployment checks are taxable. WE average Americans are picking up the tax tab for the wealthiest and it is NOT acceptable.
Never under estimate the ignorance of the American public.
For one, now is the time to raise the gas tax, federally or by state.
Gas prices are at a record low and a slight increase could bring in billions for improvement and not unduly affect commerce.
Then if gas prices go above a certain amount say $3, reduce the tax.
It is incredible how ignorant Americans are. They have their heads buried in the sand like emus.
For one, now is the time to raise the gas tax, federally or by state.
Gas prices are at a record low and a slight increase could bring in billions for improvement and not unduly affect commerce.
Then if gas prices go above a certain amount say $3, reduce the tax.
It is incredible how ignorant Americans are. They have their heads buried in the sand like emus.
6
In modern day USA, people would rather fund weapons and wars that cause destruction on other nations and lives than infrastructure projects that improve their own. Perhaps subconsciously, they still like to improve their own lives by the old fashion way: war and plunder. Building things are too hard for them and it needs hard skills like math and engineering. Destroying and taking things from other people through clever scams are much easier. it is not in politicians' best interests to improve public transportation because they never use it and the money would be better spent in making themselves elected again.
7
NYC needs to get on with making the subway first class and stop bickering about. Way back when the subway was just an idea, the business community was very much in favor of such a system. They knew if there was not a way to get workers efficiently and safely to work, they would be put of business.
Time to smell the coffee and learn from history.
Time to smell the coffee and learn from history.
When you combine the neglect of public transportation with all of the dire news about climate change, this become a truly tragic story. We all need to be driving cars, trucks, and buses less.
3
The longer we go with the "raise no taxes" mantra, the larger our problems become. The longer more than half our money goes into maintaining military spending, squabbling over nominal infrastructure spending with the remaining scraps, the worse the situation will grow. Add to this picture the increasingly unstable environment - think of what happens when years long droughts coincide with weeks long heatwaves, or when more violent storms meet already vulnerable systems. Even today, when it gets too hot, or an ice storm arises, we worry about keeping the lights on and the heat running. We've been "coasting" on the labor of our parents or grandparents - the Interstate Highway system, the outdated air traffic control system, outdated power grids, outdated rail systems. We've innovated "just in time" economics - particularly of food and fuel. The slightest interruption, the slightest deviation, and it's all thrown into chaos. Watch the morning commute grind to a halt with a single accident. That's the nation we're becoming - just one accident away from grinding to a halt.
Issues of fact, issues of science, issues of common sense, have become matters for politics - and politics are, as always, just a matter of money. Our politicians follow the orders of the ones who pay for their eternal campaigns.
Perhaps we should all just work on how to apologize to our children and their children.
Issues of fact, issues of science, issues of common sense, have become matters for politics - and politics are, as always, just a matter of money. Our politicians follow the orders of the ones who pay for their eternal campaigns.
Perhaps we should all just work on how to apologize to our children and their children.
8
It's interesting to recall that New York as a state receives back about 75 cents on the dollar in Federal tax paid. So while NY subsidises the rest of the country, we can't get enough back to help run a transit infrastructure that arguably serves between 10 and 20 million people in New York City and the Tri-State area.
8
Sadly, we have an electorate that takes more pride in "regime" change then they do having a well run transportation system. Fact.
1
I am starting to think we need to get bombed by the US army maybe we can get new infrastructure. That is what we are doing over there we bomb then we rebuild everything new schools and all. Maybe we need that type of nation building.
9
New York is uniquely dependent on subways. The subways of Boston and Washington, though, mostly serve commuting suburbanites. Neither has particularly dense metropolitan areas and neither is among the most populated cities in the country. Trash the subways in both cities and you'd get people to live closer in and to rely more on buses, which cost a fraction of what subways cost. Of course, there are disadvantages to buses. And migration to the city core would likely result in wealth distributions like those in New York, which are highly segregated. So the trashing of subways would be a mixed bag.
The quoted New Yorker here is spot on when she says that "you could get to the point where you just can’t get around and you can’t function efficiently like you need to”. But that isn't true of Boston and DC where there are alternatives worth exploring.
The quoted New Yorker here is spot on when she says that "you could get to the point where you just can’t get around and you can’t function efficiently like you need to”. But that isn't true of Boston and DC where there are alternatives worth exploring.
6
You have no idea what you're talking about regarding the T in Boston. Commuter rail? Yes. The Blue, Green, Red and Orange lines? Hardly.
5
No offense, but the writer clearly does not live in Boston. The roads are overcrowded, the metropolitan Boston area contains 4.5 million people, making it rank as the 10th-largest region in the country, per the Census data. Central Boston is highly congested in residences, businesses and traffic, all of which are increasing. Subway ridership grows at over 5% per year. It would be a massive disaster to scrap the subway and add more buses.
11
The Green Line services close-in and wealthy suburban areas to the West; The Red Line services close-in middle class suburbs to the north and south. The Blue line services poorer close-in suburbs to the east. I never much ride the Orange line. Being the 10th largest metropolitan area, Boston is more extensively served by subways than eight larger areas. The Big Dig was the largest highway project in history. And you want to preserve a subway system that is facing a similarly exorbitant need for overhaul. Getting around Boston costs a fortune in infrastructure costs. Maybe the city could consult one of the million professors who live there and see if Boston really needs to pay so much more than the average city for commuter costs.
1
On the federal side, "stupidity, and a mindless hatred of "East Coast Elites" when it's actually the working person who uses the subway," would be my guess.
3
Wow, $89 billion to fix all infrastructure problems for all these cities' subways. That's like, what, 1/20th of the F35 jet program?
4
Uhm, seems a big oversight not to have included Philadelphia in this discussion. Its subway system has more stops than Boston and is in the same league in ridership. Also, has had bigger influx of young people than any of these other cities.
2
Perhaps a gradual repair of an infrastructure past its prime is not the answer. We need modern trains, slick, fast, safe, comfortable and affordable, for the urgent needs of a foreseeable future; and the future is upon us. The question is, do we have the wherewithal, the courage, and the persistent hard work it will require, to see it through? For that, we need the necessary investment; and for that, the taxes that may make it possible. And for that, we need to harness the 'Trumps' of this world, so far cheating a system that makes their wealth possible...at the expense of everybody else.
The subway in Cairo -- yes, THAT Cairo -- makes the Boston and New York subways look foolish.
3
We have money to fight endless wars but no money to fix broken infrastructure? American people need to wake up and start holding the government accountable. Where are the tax dollars going?
3
At least part of the answer to more funding for public transit should come from those corporations who benefit directly from its use.
For example, the last data I saw for Facebook was that the average user spends 50 minutes per day on the site/app. The average American commute is also 50 minutes. Moving that commuter from his or her car (which 86% of Americans still use to commute) into an Uber or public transit option could double the amount of time one sinks into social media or other content-based businesses.
In other words, as Facebook, Twitter, etc., are trying to expand the amount of time we all spend on their respective platforms per day, what better time to pour into your phone/tablet than during a commute? Those tech behemoths, sitting on piles of cash, have a direct financial interest in our being able to sit back and read our phones rather than focusing on the road. They should be motivated to invest in public transit.
For example, the last data I saw for Facebook was that the average user spends 50 minutes per day on the site/app. The average American commute is also 50 minutes. Moving that commuter from his or her car (which 86% of Americans still use to commute) into an Uber or public transit option could double the amount of time one sinks into social media or other content-based businesses.
In other words, as Facebook, Twitter, etc., are trying to expand the amount of time we all spend on their respective platforms per day, what better time to pour into your phone/tablet than during a commute? Those tech behemoths, sitting on piles of cash, have a direct financial interest in our being able to sit back and read our phones rather than focusing on the road. They should be motivated to invest in public transit.
28
I don't disagree, but your suggestion is a double-edged sword given that the auto industry is at the doorstep with autonomous cars. Commuters will be able to access their social media in the car, while not driving, sooner rather than later for those 50 minutes, which wouldn't necessarily motivate the social networks to invest in public transit.
I suggest diverting any high-speed rail funding to existing transit systems.
I suggest raising the gas tax further, to maintain existing transit systems.
I suggest Dept. of Defense stop scaring the public about Russia and divert some defense funding to maintain existing law enforcement agencies.
I suggest diverting any high-speed rail funding to existing transit systems.
I suggest raising the gas tax further, to maintain existing transit systems.
I suggest Dept. of Defense stop scaring the public about Russia and divert some defense funding to maintain existing law enforcement agencies.
Twitter and FB are both in the Bay Area....and could certainly be taxed to help pay for Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). However, Twitter is in SF a block from a BART stop, while FB is reachable only by bicycle, car, or private shuttle.
Playing Devil's Advocate here - unless compelled to invest in public transit - those companies probably will not make such an investment. The more deterioration that happens, the longer folks commutes become. That means those who are waiting longer might spend more time on their app / site already given the poor conditions. And this is without having to make any investment whatsoever into improving public transit.
I take the 1/2/3/Shuttle and 6 every day for work and it is just a nightmare. I have never been so wedged into subways like this and now value the time I worked as a consultant from home. The commute is so awful, there are days where I hunt down a taxi (yes, Trump blocks most of our Blvd with his deal for black car parking so taxis are not readily available) and fork over the $28.00 in gridlocked streets just to get to work. Being wedged in is really not fun, and I dread this summer. All international cities don't run like this and I cannot understand why NY allows so much traffic, double parking, trucks blocking narrow side streets and subways where you have to wait two or three trains before you can squeeze on. And anyone has the nerve to talk about LA traffic...please.....
51
"I cannot understand why NY allows so much traffic, double parking, trucks blocking narrow side streets ..."
I agree, and really think local politicians need to address this, particularly in the outer boroughs. I lived in Ridgewood, Queens, and now in Astoria, and in both instances had to take a bus to get to the subway, and in both instances the main thoroughfares where the buses travelled (Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood, and Steinway Street in Astoria) are clogged with traffic. Buses and taxis should be given top priority during rush hour...NOT private vehicles. Any private vehicle that is found to double-park, even for a moment, should be given a heavy fine. No 'warning', but an immediate fine. I am sick to death of self-centered car owners double-parking in front of McDonalds all so they can get their Big Mac, while those of us who are considerate enough to use public transportation are delayed because THEY decided to double-park. I've even witnessed cars parking in MTA BUS STOPS, and they continue to sit there while the MTA bus driver must stop his bus in the middle of the street so that passengers can board/disembark. How self-centered can these drivers be, most of whom also live within the very neighborhood where they are driving??!! Unbelievable.
With regards to delivery trucks, I don't see any way of getting around that. Stores and restaurants need deliveries. But it's the endless parade of private cars (often SUVs!) which we need to curtail.
I agree, and really think local politicians need to address this, particularly in the outer boroughs. I lived in Ridgewood, Queens, and now in Astoria, and in both instances had to take a bus to get to the subway, and in both instances the main thoroughfares where the buses travelled (Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood, and Steinway Street in Astoria) are clogged with traffic. Buses and taxis should be given top priority during rush hour...NOT private vehicles. Any private vehicle that is found to double-park, even for a moment, should be given a heavy fine. No 'warning', but an immediate fine. I am sick to death of self-centered car owners double-parking in front of McDonalds all so they can get their Big Mac, while those of us who are considerate enough to use public transportation are delayed because THEY decided to double-park. I've even witnessed cars parking in MTA BUS STOPS, and they continue to sit there while the MTA bus driver must stop his bus in the middle of the street so that passengers can board/disembark. How self-centered can these drivers be, most of whom also live within the very neighborhood where they are driving??!! Unbelievable.
With regards to delivery trucks, I don't see any way of getting around that. Stores and restaurants need deliveries. But it's the endless parade of private cars (often SUVs!) which we need to curtail.
1
Anybody who travels to Europe can see how sadly backward the U.S. is, and the gap is only growing every year. Just one random example.
If I want to take Amtrak from New York to Washington on Saturday, the ticket on Amtrack will run $140 to $190, and the 230 mile trip, and the trip takes 3.5 hours on the Northeast Regional which is bumpy and loud. (The Acela, only marginally faster, is another $100)
In Italy, a trip of comparable length is Bologna to Rome. Today I can book for Saturday on Italo (a private high-speed network) for E27 ($30), and the trip takes 2 hours and 3 minutes. And Italo trains are incredibly comfortable with free wifi.
It's just sad to me that Americans are willing to accept living in a third world country -- while we spend trillions of dollars extending our military around the world. While Europe spends billions each year on a world class transportation system, we're spending billions providing defense to Europe based on agreements set up 70 years ago. It doesn't make sense.
If I want to take Amtrak from New York to Washington on Saturday, the ticket on Amtrack will run $140 to $190, and the 230 mile trip, and the trip takes 3.5 hours on the Northeast Regional which is bumpy and loud. (The Acela, only marginally faster, is another $100)
In Italy, a trip of comparable length is Bologna to Rome. Today I can book for Saturday on Italo (a private high-speed network) for E27 ($30), and the trip takes 2 hours and 3 minutes. And Italo trains are incredibly comfortable with free wifi.
It's just sad to me that Americans are willing to accept living in a third world country -- while we spend trillions of dollars extending our military around the world. While Europe spends billions each year on a world class transportation system, we're spending billions providing defense to Europe based on agreements set up 70 years ago. It doesn't make sense.
19
I'm so tired of politicians wondering how federal and state budgets are going to pay for the crumbling infrastructure across our country. We've spent between $4-$7 trillion dollars in Afghanistan - for what? The money could have rebuilt bridges, replaced contaminated water lines, fix subway lines, etc. Who cares about NASA and going to Mars when we have 40,000 vacant homes deteriorating in Philadelphia. Clinton and Sanders will spend close to $2 billion on the elections - Sanders wants to make college education free - where is the money coming to pay for that? The D.C. government has provided enough evidence it's incompetent and can't manage anything - the subway project must be overseen by outside agencies. The money to pay for infrastructure improvements is there - it has to be redirected towards projects that are in the best interests of Americans - not politicians.
78
In addition to $$ spent on wars, you are absolutely correct about our space programs. I'll be the first to say that I find all that stuff about the planets etc. fascinating, but we should not be spending money on all that 'cool' stuff, until we've first tended to our citizens right here on planet earth. There's no excuse for all Americans not to have affordable housing, access to education, healthcare, modern and safe infrastructure, etc.
Who else remembers Donald Rumsfield original estimate of 50 billion? I've just looked it up. It says it was 60 billion. Oh, excuse me...
2
The NASA budget has been stable between 16 and 18 billion dollars a year for the last twenty years. Ending the careers of astronomers, instrument designers, and mission control staff would not free up as much money as you believe, relative to the loss of research and technology advancement.
Most train systems seem to be run by weak political appointees. That's the problem.
29
Europeans and others have better public transit and social welfare systems for two reasons: 1) their military budgets are small because the USA protects them and 2) the citizenry likes public goods and is both willing and able to pay for them. In the US we are able to pay for them but we are unwilling...unless it is for military infrastructure which is top-notch...soooooo the old saw about " you get what you pay for" seems applicable. Whining on this topic should cease immediately.
76
I agree with your general points, but not the idea that European "military budgets are small because the USA protects them"!
Britain France have HUGE military budgets (the 4th and 7th largest in the world, according to one rating) and they've participated in all sorts of military operations in recent years (usually at US urging, but sometimes on their own--arguably to the same lack of good effect of those by the USA too!)
European military budgets are large, controversial in view of other spending needs, and all part of a concerted NATO plan. It's the USA whose military spending is disproportionate and insane--NOT the Europeans whose spending is too small!
And it's US and European arms manufacturers who are the main beneficiaries of all this spending too!
Britain France have HUGE military budgets (the 4th and 7th largest in the world, according to one rating) and they've participated in all sorts of military operations in recent years (usually at US urging, but sometimes on their own--arguably to the same lack of good effect of those by the USA too!)
European military budgets are large, controversial in view of other spending needs, and all part of a concerted NATO plan. It's the USA whose military spending is disproportionate and insane--NOT the Europeans whose spending is too small!
And it's US and European arms manufacturers who are the main beneficiaries of all this spending too!
2
Then perhaps, on behalf of the military/industrial complex, stop fighting these needless, never ending wars and the 900 bases around the world and then perhaps you can divert money to these more important projects.
3
See data on military spending as % pf GDP. France, UK and especially Germany are way below the US and that dough goes toward civil infrastructure
http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
Tell me something I don't know.
"Why Subways in the Northeast Are So Troubled"
Long story short: high demand meets lack of funding.
It speaks volumes that New York City has such a high concentration of rich money-hoarders, and yet the peasants' transportation is underfunded.
Long story short: high demand meets lack of funding.
It speaks volumes that New York City has such a high concentration of rich money-hoarders, and yet the peasants' transportation is underfunded.
7
Subways are bad? What is then Amtrak? Even worse! The bus system is using Museum buses, etc.
USA infrastructure (if one may still call it so) is a desaster and shows a 4th world country standards.
In Europe (a dirty word in the USA, I know....) or Japan, you have many examples of how things could be done. Either there is a will or only hot air talk, which is the American way: procrastined until a desasterr happen and then nominate a commission (for the TV) to study the reasons of the happenings.
Prevention and upkeeping are the words, really. Maybe they do not belong to the American English language?
PS: You have more important issues like the bathrooms problems.....
USA infrastructure (if one may still call it so) is a desaster and shows a 4th world country standards.
In Europe (a dirty word in the USA, I know....) or Japan, you have many examples of how things could be done. Either there is a will or only hot air talk, which is the American way: procrastined until a desasterr happen and then nominate a commission (for the TV) to study the reasons of the happenings.
Prevention and upkeeping are the words, really. Maybe they do not belong to the American English language?
PS: You have more important issues like the bathrooms problems.....
2
Europe is not a city. A number of cities in Europe have public transit systems that are inferior to those of US cities on the East coast (but this is invisible if you are a tourist and live in touristy locations well served by transit). A number of cities in Europe also use under-maintained legacy systems.
Amtrak is a profitable railroad company in the Northeast that, for some reason, runs a big bunch of unprofitable routes across the country from nowhere to nowhere.
Part of the problem in US is that a lot of systems in US are running operational losses because charging full fares is either not politically possible or would make them incompetitive with other transportation modes.
Amtrak is a profitable railroad company in the Northeast that, for some reason, runs a big bunch of unprofitable routes across the country from nowhere to nowhere.
Part of the problem in US is that a lot of systems in US are running operational losses because charging full fares is either not politically possible or would make them incompetitive with other transportation modes.
2
Never mention, the truth is the substance of this type of article.
Let me retort the past history.
Pre 2008, the glitterati heyday of the wall street abhorrent felony level money gambling time, Such as MTA heavily invested in hedge funds. then you know what what happened , money evaporated, and lost. instead of investing its own business , MTA and such type of agencies heavily dumped their money on wall street gambling.
Future is here, no money but extremely aging infrastructure.
In Lexington station of 456NRQ trains, sometimes I am staring the cables and I ma realizing they are older than my long passed grandfather. peeling paint of ceiling , I believe does not contain only Lead but asbest and many other health hazards.
Meanwhile If you compare the metro to Manhattan street pavements ( asphalt) you still find your self living in Western country.
Manhattan streets nowadays are the same as deep rainforest region of Congo. as if you are driving your Toyota truck over the river like travelling comfort in the city streets of Manhattan.
Meanwhile tens of skyscrapers are adding their burden on this infrastructure, situation is getting day by day typical 3rd world chaos.
Let me retort the past history.
Pre 2008, the glitterati heyday of the wall street abhorrent felony level money gambling time, Such as MTA heavily invested in hedge funds. then you know what what happened , money evaporated, and lost. instead of investing its own business , MTA and such type of agencies heavily dumped their money on wall street gambling.
Future is here, no money but extremely aging infrastructure.
In Lexington station of 456NRQ trains, sometimes I am staring the cables and I ma realizing they are older than my long passed grandfather. peeling paint of ceiling , I believe does not contain only Lead but asbest and many other health hazards.
Meanwhile If you compare the metro to Manhattan street pavements ( asphalt) you still find your self living in Western country.
Manhattan streets nowadays are the same as deep rainforest region of Congo. as if you are driving your Toyota truck over the river like travelling comfort in the city streets of Manhattan.
Meanwhile tens of skyscrapers are adding their burden on this infrastructure, situation is getting day by day typical 3rd world chaos.
You get what you don't pay for.
3
It is unreal that Emma Fitzsimmons managed to write and publish this article without addressing the transit issues in Philadelphia, the second largest city in the northeastern United States and a city whose subway lines carry 25% more riders per mile than that of Washington D.C.
This is not a problem localized to the cities the Times seems to prefer to write about. We need national action and to suggest this is a localized issue does not help.
This is not a problem localized to the cities the Times seems to prefer to write about. We need national action and to suggest this is a localized issue does not help.
2
Trillions of $$$ wasted in Iraq and Afghanistan. Billions of $$$ wasted in foreign aid to countries with terrible human rights records. Incessant fretting about bathrooms and border walls and trade deals and tax breaks for the rich. Inept politicians constantly sniping at and insulting each other.
Who has time for infrastructure investments?
Who has time for infrastructure investments?
2
Get rid of the metropolitan commuter tax (because it's not fair). Instead - raise gas taxes in the metro area.
And 25% of MTA workers making 6 figures may also be part of the funding problem.
And 25% of MTA workers making 6 figures may also be part of the funding problem.
1
Those of us who choose not to live in hyper-concentrated population areas feel no urge to fund local mass transit that doesn't benefit us, so please don't insist on raising OUR taxes (sales tax, motor fuel tax, etc.) and using that to fund YOUR system. Many of you in the urban northeast don't even own (or need) a motor vehicle; raising taxes on them to fund your mass transit would be a pretty good deal for you, eh?
We use our motor vehicles for transportation and pay our way, and the lack of maintenance and repairs to the system we do use (and pay for) is readily apparent. Let those who benefit pay for repairs, maintenance, and upgrades, whichever system you're discussing.
We use our motor vehicles for transportation and pay our way, and the lack of maintenance and repairs to the system we do use (and pay for) is readily apparent. Let those who benefit pay for repairs, maintenance, and upgrades, whichever system you're discussing.
30
Gas taxes pay for less than half the cost of the roads. And the urban states subsidize the poorer, more rural states heavily with their taxes (you can google this easily). This is a question of the urban states trying to claw back some of that subsidy.
8
This type of attitude is what is crippling our country. The entire country benefits when most of its people and cities operate as functionally as possible. I don't use medicare or medicaid so why should I pay into the system since I don't personally benefit? I'm not on disability why should I pay for those who need it? You may not personally use the subway, but a lot of people who pay lots of taxes to support projects both locally and nationally do. If the federal gas tax were increased, the funding would likely be used to support all types of infrastructure in both highly and more sparsely populated areas. The point is that infrastructure all over the country is suffering, and the "I only pay for what I use" mentality is crippling.
12
I'm sure you don't benefit at all from lower air pollution and from the products of companies whose employees depend on mass transit. Also, you don't benefit from huge public subsidies for roads and bridges.
5
SOS! SOS! I wish I could say that the transit system is archaic here in Boston but I think the trains ran better in the 19th century than they do now. Public transit is THE example of a PUBLIC GOOD, and yet the trend is to privatize, privatize, privatize. No one wants to pay taxes anymore, no one cares about the civil service, and no one seems to be thinking about the environment. We are headed the way of the Romans. Let's fix the bloody trains, pay the employees well, and get on with our daily lives. I have lost entirely too much of my life to delays on 'The T'.
129
@Phil
I assume you are advocating for a fare increase so you can pay your own way... That is what you mean isn't it??? lol
I assume you are advocating for a fare increase so you can pay your own way... That is what you mean isn't it??? lol
2
The employees are paid very, very well and look at the mess we have.
One of the reasons I moved out of Boston was the green line, a local travesty if you're a student in the area. A friend visiting me from Belgium even said, after experiencing it, "I no longer believe your country is a democracy".
Public transport is meant to serve the public not reduce the quality of their lives. Green line is slower than a bike, maddeningly infrequent, and worst, it stops ever 200 ft at BU, always pummeling the mind with loud, over-repetitive announcements ("...about to stop at X, stopping at X, doors opening at X, doors closing now, pulling away now, next stop up ahead", etc.
Public transport is meant to serve the public not reduce the quality of their lives. Green line is slower than a bike, maddeningly infrequent, and worst, it stops ever 200 ft at BU, always pummeling the mind with loud, over-repetitive announcements ("...about to stop at X, stopping at X, doors opening at X, doors closing now, pulling away now, next stop up ahead", etc.
Very thoughtful piece, ... but the "what next" part toward the end is very sad.
Some experts have called for increasing the federal gasoline tax — which has remained the same since 1993 — or raising state gas taxes, sales taxes or tolls for highways and bridges. Many praise the so-called value-capture approach, which allows cities to pay for projects by recovering tax revenue generated from new development.
Somebody hasn't looked at Congress for the last 8 years ... and/or those somebodies don't understand that "working class" Americans aren't sure their tax $ are being well-spent currently.... So, fix #1 is a non-starter, if ever there was one.
Fix #2 is intriguing, but just focusing on NYC for obvious reasons, when the State's 2 most visible politicians and the joke of a Legislature we have are so clearly bought and paid for by developers, one has to wonder if up is down!
Rather than "value capture," NY's pols ask, "What additional incentives to build can we craft?" Hey, if wealthy Russians and Chinese prefer NY condos to 1% CD's, let's charge them admission! ... This isn't rocket science - they may never take the subway, but by and large, they make NYC a worse place to live for all of its existing citizens, so they should be compelled to "give something back."
Too bad di Blasio turned out to be both incompetent and corrupt. What a joke that he ran "to the left" of Quinn. Why a billionaire's tax in NYS can't get to the starting gate - well, we KNOW why - is shameful.
Some experts have called for increasing the federal gasoline tax — which has remained the same since 1993 — or raising state gas taxes, sales taxes or tolls for highways and bridges. Many praise the so-called value-capture approach, which allows cities to pay for projects by recovering tax revenue generated from new development.
Somebody hasn't looked at Congress for the last 8 years ... and/or those somebodies don't understand that "working class" Americans aren't sure their tax $ are being well-spent currently.... So, fix #1 is a non-starter, if ever there was one.
Fix #2 is intriguing, but just focusing on NYC for obvious reasons, when the State's 2 most visible politicians and the joke of a Legislature we have are so clearly bought and paid for by developers, one has to wonder if up is down!
Rather than "value capture," NY's pols ask, "What additional incentives to build can we craft?" Hey, if wealthy Russians and Chinese prefer NY condos to 1% CD's, let's charge them admission! ... This isn't rocket science - they may never take the subway, but by and large, they make NYC a worse place to live for all of its existing citizens, so they should be compelled to "give something back."
Too bad di Blasio turned out to be both incompetent and corrupt. What a joke that he ran "to the left" of Quinn. Why a billionaire's tax in NYS can't get to the starting gate - well, we KNOW why - is shameful.
1
We are really good at bombing things. Not so good at fixing things.
1
Subways are a mess. There is not enough room on the platforms for all the people waiting for trains that usually break down mid-way. The roads are also a mess. You don't need to be on a roller coaster; just visit Pot Hole City! It isn't the fault of the people who actually do the work who should get the blame. They are basically bandaging wounds of a century old system everyday. It is the fault of those in charge and at least in NY, for the past 50 years. That means Albany. You know, those guys who don't use the system. As for ideas, with all the people out of work, why don't we have a federal/state aid plan combined to pave over our roads, fix our bridges and repair old infrastructure. But here's what WILL happen: everyone will wait until we have several major disasters that kill several hundred people and then Fed agencies will come in to steal from the citizens in the name of helping - Hurricane Sandy anyone? No subways for you - NEXT!! But we will continue to take your tax dollars.
3
JOBS PROGRAM. Repurpose the military budget.
1
In DC Metro is a job corps. The salaries are incredible, as are the benefits and the pensions and if you get a job there you can commit murder and still not get fired. We can't afford this.
4
Where will people relocate because of the substandard mass transit?
To a metropolitan area with a gridlocked (and crumbling) highway system?
To a metropolitan area with a gridlocked (and crumbling) highway system?
1
The billions of dollars spent to have the LIRR stop at Grand Central is the hugest waste of all. I would not let the MTA or Port Authority manage a lemonade stand.
2
Why wasn't Philadelphia included in this article?
1
Of course, no NYT article could possibly even mention the excessive generous benefits packages for these systems' employees. After paying its workers there really isn't much left to pay for anything else. But no, that can't possibly be the problem, right?
3
The one (and only) good thing we got from Mayor Bloomberg is Citibike. It has it's shortcomings, but for short trips within Manhattan it's faster than the bus or subway - if only you can find a bike when you need it and a parking dock when you're done with it.
20
Steve725 said: "The one (and only) good thing we got from Mayor Bloomberg is Citibike."
I will be FOREVER grateful to Bloomberg for getting cigarettes out of restaurants and bars.
I will be FOREVER grateful to Bloomberg for getting cigarettes out of restaurants and bars.
4
In Tokyo and Osaka last month, I marvelled at the subway and railway systems. Clean, modern, efficient. Streets in Tokyo were beautifully silent.....with virtually no street parking in the city allowed, the vast majority of residents don't own a car. It was magic. Japanese tourists in NYC, Boston and Washington must be aghast (and terrified) at the shabby, filthy and antiquated 19th century-esque subways. America's infrastructure...from airports, roads, bridges, schools, public buildings etc, are disgraceful and akin to 3rd world standards in some cases.
2
If you don't want to pay higher taxes, enjoy tax free internet shopping, and prefer lower gasoline prices, then stop complaining about the state of our infrastructure and blaming the politicians. If we believe in democracy, then in essence we've got exactly what we asked for. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
1
My greatest joy lately is having found a job to which I can walk. Commuting in NYC via subway, during regular work hours, literally crammed into a metal car with scores of other humans possessing varying degrees of manners, is not a civilized way to live one's life.
90
I fully agree. Even though many sing the praises of public transport in many French cities, it is a real privilege to be able to avoid the great unwashed and simply walk to work.
Governments--municipal, state and federal--just don't have the "free cash" to spend on capital maintenance and improvements because so much of their tax revenues go to entitlements. You can only provide so much "free stuff" before your house starts to fall down.
A problem of misplaced priorities? Absolutely.
A problem of misplaced priorities? Absolutely.
5
Boomers, your parents and grandparents built the awe-inspiring mass transportation infrastructure in this country, and its current state is another manifestation of your generation's nonfeasance and prioritization of self-enrichment over the common good. Have you all been decent stewards of anything - the environment, our political system, our financial system, affordability of education, social mobility and middle class, the nation's balance sheet? Anything?
4
We never hear about WHY these improvements cost so much. Why does one new subway station cost $2.4 billion? Why does a new PATH/Subway stop alone(that does nothing for capacity improvement) cost $4 billion?
The blame does not lie solely with Unions or costly planning work associated with the complex urban underground. Look at Paris and Tokyo, both outdating any of our cities by hundreds of years. They're building cheaper and faster than us, with fair wages. If they can do it, so can we.
We need a comprehensive report on where capital dollars are being spent, and then to take a hard look at where money is being wasted.
We also need to be more careful about what we invest in. Adding USB charging terminals and wifi to overcrowded subways does not help us. A billion dollar air train that takes longer to get to and use than a taxi from Midtown is a waste.
NYC has built a grand total of one subway stop over decades. And after this first leg of the Second Ave Subway, there are no new lines planned or funded. Why is this? Could it be because Cuomo only wants projects that can be completed while he's governor? Could it be that the ongoing feud with the mayor is coming at the expense of New York's economy and citizens?
These poor planning choices will haunt us for decades to come.
The blame does not lie solely with Unions or costly planning work associated with the complex urban underground. Look at Paris and Tokyo, both outdating any of our cities by hundreds of years. They're building cheaper and faster than us, with fair wages. If they can do it, so can we.
We need a comprehensive report on where capital dollars are being spent, and then to take a hard look at where money is being wasted.
We also need to be more careful about what we invest in. Adding USB charging terminals and wifi to overcrowded subways does not help us. A billion dollar air train that takes longer to get to and use than a taxi from Midtown is a waste.
NYC has built a grand total of one subway stop over decades. And after this first leg of the Second Ave Subway, there are no new lines planned or funded. Why is this? Could it be because Cuomo only wants projects that can be completed while he's governor? Could it be that the ongoing feud with the mayor is coming at the expense of New York's economy and citizens?
These poor planning choices will haunt us for decades to come.
156
Good point, and people complain about the unions, it's not the unions that designed billion dollar stations, it's not the unions that have to do countless environmental reviews, it's white collar criminals stealing our money.
3
I agree on the USB and WiFi charging stations. I realize your average person has turned into a tech zombie and will cry if they can't text or email 24/7 but...as you say, USB and WiFi does nothing to help with getting to work faster, or on less crowded trains, and with having to stand on dangerously overcrowded platforms.
3
You are on track; government is as usual the problem not the solution the NY Times pretends.
And what is the "solution" to reduce crowding? Under Bloomberg, it was to rezone industrial areas like Williamsburg and increase subway ridership by tens of thousands. Under de Blasio, it is to rezone low-rise areas like East New York and increase subway ridership by tens of thousands.
And that is why we have this disaster, which will only get worse with more and more high-rises built in areas where the new residents will be completely dependent on the subway.
And that is why we have this disaster, which will only get worse with more and more high-rises built in areas where the new residents will be completely dependent on the subway.
4
Tough to face up to and humiliating to admit, but the U.S. is no longer a first world country when it comes to some important realms of infrastructure.
12
NY has the highest burden of taxes and tolls, and our roads, bridges and public transportation systems are a wreck. The problem certainly isn't that we are under taxed, it is the enormous amount of waste and corruption at both the state and local level. Clean up the government and the money will reappear.
73
In the same vein, to remove one layer of corruption, the state shouldn't control the MTA's funding. Since I'm paying a higher tax rate than someone upstate, I'd like that money to fund the betterment of the community I actually live in.
No, you forgot about all the tax breaks, trillions in subsidies to banks and corporations and the offshore bank accounts depriving the country of the needed tax revenue to deal with these issues and that is why YOU, as a regular citizen, has to pay more tax. Contrary to the usually deception of the oligarchs, government waste is not the issue, it is just the corporate elite that keeps telling you it is while they line their pockets with YOUR money.
Thank you Ronald Regan.
We are still waiting for that money, Mr. Regan.....
We are still waiting for that money, Mr. Regan.....
Since the advent of Grover Norquist, Americans have gotten it in their heads that they don't have to pay taxes. Four decades later, this is where it gets us.
10
What are you talking about? We NYers pay plenty in taxes! We're one of the highest tax-burdened states.
1
The highest income brackets do not pay their fair share, full stop. Also, the state of corporate income taxes in New York is a shambles, with many companies paying next to nothing. The wealthiest city in America is starved of tax dollars.
3
Our infrastructure needs money spent on it.
Instead, for the last two generations, we have spent money on tax cuts, bogus wars, faux allies, real allies who spend their money on their infrastructure, did I mention the tax cuts?
We've had two generations of tax cuts. Please raise your hand if you think the nation is a smarter, better, easier, calmer, more hopeful place to live than in the 1970s when Washington's Metro was built.
I see.
Drowning in the bathtub, are we?
Instead, for the last two generations, we have spent money on tax cuts, bogus wars, faux allies, real allies who spend their money on their infrastructure, did I mention the tax cuts?
We've had two generations of tax cuts. Please raise your hand if you think the nation is a smarter, better, easier, calmer, more hopeful place to live than in the 1970s when Washington's Metro was built.
I see.
Drowning in the bathtub, are we?
3
Maybe we have plenty of "shovel ready" projects after all. Interest rates are still very low. There are still many people who are unemployed or under employed. The federal government should start another round of major infrastructure spending/investment to replace bad water pipes and repair/improve transportation infrastructure throughout the country.
2
If the democrats continue their demand that all infrastructure work only be done by "prevailing wage" union workers who will then kickback most of their union dues to the democrats, the GOP will never agree to such a scheme.
How about all the money that has been squandered funding failed solar energy companies? We have existing technology that can be improved upon in so many ways, but they don't get the funding they need. And the money they do have gets blown on underestimated construction contracts. Every government construction contract I have seen starts at one price and ends up being 4x the original cost and has a 4x longer completion time then anticipated...now explain that.
3
"But Solyndra failed!" is a typical right wing diatribe.
You can do better.
You can do better.
1
Meanwhile, interest rates remain at historic lows and demand in the private sector appears to still be lacking. I suspect that in the very near future people will realize that the reaction to the Great Recession was a lost opportunity as it relates to investment by the government to advance and support the nation.
9
The USA doesn't need better transit systems to include subways.
What the USA needs is more War - Americans are exceptional and don't ever forget it!
Spending for War and its preparation has been $20 trillion since the Korean War in 1950 and the debt is $19 Trillion.
Get with the program people and stop complaining.
What the USA needs is more War - Americans are exceptional and don't ever forget it!
Spending for War and its preparation has been $20 trillion since the Korean War in 1950 and the debt is $19 Trillion.
Get with the program people and stop complaining.
5
Hey, but our under taxed masters of the universe don't need subways as they fly directly with the chopper fom Wall Street to their private jets and from there back to their tax heaven islands. This is the way neo liberal Randians see society, as a place of unfettered privatization where the winner i.e most capable cheaters take it all.
10
The gas tax today pays for one-half of what it did in 1993. Republicans don't want any tax increase for any reason and Democrats want to take gas tax money and put it into mass transit systems in a few cities, like New York, and to that Democrats add an anti-road diatribe. The result is no action, which suits both political parties.
5
another example of govt waste. Subway systems simply need to be privatized. If they can not earn their keep than eliminated. There is no reason whatsoever that citizens outside of these areas should be subsidizing these wasteful systems. Why cannot residents of these cities not drive to work like most of us residing in the rest of the country?
1
Your fire dept., police dept. and the US Army need to be privatized as well. That's the logical conclusion of your argument. Oh, and the street you live on needs to become a privately-owned tollway. OK?
2
This comment is so clueless I don't know where to begin. Are you seriously suggesting that the MILLIONS of daily subway riders in NYC drive to work instead? Think of the increase in air pollution, and where would millions of cars park? Let along the grid-lock chaos that would ensue. I hope you were being sarcastic. A densely populated city is not like the rest of the country.
4
"Why can't residents ... drive to work?" That's very simple - the roads are already at capacity. Also, a pair of parking spaces in Boston just sold for $560,000. That's with a mass transit system that supports 800,000 trips per day. Why can't the transit systems be privatized? That takes just a little thought. It's because a common good, workers able to get to work and customers able to come and purchase, depends on a large, expensive thing, transit, that no business alone is motivated to pay for.
Government is not the enemy, it's all of us working together to create those things that don't get created by smaller entities.
Government is not the enemy, it's all of us working together to create those things that don't get created by smaller entities.
2
The infrastructure projects could be funded If we stopped fighting wars all over the globe. The U.S. can always find money to invade but not to repair.
6
Many good points by both NYT and readers about lack of government investment, but more needs to se said about the unions that use our transit systems as their personal feeding troughs, and cynical politicians, from DiBlasio to Cuomo, who pander to those unions.
The average cost to the MTA of a subway car sweeper (salary and benefits) is $100,000 per year, much of it from gold-plated health and retirement plans that the average New Yorker could only dream about. I support a fair wage, but there is a big difference between fair wage and $100,000 per year.
As long as politicians are willing to support $100,000 subway car sweeper payrolls, there won't be anything left over for infrastructure.
The average cost to the MTA of a subway car sweeper (salary and benefits) is $100,000 per year, much of it from gold-plated health and retirement plans that the average New Yorker could only dream about. I support a fair wage, but there is a big difference between fair wage and $100,000 per year.
As long as politicians are willing to support $100,000 subway car sweeper payrolls, there won't be anything left over for infrastructure.
5
Where's your proof that they make that much?
And if they do, what's wrong with making that much for a middle class person? A sweeper is not an easy job, they have to deal with things and danger you can't imagine. Having said that, I doubt they make that much
And if they do, what's wrong with making that much for a middle class person? A sweeper is not an easy job, they have to deal with things and danger you can't imagine. Having said that, I doubt they make that much
I'm aggravated whenever I hear that infrastructure is falling apart and maintenance projects aren't being funded. Whatever happened to those hundreds of billions set aside as part of a 'stimulus' plan 8 or so years ago to mitigate the effects of the recession? Just where did all that money go!?
3
Political cronies that's where.
This is a problem that can be fixed by corporate tax cuts and tax cuts to the richest americans. At least thats the policy of the party that controls the legislature, the one and only Government body that can fix this.
2
This is just another of many examples of how cut taxes, government is the problem, privatize everything, profit first, is killing America. It is sad to see how shallow the the American public thinks, and how easily they are beguiled by stupid slogans. How do they think the country is going to keep running with funding and where will you be if it collapses? But as long as they listen to the right wing news outlets and vote in right wing legislators it will continue and the end result, if one thinks less than shallowly, is frightening.
Here in NE PA, we have one school district with it's worse budget situation their business manager has ever seen. He told the board the state is getting out of the education business. Another district just cut 37 teachers, along with the art department, and one is considering cutting kindergarten. All because of right wing legislators who keep cutting funding.
Here in NE PA, we have one school district with it's worse budget situation their business manager has ever seen. He told the board the state is getting out of the education business. Another district just cut 37 teachers, along with the art department, and one is considering cutting kindergarten. All because of right wing legislators who keep cutting funding.
11
No mention about the sweetheart deals the politicians gave to the transit unions in exchange for contributions. Or the fact that the same government mandates union labor at a cost increase of about 25%. Or the fact that the government requires minority set-asides that add 5% to the cost. Not a word in that whle article about the taxpayer. I am not surprised.
2
"In Boston, an onslaught of snow in 2015 paralyzed the transit system and brought attention to problems at the regional network." - You mean it brought "world-wide" attention to our problems. Problems have been visible (and audible, trust me) for my 50-years of patronage. Do I appreciate "the system" and "the convenience"? Absolutely. Is this a conundrum of inefficiency and ineptitude? Sorry, but yes. Having used the mass transit in France and Germany, on those occasions I felt like I was on another planet versus another continent. We lack "Excellence" (from the top) and well intentioned and hard working transit workers suffer as much as we riders do.
10
It would have been useful to look at BART, the backbone of the Bay Area's public transit. It seems to be doing fine in comparison to the Eastern systems. Perhaps there are answers there. Yes we have high taxes, but at least things work. California has successfully dealt with many issues that elude the rest of the country, but is routinely ignored by the eastern media.
71
Keep in mind that BART isn't nearly as extensive as any of the older East Coast systems, doesn't have to contend with a constant onslaught of winter freezes, etc.
6
Really? My friends there are not particularly pleased with BART or the Cal train...
3
BART is doing fine? No, it's not:
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/BART-woes-to-drag-into-another-wor...
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/BART-woes-to-drag-into-another-wor...
5
I take the subway to get around Manhattan. I can afford Uber or taxis, they simply are not as convenient. As well, the city refuses to implement a plan for congestion issues with traffic. There's no doubt in my mind someone is being paid off. Bloomberg tried to pass a pricing system depending on the hour one wishes to drive into the city, and to what areas one wishes to go. Flat out killed by NJ and NY. Now we have streets that are more or less parking lots each day for cars, and subways are overrun with tourists who don't know where they are going, in everyone's way, and a system that has constant delays. Our current Mayor who i can't wait for his term to be finished, allows begging, dancing, panhandling, and sleeping on the subway, all illegal, but with his social/racial agenda, it is not enforced. Platforms are dangerously crowded as we wait for a train to get to work. Quality of life has plummeted in the richest city on the planet.
84
Enough with the quality of life nonsense, it's just an excuse for racist and abusive policing. Move to Westchester if you can't stand other people's way of living. New York is a city with it's own culture, Giuliani time ended 20 years ago.
You forgot eating - someone eating a 4 lb pile of a spaghetti dinner on the subway sitting next to me. Sorry but food smells along with other nefarious smells along with stuffy cars make for a stinky ride.
Seriously, New York needs to get serious and enforce the regulations you speak of. Funny, NOT!
Seriously, New York needs to get serious and enforce the regulations you speak of. Funny, NOT!
2
Can only agree. Add to that the new bike lanes (with bikers going every which way, and delivery men riding on the sidewalk) and the public transit situation is worse than ever. As for street quality of life, also must soon get worse now that the City Council has decriminalized urinating in the streets, littering, etc. The police have their hands tied behind their backs now and won't interfere. Who can blame them?
2
There's a bright spot in the Northeast that is not covered here. In November 2013, Pennsylvania's dysfunctional, anti-tax legislature passed Act 89 which effectively increased gas taxes by $.12 per gallon. By the time it is fully operational in 2018, the act will generate $2.3 annually in funding for highway and transit projects.
This has meant an increase in capital funds to SEPTA (the South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) of approximately $200 million per year. The money has been used to a fund a variety of desperately needed projects. On the Media-Elwyn line this has meant four brand new bridges, replacing original structures constructed by the Pennsylvania RR over 100 years ago.
This has meant an increase in capital funds to SEPTA (the South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) of approximately $200 million per year. The money has been used to a fund a variety of desperately needed projects. On the Media-Elwyn line this has meant four brand new bridges, replacing original structures constructed by the Pennsylvania RR over 100 years ago.
72
Congrats to Pennsylvania for funding its infrastructure. Let's hope they don't do what many state governments do: Raise taxes for one purpose while removing an equal amount of funds from the normal budget for that same thing. For example, legalizing lotteries to help fund education, then deducting the amount raised in the lottery from the general fund that would have gone to education with no lottery. Net result: taxes stay the same (or higher), more money taken from taxpayers through lottery tickets, but education funding remains the same as before.
3
A disgracefully tardy undertaking. Was SEPTA merely holding its breath for the next locomotive crash before obtaining the necessary funds for long overdue repairs?
SEPTAs leaderships is exceptional, sad because it should be a no-brainer. We paid over $4/gal for gas when commodity traders jacked up the price, but pandering pols will scream over the prospect of adding 12 cents that actually benefits us. SEPTA just signed up for a) fixing a problem long-term, b) improving the business climate and public safety, while c) creating jobs including skilled trades that will be in demand nationwide for decades. All during this time when asphalt, concrete and steel are near record low prices and financing is inexpensive. What were they thinking???
As long as the federal government's defense outlay so overwhelms any other budget item, we can only expect further destruction of our country's infrastructure. From bridges, to water systems, to subways our political parties (both Democrat and Republican) would rather spend billions on new anti-aircraft carriers, bombers, tanks, etc. than spending on what makes a country's economy really work.
Sadly neither Clinton, Sanders or Trump would change this. The military industrial complex beast is far bigger than any one party or person.
Sadly neither Clinton, Sanders or Trump would change this. The military industrial complex beast is far bigger than any one party or person.
279
"As long as the federal government's defense outlay so overwhelms any other budget item"
Social security and medicare each exceed military spending. Shame for not getting your facts straight and a bigger shame on The Times for making it a "Pick"
Social security and medicare each exceed military spending. Shame for not getting your facts straight and a bigger shame on The Times for making it a "Pick"
Fka, we spend twice as much on the military as Russia, China and Iran combined. Why, so that Hyundai can safely ship their automobiles to France?
3
Yep, the American society of civil engineers has concluded that Americas infrastructure is now on-par with most third world countries. Just think of all those trillions handed out in bank bailouts, corporate subsidies, tax breaks for companies like GE that, while earning billions, paid no tax and actually got reimbursements while offshoring money to tax havens. Just think of what could have been done with all that money to alleviate these problems, yet, many continue to whine while the answer has always been directly in front of them. Trillions wasted on endless wars and tax breaks for rich people and corporations.
America, you vote for the one percent enabling politicians that are systematically destroying your environment and yet, you wonder why public transportation is having a problem functioning? At what point do you start to finally elect politicians that will actually DEAL with these very important issues?
America, you vote for the one percent enabling politicians that are systematically destroying your environment and yet, you wonder why public transportation is having a problem functioning? At what point do you start to finally elect politicians that will actually DEAL with these very important issues?
2
We just returned from a trip to Portugal and Spain a few weeks ago. Wow, what a difference in public transport. Barcelona has a bus system, the Aero, that will take you right to the airport from the center of town without delay and without stops along the way. This was typical of what we encountered. It led to me think a bit about "the American disease" whereby we prefer fighting with each other over getting anything done, the south against the east, the far west against everyone, the northeast against the mid-west and on and on. We once were a great nation, but everything is becoming so politicized that you can't take a breath now without offending someone.
Europe had the advantage of not having had millions of cars after WWII. Public transportation was a requirement. Plus, their cities are generally built more compactly, although you can find rings of suburbs around Paris and other European capitals now.
DC's Metro system is not only flawed by its decaying tracks and tunnels and poor operations. The trains are so far underground that, in many cases, it takes a very long time to get down to them. Then, wait for a train. Then, jam in, if you can. The overall result is slow from point A to B. If you have multiple stops, the system just won't do.
We need a breakthrough on public transportation, one that comes with the realization that we have to make these things work for the future. It has to be a top priority or it is nothing.
Doug Terry
Europe had the advantage of not having had millions of cars after WWII. Public transportation was a requirement. Plus, their cities are generally built more compactly, although you can find rings of suburbs around Paris and other European capitals now.
DC's Metro system is not only flawed by its decaying tracks and tunnels and poor operations. The trains are so far underground that, in many cases, it takes a very long time to get down to them. Then, wait for a train. Then, jam in, if you can. The overall result is slow from point A to B. If you have multiple stops, the system just won't do.
We need a breakthrough on public transportation, one that comes with the realization that we have to make these things work for the future. It has to be a top priority or it is nothing.
Doug Terry
212
The depth needed for the Metro's tunnels and stations was dictated by geology, ground water, ground conditions etc.. In some cases this depth meant that escalators could nor be used and elevators were needed. The initial design, funding, engineering, contracting, construction methods and management were well planned and executed. Unfortunately this did not, apparently, extend to the later operational aspects of the system.
4
There's also the exceptionalism problem where they think everyone else is dumb, and America is great at everything and nothing needs to be fixed, regardless of what the facts may say.
2
Europe taxes the very rich. We, in the US, have a government that is run by politicians who don't want government to do anything for anyone other than those by whom they were bought.
5
When American pols stop thinking in terms of funding only to the next election, i.e no money for long term maintenance and growth, and for corp CEOs spending only to make the next quarter more profitable, then things will improve.
If Elon Musk spent as much effort keeping successful subway technology running, as he has in promoting Hyperloop, we might have something useful for the 99%, rather than the 1%.
If Elon Musk spent as much effort keeping successful subway technology running, as he has in promoting Hyperloop, we might have something useful for the 99%, rather than the 1%.
4
It's a simple matter of national priorities. President Obama talks a good game about underfunded public transportation, but we should remember that he's pledged $4 billion for self-driving cars. With more people living in cities than at any other point in human history, cars are neither the technology of the future nor a viable means of transporting large numbers of people within urban environments, where most people live and work.
Conversely, to ride the metro in one of the most populous cities in the world is to experience a thing of beauty and striking efficiency. Despite Shanghai's population of 25 million people, its metro functions flawlessly even during peak hours in which people are packed together cheek by jowl. Wifi signals in Seoul's metro are so strong (and free) that riders stream films and television shows, often as these programmes are airing for the first time. Whilst one might object to this type of connected culture, it illustrates the extent to which our public transportation infrastructure lags behind other countries. We no longer have world-leading infrastructure; others do it better, more efficiently, and, in some instances, for less money.
This will have very real economic and social consequences for American cities as the world transitions away from fossil fuels. Despite the proliferation of cars, China understands this and its investment in high-speed rail and municipal subway and bus systems is prudent as well as cautionary. A word to the wise.
Conversely, to ride the metro in one of the most populous cities in the world is to experience a thing of beauty and striking efficiency. Despite Shanghai's population of 25 million people, its metro functions flawlessly even during peak hours in which people are packed together cheek by jowl. Wifi signals in Seoul's metro are so strong (and free) that riders stream films and television shows, often as these programmes are airing for the first time. Whilst one might object to this type of connected culture, it illustrates the extent to which our public transportation infrastructure lags behind other countries. We no longer have world-leading infrastructure; others do it better, more efficiently, and, in some instances, for less money.
This will have very real economic and social consequences for American cities as the world transitions away from fossil fuels. Despite the proliferation of cars, China understands this and its investment in high-speed rail and municipal subway and bus systems is prudent as well as cautionary. A word to the wise.
4
Would privatization necessarily be a bad thing? Japan's rail system is owned largely by private entities, and its rail system is the best one I've ever used. The trains are clean, fast, safe, modern, and punctual (to the exact minute). They are pretty much everything our trains are not. I just want something that works, and if the government won't step in to fix, let alone modernize, our public transport system, maybe its time to wrest it out of the government's control.
4
But if the subways were privatized think of all the useless, parasitic, self-serving government bureaucrats that would loose their job and have to find real, not make work, ones
1
It isn't the "government" that won't fix it; it's a Congress that refuses to fund it or anything involving our infrastructure. That would be a Republican controlled Congress. Privatization in this country? You can just see the billionaires licking their chops and rubbing their greedy hands together.
1
In the US, privatization is often code for the draining of public funds without delivering the goods. As an example, for-profit charter schools are rife with corruption and accountable to few if any government bodies for how funds are spent. A few "leaders" profit and share the wealth with family and cronies.
2
Living in Toronto, I was quite often surprised by the rather low fares in Northeast cities compared to TTC, and the fact that most of the subsidies from the budget went to operational cost, not capital expansion, as is the case with TTC - all this while having a seemingly superior system. However, once I started visiting the said cities and investigated a bit more, I was surprised to find out that a lot of East Coast systems were built in a present shape a few decades ago, and that, in essence, current transits operate legacy infrastructure.
It looks like most of the troubles start from this fact alone.
It looks like most of the troubles start from this fact alone.
3
One day, sadly, terribly, a bridge or tunnel will collapse and hurt many folks, including some famous politician or relative of a politician, or equivalent, and then maybe we can take just 5% of the incredibly unnecessarily bloated military industrial complex budget and fix our infrastructure. It's okay for one part of the machine (military) to profit and be ultra extra uber awesome while another part of the machine (infrastructure) to be unsafe, antiquated, insufficient and third world? Ridiculous skew of priorities. We can still be an amazing military power and share some of that budget.
19
Urban Liberals need to face up to the limitations of government. Infrastructure spending is a great idea, but with tax rates already at confiscatory levels, it may be time not to continue to expand tax revenues, but to question extraordinary high levels of welfare spending and expensive union contracts. NYC's budget is already $82b: the state of NJ, which has a larger population, has a budget of $34b, and that has to cover the geography of an entire state. After 8 years of reckless spending at all levels, Leviathan has grown too large. Fund infrastructure, yes, but pare back government elsewhere to pay for it.
3
I agree to some extent. We should reduce military spending and redirect some of it to infrastructure. Also, construction costs in America are probably the highest in the world. And that is a combination of union contracts for public sector but also insane executive compensation for the contractors. I think the best solution would be for each transit agency to have a reasonable sized department that can do either construction or repairs. With reasonable union contracts.
1
And you can thank 16 years of Republican mayors for that bloated budget. Bloomberg who is a billionaire success in business only added to the problem with outlandish bids for the Olympics, putting tax money behind bespoke stadiums, and still increasing the city employment while raising taxes.
Yet the billionaire class in NYC has never had it so good enjoying tax rates much lower than you or I ever see.
Yet the billionaire class in NYC has never had it so good enjoying tax rates much lower than you or I ever see.
1
Does it even make any sense to compare a state to a city in that way? Regardless, you know what NYC gets for that money? A lot of economic activity.
3
Compare to almost anything in Europe or Asia. For decades, much higher gas prices, and a completely different urban mindset, has contributed to valuing good public transportation (and cycling), while in the US, the continued reliance on and dominance of the automobile has produced the opposite effect.
Cities will reach a critical mass where individual ownership of automobiles will no longer be an legitimate option. Public transit should already have become the #1 choice for urban dwellers.
Cities will reach a critical mass where individual ownership of automobiles will no longer be an legitimate option. Public transit should already have become the #1 choice for urban dwellers.
10
Interesting that there is no mention of the bankster's role in many Municipal transit systems and infrastructure issues. The DC Metro is still paying many millions of dollars for Goldman Sachs, etc credit default swaps years after the Fed reduced bank interest rates to less than 1%. The problem for many years has been the reduction of private taxes paid by the plutocrats or even worse outright tax credits like the $2 Billion Christie has given to Corporations for locating close to train hubs while axing the actual budget to run NJ Transit trains and buses by 90% from over $300 Million to $34 Million.
Many cities have a lawsuit against the banksters for some $7 Billion in interest rate swaps ...
Tax the rich and the Corporations fairly and then instead of paying them to get back the money they should have paid in taxes to begin with through bonds fund public projects with public banks.
North Dakota's public bank has done wonders for that State long before and independently of the fracked shale oil disaster...
Many cities have a lawsuit against the banksters for some $7 Billion in interest rate swaps ...
Tax the rich and the Corporations fairly and then instead of paying them to get back the money they should have paid in taxes to begin with through bonds fund public projects with public banks.
North Dakota's public bank has done wonders for that State long before and independently of the fracked shale oil disaster...
10
Having enjoyed using public transportation in Europe, Asia, and North America, the aging systems of the North East US just do not measure up. You can go from Shenzhen to Hong Kong by subway. It is a 30 minute ride. The new, extremely modern, subway in New Delhi costs next to nothing and works very well. Even the older systems of London and Paris are far better, and they work quite well. Vienna combines its subways, busses, and light rail, as do most German cities as well, into a single integrated system.
Part of the problem is that we are wed to the automobile. The more important part of the problem is that subways are built by government, and the government does not have the interest or the expertise to do it properly. So, it becomes a political boondoggle fraught with corruption, unions, excessive environmental concerns, community opposition, local politics, and all sorts of other distractions that defeat the basic purpose, namely, providing safe, clean, efficient, cost effective mass transportation. The net result is that it costs too much, takes too long, and is outdated before it is built. In our area, all you need to do is look at the tunnels under the East River and the Hudson River; the Second Avenue Subway, our Airports, etc., to see examples.
Part of the problem is that we are wed to the automobile. The more important part of the problem is that subways are built by government, and the government does not have the interest or the expertise to do it properly. So, it becomes a political boondoggle fraught with corruption, unions, excessive environmental concerns, community opposition, local politics, and all sorts of other distractions that defeat the basic purpose, namely, providing safe, clean, efficient, cost effective mass transportation. The net result is that it costs too much, takes too long, and is outdated before it is built. In our area, all you need to do is look at the tunnels under the East River and the Hudson River; the Second Avenue Subway, our Airports, etc., to see examples.
7
Who could have guessed a subway mostly built in the early 20th Century would need to be upgraded? Well, obviously not those running the MTA. Who could have predicted a growing city with transportation choked at street level could experience growth in ridership? Well, obviously not those running the MTA.
We did get one $4,000,000,000 gleaming white subway station though, that some Grand Poobahs can affix their names to.
Come on New York Times, as our local paper, you ought to be taking names and shaming the persons supposed to be running a grown up, modern, efficient subway system, no?
We did get one $4,000,000,000 gleaming white subway station though, that some Grand Poobahs can affix their names to.
Come on New York Times, as our local paper, you ought to be taking names and shaming the persons supposed to be running a grown up, modern, efficient subway system, no?
14
Yes, the zillion dollar subway station to nowhere, currently serving construction sites (and already falling apart) and other holes in the ground near the Javits Center, while bypassing WHERE THE PEOPLE ARE in the Far West 40's. We in the 40's between 10th-12th Avenues are stuck with the M42 bus, the slowest in all five boroughs. It is faster to walk backwards on your hands than to take that bus.
2
The new WTC station is a boondoggle of the worst kind- for show, not service. Spending $4B underground would have been much more useful, but lacking the propaganda value.
The London underground began service in 1862. They are still adding lines and renewing rolling stock. It is more expensive to ride than the NYC system, but a single card lets you ride any bus or tube in London for a single maximum charge of around $10. When I've used it trains seem to come every 2 minutes or so in central London, less frequently the further out you go.
Ultimately the answer has to be redistribution of employment locations. If Manhattan were comprised of 1800' skyscrapers filled with workers it would be virtually impossible to deliver sufficient seating capacity to each of them to get everyone to work on time. If every office tower development had to provide housing space to match its employment the need for transit capacity could be much less.
It is not just the MTA that needs to change its ways.
The London underground began service in 1862. They are still adding lines and renewing rolling stock. It is more expensive to ride than the NYC system, but a single card lets you ride any bus or tube in London for a single maximum charge of around $10. When I've used it trains seem to come every 2 minutes or so in central London, less frequently the further out you go.
Ultimately the answer has to be redistribution of employment locations. If Manhattan were comprised of 1800' skyscrapers filled with workers it would be virtually impossible to deliver sufficient seating capacity to each of them to get everyone to work on time. If every office tower development had to provide housing space to match its employment the need for transit capacity could be much less.
It is not just the MTA that needs to change its ways.
1
As with drugs being taken off the market, or vehicles being recalled, must we wait for a tragedy of some kind for our "leaders" to force positive action? God forbid the overcrowding of these systems combined with their age cause some kind of tragic incident. Only then will politicians finally "see" that improvements are necessary.
4
We in the DC metro area thought that the 2009 signal-fail crash would get congressional attention- a retired general and his wife died, among others. Nonetheless, Metro has had a revolving crew of directors, and Virginia and Maryland legislators have preferred new capital spending to making the existing system more safe, robust and foolproof.
Again, America is the wealthiest third world country in the world.
Most US residents have no idea what a healthy, functional infrastructure is. Tons of money goes into highways but let's not continue to maintain the Socialistic subway or train lines. Our leaders are so stupid, as they are all chauffeured around in their big, gas guzzling SUVs. They NEVER take public transportation, ever. No Amtrak, commercial airways, busses or subways for them. Nope, just for the rest of us working class schlubs.
Expect things to get much, much worse. Imagine, it might even snow again in Boston.
Most US residents have no idea what a healthy, functional infrastructure is. Tons of money goes into highways but let's not continue to maintain the Socialistic subway or train lines. Our leaders are so stupid, as they are all chauffeured around in their big, gas guzzling SUVs. They NEVER take public transportation, ever. No Amtrak, commercial airways, busses or subways for them. Nope, just for the rest of us working class schlubs.
Expect things to get much, much worse. Imagine, it might even snow again in Boston.
147
Good comment, but don't forget "Amtrak Joe Biden" who during his years in the Senate would take the train nightly from DC to Delaware. I think you are entirely correct, however: if those guys had to depend on mass transit to get around, the systems would be improved greatly.
Doug Terry
Doug Terry
3
You think Putin, Merkel, Cameron, Abe and Hollande all take the bus to work?
Bloomberg used have his chauffeur drive him to the subway so he could take it downtown. All those clowns are driven in giant SUV's, and fly on chartered jets so they never go through lines.
2
Systemic entropy - ignored.
9
In terms of stark reality, there will never be enough time or money to bring these public transportation systems "up to speed" and in pace with other countries that value modernity. As a matter of recent policy, US does not invest considerable money in infrastructure, fast internet, renewable energy or even weather forecasting like Europe does and the US will always be 30-40 years behind.
We will continue to see patchwork repairs until there is a major accident after which riders and transportation officials deem the system as unsafe and within 20 years the NYC subway system will reached the dénoument terminus.
We will continue to see patchwork repairs until there is a major accident after which riders and transportation officials deem the system as unsafe and within 20 years the NYC subway system will reached the dénoument terminus.
8
", US does not invest considerable money in infrastructure, fast internet, renewable energy or even weather forecasting like Europe does and the US will always be 30-40 years behind."
Could this be because the US provides most of the defense for those European countries who choose to spend their money on welfare rather than defense
Could this be because the US provides most of the defense for those European countries who choose to spend their money on welfare rather than defense
3
And that accident would have to directly involve a large number of Rep's and senators.
Welfare? You dont get out much do you?
Make that subway in the photo an F-35 and we could spend hundreds of billions on them.
Anyone who has traveled in Europe understands our mass transit system is a disgrace. It is intentionally a disgrace because the powers that be don't care. They don't take mass transit, cannot for now privatize it and have no use for it.
Just another example in which something that is good for the Public is ignored by "their" politicians. When I say "their" I mean the special interests controlling all policy decision in our country.
Anyone who has traveled in Europe understands our mass transit system is a disgrace. It is intentionally a disgrace because the powers that be don't care. They don't take mass transit, cannot for now privatize it and have no use for it.
Just another example in which something that is good for the Public is ignored by "their" politicians. When I say "their" I mean the special interests controlling all policy decision in our country.
386
I have heard that something like 60% of the discretionary Federal budget is dedicated to the military and the tools needed to spy on and kill people. We have the mentality of am empire in decline, convincing ourselves that brute force will allow us to maintain our global supremacy. But as we become poorer, sicker and less educated as a nation, the lie will be exposed. A crime, since America was probably one of the greatest experiments in governance in history. Alas, our self-serving representatives have proven all to corruptible.
17
@Entopic - That's because the "non-discretionary" part is so large. In 2016, 72% of the budget was devoted to 'payments to or on behalf of individuals' - that's Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Only 14% was spent on defense. Running the government takes 6%, and another 6% goes to interest on the debt. And that's about it.
1
Maybe we could give people rides to town in the F-35's. They would have to be hauled by truck since apparently they don't seem to fly that well. Commuters could dress up in George W's old flight suit that he wore when he declared "mission accomplished"
1
Having just returned from a wekk in France, i must say that the USA infrastructure is abominable and appalling when i see the beauty of the roads in France. No pot holes, cracks overmounded tar repairs. The trains move at 186 mph on track that gives an incredibly smooth ride and every seat is reserved so there is no stampede of travelers that we see commonly at NYC's Pennsylvania station. The trains are all relatively new and clean.
it is an embarrassment, that legislators have consciously made a decision to avoid upkeep of our infrastructure over the last three decades. A financial emphasis should be made for this repair work, so that fewer cars are used and emissions can be controlled and people have a comfortable way to get to and from work and other locations in a civilized manner.
it is an embarrassment, that legislators have consciously made a decision to avoid upkeep of our infrastructure over the last three decades. A financial emphasis should be made for this repair work, so that fewer cars are used and emissions can be controlled and people have a comfortable way to get to and from work and other locations in a civilized manner.
261
Europeans also pay about 3 times as much for their gas due to taxes. And let's not discuss the European income tax brackets or VATs. I would support massive petrol taxes, as well as doubling the price of a subway ride to support this type of infrastructure investment, but I doubt most Americans would.
7
With the stampede at Penn Station you pointed out but one more reason why all of us laugh when New Yorkers say how wonderful they and their city are. I took the Acela from NYC to Boston a few years ago, and couldn't believe that we were forbidden to go to the platform and wait for the train. In Europe, you get an assigned seat, and there's a schematic of the train with all the cars numbered at each platform, so you know where to stand when the train pulls in.
This belief that your country or city is the center of the universe inhibits innovation, because you think that what you have is already the best. That's delusional.
This belief that your country or city is the center of the universe inhibits innovation, because you think that what you have is already the best. That's delusional.
193
the typical Frenchman also pays 50% income taxes. Do you think americans would be willing to pay this much? Or would they prefer lower taxes instead?
2
Its very simple: people not served don't pay. The same with other transportation projects like high speed rail. If you are outside the metro areas served,
you don't pay taxes for their subways.
Our bus system breaks even, taxes are low, and best, you can (literally) set your watch by it. But we're not a big enough city to demand that others pay for our infrastructure, so we just do it.
you don't pay taxes for their subways.
Our bus system breaks even, taxes are low, and best, you can (literally) set your watch by it. But we're not a big enough city to demand that others pay for our infrastructure, so we just do it.
8
We are one nation, and not a collection of sniveling regional special interests. The movement of farm goods through the locks on the rivers of the Mid-West benefits the country's economy even though many people in New York City have never seen a canal lock. If the major metropolitan areas of the nation have healthy mass transit systems, they will also have strong economies which will benefit everyone. I think we can all agree that more Detroits is not what America needs. Good infrastructure everywhere is critical to the economic viability of our country.
3
Sorry, but your logic does not follow. If we go down the rabbit hole of those who don't use don't pay, then why are most northeastern states always sending more money to the federal budget than they receive. And why are most southern states, which tend to be the loudest critics of taxes, the ones with the greatest federal balances in their favor. Moreover, you cannot compare the needs of New York to Champaign. They are VERY different.
3
Of course many a person who has never driven a foot on Interstate Highways 57, 72 and 74 have paid much to keep Champaign connected not to mention the millions in federal and state funds contributed to state highways and roads that serve your area.
4
anyone who used the NYC subways in the 70's and 80's will attest to the fact that things are much better now. however this was only catch-up work. we are now facing the results of a real estate bubble and the surge in usage for this and other reasons. increasing Manhattan population along with more of said borough's workers being displaced to outer-boroughs many themselves experiencing a growth spurt illustrates the need for a doubling in size of the current system along with modern concepts such as those seen in Europe and even China. this need includes new roads, reworking of same to add transit options, new subway lines and terminals and even considering height when planning transit lines as this is a very vertical city.
sadly none of this will ever happen as we will live in a 19th and early 20th technology which although well-designed and built is inadequate. since the people have no other practical options than to endure, complain or leave, nothing will get much better in a lifetime.
sadly none of this will ever happen as we will live in a 19th and early 20th technology which although well-designed and built is inadequate. since the people have no other practical options than to endure, complain or leave, nothing will get much better in a lifetime.
3
It is beyond my comprehension why we would not take pride in having the best subway systems in the world, and be willing to pay the taxes to support them.
29
As with any public works project, regardless of location and target population, it seems the projected costs and time to completion have little in common with actual time and cost of completion. I have read in the pages of the NYT of projects that are several years late and where the actual costs may be double or triple of the estimates. This feeds a reluctance to spend more money that what is barely required to keep these public transportation systems running. Sadly government, at any level, has not proved capable of providing reasonable estimates to get any job done.
8
"Sadly government, at any level, has not proved capable of providing reasonable estimates to get any job done."
Even the government worshiping NYTs, that never saw a tax that it did not want to impose or increase, has said on numerous occasions that "government is always inefficient and usually corrupt" so why should this come as a surprise?
Even the government worshiping NYTs, that never saw a tax that it did not want to impose or increase, has said on numerous occasions that "government is always inefficient and usually corrupt" so why should this come as a surprise?
3
US government, but not other countries. Why do you thnk that is? Could it be the obsessin with low taxes and public-private partnerships?
2
We have to stop spending over $600 billion a year on defense. We have to stop starting incredibly expensive and endless wars of choice to satisfy the military-industrial complex. We can't continue to turn a blind eye to corruption. We have to shut down offshore tax shelters and demand that our major corporations pay their fair share of taxes. The top 1% haver taken everything and it's time for them to give back. We have to raise the top marginal tax rate back up to where it was for decades following World War 2. 70% would be a start. The money to fix our crumbling infrastructure is there. We have to force our feckless lawmakers to do the right thing.
87
And in order to do any of that, something has to be done about the length and cost of political campaigns, the root of the problem. We are now talking with a straight face about presidential candidates needing to raise 1 billion dollars for a campaign. It's out of control at the Congressional level as well. Where do we think these candidates are going to get the tens, hundreds and now thousands of billions needed to run for national office? $25 at a time from voters? They have to go where the money is - all of them.
3
"In Boston, the crowded Red line is periodically upended by technical problems and other issues."
Periodically? Try DAILY. Or, perhaps, hourly. "Disabled" trains are a common occurrence and when you're in a train that stops in the tunnel for no apparent reason, you're hoping you're not on the latest disabled train. That, coupled with "we're going to stand by because of traffic ahead" when no train has gone by in that direction for nearly 20 minutes.
Periodically? Try DAILY. Or, perhaps, hourly. "Disabled" trains are a common occurrence and when you're in a train that stops in the tunnel for no apparent reason, you're hoping you're not on the latest disabled train. That, coupled with "we're going to stand by because of traffic ahead" when no train has gone by in that direction for nearly 20 minutes.
21
I agree with all you say, Matty. And, not to minimize your troubles, why the focus on the Red Line? The Green Line is perpetually busing passengers between stations. I was on a D Line train when it derailed into the snow. And the achingly slow passing through Boylston makes me feel like my head will implode. What's more fun than going through Kenmore on Game Day? Ah, the smell of beer, urine, and body odor. You gotta love it.
1
Also - like that's the only line with problems!! The entire north section of the orange line is shut down weeknights after 8:45 and every weekend all summer every summer for "winter resiliency" work, and that is to say nothing of the Green Line, Silver Line and bus delays. You really can't plan to get anywhere on time around here on any line.
1
We love building shiny new things; keeping old things in good condition, not so much. President Obama is right: this is only part of a much bigger problem. But part of it is his fault.
When the stock market and the economy crashed I was hoping for a big federal project rebuilding infrastructure. These jobs cannot be automated and cannot be shipped to China, and anyway the work is essential if we are to keep functioning. However, sadly, all the money went to the bankers.
When the stock market and the economy crashed I was hoping for a big federal project rebuilding infrastructure. These jobs cannot be automated and cannot be shipped to China, and anyway the work is essential if we are to keep functioning. However, sadly, all the money went to the bankers.
71
Uh, that was the stimulus program, which was severely cut by republican pressure. The 2nd avenue subway is one of the biggest expenditures emanating from the stimulus package that President Obama got passed. If it had his way, that package would have been 3x bigger, but alas, some other lawmakers did not see the investment as worthy. "Have a pothole and a subway delay, on the house!"
3
President Obama proposed an Infrastructure Development Bank, and an expansion of the economic recovery act to increase spending on infrastructure while interest rates were low and to counteract the massive job losses in the Great Recession. But the Republican-controlled Congress refused to enact the legislation. Don't blame Obama for this lack of infrastructure investment - he tried.
3
President Obama tried for a bigger spending bill, has tried for a large infrastructure program, jobs programs, etc. Unfortunately, Congress has steadfastly refused and a President isn't a king (much to Mr. Trump's surprise). Congress controls the money and their goal has been to deny Mr. Obama anything, regardless of the injury to the "American People" that they pretend to guard so diligently.
3
Well, we've poured money into many other countries for years while neglecting so many aspects of the U.S. And many elected officials and businesses and citizens have embraced the suburban dream and the cul-de-sac, and the long commute and the car culture (and all the car commercials we are incessantly hammered with), and left our infrastructure to rot and crumble. And here we are. Smart cities and states and politicians will try to find money to pay for solutions now instead of later. Others won't, and things will keep getting worse.
15
Actually, this is a myth. The US has NOT "poured money into other countries for years." We did so only briefly back in the Marshall Plan years right after World War II. Since then we have taken to giving an amount that is so small it is newly a rounding error. Compared to other governments around the world we are down right skinflints when it comes to aid and development.
1
The headline posed a question and the rest of the news item is a masterpiece in avoidance.
There are two components to operating costs of any large infrastructure installment - employee compensation/benefits and ongoing repairs and maintenance.
Due to the unholy nexus between unions and politicians, almost all the fare increases and tax hikes have gone almost exclusively towards employee costs, with the bare minimum allocated to keep the system just about operational.
The bill for lack of investment has now come due. Amazingly, you somehow fail to discuss this!
There are two components to operating costs of any large infrastructure installment - employee compensation/benefits and ongoing repairs and maintenance.
Due to the unholy nexus between unions and politicians, almost all the fare increases and tax hikes have gone almost exclusively towards employee costs, with the bare minimum allocated to keep the system just about operational.
The bill for lack of investment has now come due. Amazingly, you somehow fail to discuss this!
31
I couldn't agree with you more. The article doesn't make reference to the significantly higher, union-dominated labor costs in the Northeast. People want their cake and eat it too... but it's impossible to maintain our roads, bridges and subways with the labor costs. The answer isn't more taxation since there is enough money. It's getting rid of unions and having individuals compete for every dollar. Then we wouldn't have these problems.
1
Do you really believe that undermining employees and further eroding the middle class is the key to restoring America's infrastructure? It seems more like part of the mentality that has gotten us into these problems.
6
@Linda - Fine, let's pay them a middle class salary. Right now, they're in the top fifth.
2
By simply collecting the stock transfer tax that has been refunded since the Mario Cuomo administration, NY State could raise an additional $8-$10 billion in revenue. Restoring 1970s levels of taxation, especially on the 1%, would give us another $10-$12 billion. The money to fix the MTA is clearly out there - if we choose to demand our politicians take and use it.
56
Reinstate a stock transfer tax, and the stock market will leave NYS. Don't think it cannot happen. The internet makes it easy.
2
You missed the boat. Most stock is no longer traded on the NYSE and the NASDAQ, but on private exchanges located outside of NY.
3
Raising fares would help immensely but then NYC residents would be asked to pay for their own transportation.
Technology enables a lot of us to work from home. Hopefully, rush hours will eventually become obsolete.
5
Wow, that is a pretty general inaccurate overstatement. Telecommuting will not be sufficient for ailing bridges, tunnels, roads and subways. Oy veh.
many employers want their workers on site.
1
Oh, folks, calm down! Trump is going to fix ALL of this when he Makes America Great Again! And that thought leader Paul Ryan will no doubt come up with tons of great ideas to fix all of this! Key is to privatize and rename all of these subway systems Taggart Transcontinental! Because only corporations with their heroic leaders can make everything work!
22
I know your comment was in jest, but consider the Japanese rail system. It's largely owned by private corporations, and Japan's trains are the best in the world. I'm a leftist myself, but I recognize a working system when I see one. If privatization can work in Japan, why should it not be considered?
39
In the 60th anniversary reissue, due out next year, all references to Dagny Taggart will be changed to Elon Musk.
2
@Vince,
Japan's business culture is radically different from American business culture.
They develop centuries-scale business plans.
What American company is going to throw down $20-50 billion, to be recouped over a 100 year period? Not a single one.
Japan's business culture is radically different from American business culture.
They develop centuries-scale business plans.
What American company is going to throw down $20-50 billion, to be recouped over a 100 year period? Not a single one.
8
Interesting that people on both sides get bent out of shape by the "bathroom" issue which affects a microscopic portion of the population and give barely a yawn to the infrastructure literally crumbling around everyone.
297
Both sides, awink? No, radical religionists in the republican party.
No, Radical amoral and mentally ill people in the Democratic Party. Did you know that Hillary Clinton was late returning from the restroom during that debate because she refused to enter it while another woman was in there!!!! (You can look it up!) And yet my wife should be in the ladies' room with a mentally ill cross-dresser. Why hypocrisy on the left!!!!!
1
Its called diversity of opinion
At some point this general madness of smaller government and no taxes for anything really needs to be counteracted. This country is a disaster - internet, cable, airlines, airports, highways, bridges, mass transit, cities - you name it. Traveling the world its clear that other countries have managed to figure out how to have outstanding infrastructure. American exceptionalism? Heads buried in the sand choking while shouting "No new taxes!".
353
Maybe the problem is that our appetite for weapons trumps our appetite for the commonweal?
3
As I said in another comment, I'm willing to pay for taxes for things I can use,
like our buses, even if I seldom use them (I used to, before I started walking miles a day).
What I am not willing to pay for is simply giving away money to people
who don't pay the same tax rate as I do. Cut "welfare" and like things ("Head Start") and spend the money on infrastructure. That's for infrastructure spread nationally, like roads, bridges, etc.
We need a change in priority away from special givaways to poor people.
Hire them to fix potholes and dig subway tunnels!
like our buses, even if I seldom use them (I used to, before I started walking miles a day).
What I am not willing to pay for is simply giving away money to people
who don't pay the same tax rate as I do. Cut "welfare" and like things ("Head Start") and spend the money on infrastructure. That's for infrastructure spread nationally, like roads, bridges, etc.
We need a change in priority away from special givaways to poor people.
Hire them to fix potholes and dig subway tunnels!
1
As a European with regulators and other awful socialist ideas, you truly look like you're of, by and for the Corporations. We get screamed at for being commies (the UK is more free market than you) but lordy you lot really do drink that company man Cool-Aid.
2
No big surprise here--when the mantra has been for the past 40 years "GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT SPENDING IS THE PROBLEM" and investment has been cut to the bone and shifted to pure spending (military spending), It is no big surprise that infrastructure has deteriorated.
149
Love the subways, a vital part of mass transit. Which group is more likely to vote to provide funds for them, the Democrats, or the Republicans ? Vote, America !
42
Neither, if Hillary gets the nomination.
2
Where's the discussion of the out of control pension costs associated with the MBTA here in Boston? Oh, wait - that doesn't fit the narrative of the Times and that would require research and thorough reporting.
45
Whether the pension costs are punishing or not, the infrastructure still needs to be addressed, which was the point of the column. Trying to use column as a stalking horse for complaining about the T's past management or unions or pension obligations or whatever would, in fact, be the more explicit example of creating a "narrative".
3
well said. these pensions, as all for local and state govt employees, are driving these jurisdictions into bankruptcy. There are already many cities paying a third of their revenues just into pensions! This madness needs to stop!
2
The pension costs are not out of control--employees, st least in NY, contribute upwards of 8% into their pensions. Also why no mention of the exorbitant salaries the CEO are being paid.
3
Politicians are ridiculed when they raise taxes or increase deficits, but the gradual erosion of infrastructure garners little attention. It makes the political calculation easy.
14
Why should gas taxes go to fixing local mass transit? Those funds should be used to fix federal interstate highways. Money to maintain and upgrade subways should come from increasing taxes and fares on the users.
6
That's a little short sighted. If Boston prices mass transit out of reach, tens of thousands of additional cars would be fighting their way into the city each day. This would probably cost every commuter dozens or even hundreds of hours a year stuck in traffic.
In urban locations, roads and mass transit are not discrete items. They need to be treated as, funded as, and appreciated as, an ensemble. I mean, you take the subway out of NYC and that city literally could not work.
In urban locations, roads and mass transit are not discrete items. They need to be treated as, funded as, and appreciated as, an ensemble. I mean, you take the subway out of NYC and that city literally could not work.
22
Ray, gas taxes should go to mass transit because mass transit in major cities is necessary to ongoing economic growth, which benefits everyone. Most of the wealth in this country is generated in large cities, which cannot function without mass transit. Also, private cars carrying usually one or two individuals are a big contributor to greenhouse gasses which threaten all of us. Mass transit is an essential part of addressing greenhouse gasses.
14
If more people take public transit, there will be fewer cars on the road. This results in less wear and tear on highways, fewer crashes, and less traffic! And let's not forget a reduction in air pollution and the associated health effects, a reduction in greenhouse gas creation, etc. I'll happily pay an extra $2/gallon in taxes if the money is going to public transit, with the hopes that I'll eventually be able to get everywhere without driving.
125
"there is not going to be a silver bullet,” said Adie Tomer, a fellow at the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution.
There IS a silver bullet. There are two. But both are sadly lacking: vision and political will.
There IS a silver bullet. There are two. But both are sadly lacking: vision and political will.
95
Meanwhile, in northern Virginia we're about to spend billions to widen roads for people driving alone in cars. It's time to dethrone the automobile and give other forms of transportation such as trains, buses, and bikes our full attention.
313
The Mass Pike coming into Boston is undergoing a similar restoration; all so the affluent Western suburbanites can drive their oversized vehicles into the city on a straight line. Though parity and variety are essential to a balanced transportation system, toll increases on the roadways and gas taxes are a pittance when compared to the big percentage hikes in MBTA fares. The strategic and economic value of mass transit needs to be calculated to put to bed these 'rider-only' financial responsibility arguments.
1
Hmmm, Falls Church, VA, do you own a car, Dave?
By the end of 2015, the length of high-speed railway (HSR) lines in operation in China exceeded 19,000 km with nearly 10,000 km under construction.
The United States does not have ONE MILE of high-speed rail.
Beijing with a 16-line 434km metro and Shanghai with a 538.8km system of 14 lines now have by far the largest networks in the world usurping cities like New York (370km),
By the end of 2012, 17 Chinese cities excluding Hong Kong had metros in operation totaling 1980km, a staggering 370km of new line was brought into operation last year. This year a further 490km of new lines will open.
Infrastructure projects create jobs, not profit. The U.S. government is not committed to job creation, only capital concentration among its elites.
The United States does not have ONE MILE of high-speed rail.
Beijing with a 16-line 434km metro and Shanghai with a 538.8km system of 14 lines now have by far the largest networks in the world usurping cities like New York (370km),
By the end of 2012, 17 Chinese cities excluding Hong Kong had metros in operation totaling 1980km, a staggering 370km of new line was brought into operation last year. This year a further 490km of new lines will open.
Infrastructure projects create jobs, not profit. The U.S. government is not committed to job creation, only capital concentration among its elites.
145
If we paid American construction workers what China pays their construction workers, we could built tens of thousands of miles of new rail lines. Just like we did in the 19th century, when workers poured in from Europe and made next to nothing.
4
Yes and in China when a house is in the way of a HSR line, the bulldozers come in the night and level the place before you can get your stuff out. You might get a cinder block apartment half way across town that's half as big as compensation, but that's not a given.
It's easy to build when you don't care about the people around it.
It's easy to build when you don't care about the people around it.
7
They're non-profit all right. The trains run nearly empty because the average Chinese can't afford a ticket.
One basic principle of economics is that expenditure of capital is supposed to produce something that is more valuable than the money spent. That's how profit is made. If you spend billions of dollars, and get something that is of little use, then you are diminishing real wealth, not increasing it.
One basic principle of economics is that expenditure of capital is supposed to produce something that is more valuable than the money spent. That's how profit is made. If you spend billions of dollars, and get something that is of little use, then you are diminishing real wealth, not increasing it.
1
I don't think taxing motor vehicles to pay for subways is reasonable. No to increased gas taxes or tolls. And we are told that sales taxes are regressive. If everybody benefits from the subways existence, then get the revenue from general taxes, or from fare increases.
7
Absolutely! There aren't already enough cars on the road, and we have to lower gasoline taxes to make 100% sure that we face gridlock every time we leave the house. It's only fair.
11
Gas taxes pay for less than half the cost of roads. Raising the gas taxes would go toward reducing the subsidy of roads. There is a large subsidy for LIRR and Metronorth, but not the subways.
3
I guess the gridlock itself is not enough to deter folks from driving when they have mass transit available to them? I know that I would have used mass transit to get to work if it was available.
There are many places in NYS and the USA where mass transit isn't cost effective.
Why should people who cannot avail themselves to mass transit get stuck paying for it?
There are many places in NYS and the USA where mass transit isn't cost effective.
Why should people who cannot avail themselves to mass transit get stuck paying for it?
Why not address the two self-inflicted major problems for the NY subway! First the spending on current and retired personal is too high in proportion to the other operations, particularly maintenance. (that is a general problem for muni governments in the NY region). Second, the MTA refuses to use their MetroCard to base subway fares by the distance traveled! You don't pay a set fare for the LIRR or MetroNorth so why is that the case for the subway. 10 miles on the LIRR can cost 3X the fare to travel 30 miles on the subway! How is that fair!
11
The first priority is to cancel the $2.9 billion (will probably end up being more like $5.8 billion) streetcar connecting the Brooklyn and Queens waterfront. There is absolutely no reason to squander billions that should be put to repairs and maintenance.
If you want to connect these areas, use something that has been around for 100 years - buses.
If you want to connect these areas, use something that has been around for 100 years - buses.
24
Why? Because, of course, our governing system is broken, just like the transit systems.
Cut taxes and spend more on the military, that leaves no money for infrastructure.
This is an effort to defund many of the public services and then turn over to private entities who will reap the profits.
Cut taxes and spend more on the military, that leaves no money for infrastructure.
This is an effort to defund many of the public services and then turn over to private entities who will reap the profits.
45
Why? Must be those Republican tax cuts working their magic again.
28
You are blaming Republicans for the bloated pensions of MTA employees. But then again, I guess Republicans get blamed for everything.
8
I expect our public agencies to - at most - put a band-aid over the problem.
There are third world countries with better infrastructure than what we have. It's uncanny that we have allowed the country's infrastructure to deteriorate to the point that it has. From our trains to our roads to our grids to our airports (every other country in the world can move people through airport security exponentially faster than we can), everything has decayed to the point of absurdity. A truly mediocre country we have become.
There are third world countries with better infrastructure than what we have. It's uncanny that we have allowed the country's infrastructure to deteriorate to the point that it has. From our trains to our roads to our grids to our airports (every other country in the world can move people through airport security exponentially faster than we can), everything has decayed to the point of absurdity. A truly mediocre country we have become.
75
Yeah but we have more aircraft carriers than anyone else! Number one, number one, number one!
1
Problem: Republicans. Solutiion: Get rid of them all.
291
How's that working in Chicago and Detroit? You have it backwards.
7
Problem: politicians lining their pockets and making alliances for their out of office future employment. Solution: change the law that allows them to vote their own pay raises, charge them market rates for all their free perks (gym haircuts etc).
3
Yes, that will definitely fix our pension crisis, which was setup by liberal Democrats. And Obama did have a Democratic Congress for his first two years. Two bad he squandered it on Obamacare, a failed system that will completely blow up in the next five years.
2
I do not pretend to have any first hand knowledge about either the financial or operational management of any of the transit systems profiled in this article. What I am familiar with is an ideology that can best be described as "magical thinking" that has become pervasive across America during the past three decades. It is the idea that public services are less important than private investment opportunities, that corporate values eist on a higher plane than human values, and that taxes are somehow not necessary in order to maintain the operations of public entities that are financed by ... wait for it ...taxes. Both Republican and Democratic administrations (yes Bill and Obama, I'm looking at you too) have intentionally eschewed major investments in public infrastructure and while those chickens have not yet come home to roost, you can see them flying around the farm. Remember TANSTAFL? The idea that "there ain't no such thing as a free lunch?" Well, that applies to all manner of public institutions. If we as a nation desire effective, dependable, and affordable public transportation, then these systems will need to funded with hundreds of billions of dollars. Or we could use that money for another unnecessary, stupid, disastrous failed war in the Middle East.
178
Obama did call for major spending on infrastructure, and the establishment of an infrastructure bank. Guess who stopped that? http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/25/us/politics/25build.html
3
We can't afford to fix the subways. Heaven forbid! We need that money to start another war.
228
...or build another football or baseball stadium that is mostly publicly funded.
In DC, the republican controlled congress manages the purse strings. They even attempt to prevent the District government from spending tax $money paid by DC residents. The Mayor, current and past need a constant and on-going infrastructure fund for mass transportation maintenance and development. But, it has been and will continue to be thwarted by republicans.
Keep in mind, President Obama proposed an Infrastructure Development Bank. But, republicans killed it by asserting we are a debtor nation and can't afford it. But, the same republicans approve the DoD budget, no problem.
Keep in mind, President Obama proposed an Infrastructure Development Bank. But, republicans killed it by asserting we are a debtor nation and can't afford it. But, the same republicans approve the DoD budget, no problem.
130
"President Obama proposed an Infrastructure Development Bank. But, republicans killed it by asserting we are a debtor nation and can't afford it. "
The democrats demand that all infrastructure work be done only by "prevailing wage" union members who would then kickback most of their union dues to the democrats. Is there any wonder that the GOP would oppose such a scheme that gives union kickbacks to the democrats?
The democrats demand that all infrastructure work be done only by "prevailing wage" union members who would then kickback most of their union dues to the democrats. Is there any wonder that the GOP would oppose such a scheme that gives union kickbacks to the democrats?
4
@Charles W. - Please show me evidence of a "scheme that gives union kickbacks to the democrats". Unions normally are organized to do their best for their working members. That does not include "kickbacks", which are payments made by businesses to those with power to direct which company gets the work. Citizens United is an example of quid pro quo kickbacks by business to politicians.
By the way, "prevailing wage" is a state issue determined - in this state - by a survey of the wages actually paid by contractors. Federal wage requirements are called "Davis-Bacon".
By the way, "prevailing wage" is a state issue determined - in this state - by a survey of the wages actually paid by contractors. Federal wage requirements are called "Davis-Bacon".
4
Right, let's pay workers minimum wage. Kill what is left of the unions so workers have no bargaining power. Elect Republicans so that we become a minimum wage country.
4
Most investments went into salaries and entitlements sorry to say. There was little thought of the services we were being taxed for. We now may not have enough money to pay for all those entitlements either. What a shame. Seems no one has a magic wand to fix this.
13
Every discussion of the problems with these systems begins with the trope of their age. Sure the T began in 1897 but with a short tunnel between Boylston and Park Streets but the reality is the system developed over the ensuing century. Some parts of the Boston system are only 30 years old and the same is true for DC which began in 1976 with a four stop Red Line with a system developing over two decades. The cause of today's woes is inadequate on-going maintenance and lack of critical capital reinvestment as well as poor capital decisions such as Boston's Silver Line, inadequate from the day it opened or the recent $88 Million dollar remodel of the Government Center Station. Boston has five lines (if one is generous to call the Silver Line a real line) and each uses different technology, gauges, equipment and power. None of it is interchageable. The Blue Line changes power source mid-route. And running 35 and 40 year old equipment on the Red and Orange lines is the cause of the daily headaches and delays. New equipment may be on the way in five years with luck but the lack of planning and foresight, perhaps laregely due to unrealistic capital funding along with poor spending choices, that allowed this old equipment to stay in service is the real culprit and riders will be paying for that for a decade at least.
42
In a word, Americans and the leaders they elect are cheap. It didn't use to be that way.
2
bullmoose, they just don't want to pay 50% (and more ) of their incomes to finance things like this. They are just so cheap.
San Francisco is spending $1.5 billion building a short underground MUNI streetcar line to nowhere solely as political payback to powerful Chinatown interests. Only tourists will use it. Meanwhile, the MUNI streetcar lines that San Franciscans use to go to work are crumbling, the stations are filthy, and the streetcars themselves are falling apart. It is City Hall's fault that public infrastructure falls apart. When will our politicians be held accountable?
Here's an idea- stop spending billions in the Mid-East fighting wars locals don't want our help with and spend that hard earned tax payer money here- in our country on infrastructure; schools; training programs for our un-employed.
429
Unionized, dis-proportionally also minority-composed workforce and additional inefficiencies caused by minority-owned set-asides contracts worth billions, poor professional and craftsmanship skills of such workforce, plus layers upon layers of EEOC and other "compliance" agenda are sinking billions into labor cost and operational expenses which no system can long term bear.
The future of urban transportation is not going to be met with "hypertubes" or flying cars. Boring "old" trains still have a critical role to play in moving tens of thousands of people everyday.
57
Right, one is already on its way in the west coast, the "hyper tubes," I find it alarming and dangerous. Meanwhile, Japan is building "Shinkansen," an outstanding bullet train...
Make that tens of millions of people, all found in major cities, where costs for public transportation is a fraction of what it is to allow individuals to use cars and have safe roads.
That said, millions more do in fact use our roads and they are literally falling apart. A really scary thing to do is drive about 50 miles north of NYC at night in the rain--you can't see the edges of the road because the painted lines are all but worn away. I'm guessing that means such roads haven't received any attention in at least 20 years.
As a country, we need to start spending our money differently. It's time for us to scale back spending on outrageously expensive, barely functional military hardware and put it into our infrastructure.
That said, millions more do in fact use our roads and they are literally falling apart. A really scary thing to do is drive about 50 miles north of NYC at night in the rain--you can't see the edges of the road because the painted lines are all but worn away. I'm guessing that means such roads haven't received any attention in at least 20 years.
As a country, we need to start spending our money differently. It's time for us to scale back spending on outrageously expensive, barely functional military hardware and put it into our infrastructure.
Yesterday, I made it home on the DC metro without being robbed, stabbed, attacked by mob, shot, murdered, or raped. In addition, the train did not get stuck in a tunnel, catch fire, jump the track, or fill with smoke. I consider that a good day. Now, wish me luck for today!
15
What a load of paranoid babble are you posting here? Perhaps a change of locale would ease your fears.
10
You're hysterical, and correct.
3
That's no paranoid babble. I'm lucky I can telework, but I do have to pick my daughter up from the Metro. The above incidents have happened in the past year during daylight. I was absolutely chuffed when my daughter actually arrived at Largo Station yesterday, without an unexpected delay!
2
But it is far better than Mumbai still. Same mistake that Mumbai train department of Indian Railways did now US is doing maintenance is costly so avoid it till it becomes non repairable. Real reason, at least in India is- Maintenance has less chance of "%" while a new thing project means trip to Japan or other Europe country- study tours appointing a foreign consultant( Who sub contracts to some relative of a politician= "%" I think this is not motive in USA( My naive assumption) so please what happened happened spend money on worst tracks, do timely maintenance on bad ones and keep good maintened tracks etc. Som one says automation no two engineers( In India term he is motorman) sorry do keep two drivers( engineers or whatever term one uses. One at front one at back.Safety. Say someone in a train accident charges of man slaughter for his keen died in an accident?