There are almost 3 million Russian Americans in this country. I'm more worried about the collusion between the media and the pentagon.
It was definitely illegal years ago. A friend of mine was ticketed for swiping someone in (who had asked them to) @ the Nostrand Ave G stop but that was 10 years ago. Perhaps the MTA bylaws have changed since?
2
Always happy to give a swipe with my unlimited when I exit the subway. The more the merrier.
2
I always swipe if someone asks -- usually in BK. But I don't get asked that often - maybe once every other month. Often times they are waiting there for quite some time. I applaud their patience. If they are looking for a swipe - chances are they are not as financially stable as I am. What's wrong with paying it forward? Robin Hood!
2
SUBWAY SONG
(To the tune of The Wheels of the Bus)
The wheels on the train go grind and grind,
Grind and grind, grind and grind,
The wheels on the train go grind and grind,
Driving all out of mind.
The buskers on the train go on and on,
On and on, on and on,
The buskers on the train go on and on,
Driving some folks off.
The phones on the train go click, click, click,
On and on, on and on,
The phones on the train go click, click, click,
Tweeting twitty news.
Newspapers fall down on the floor,
On the floor, on the floor,
Newspapers fall down on the floor--
Seniors nodding off.
Pickpockets eye the passengers.
Passenger, passengers,
Pickpockets eye the passengers,
Plucking here and there.
Cops watch the thieves so clos-e-ly,
Clos-e-ly, clos-e-ly,
Cops watch the thieves so clos-e-ly,
Collaring a few.
The engineer stays on the tracks,
On the tracks, on the tracks,
The engineer stays on the tracks
Trying to stay awake.
The old folks shiver on the train
On the train, on the train,
The old folks shiver on the train,
Cursing the A.C.
The children are on their way to school,
Way to school, way to school,
The children are on their way to school,
Giggling till their stop.
The passengers get off the train,
Off the train, off the train,
The passengers get off the train,
Sighing with relief.
(To the tune of The Wheels of the Bus)
The wheels on the train go grind and grind,
Grind and grind, grind and grind,
The wheels on the train go grind and grind,
Driving all out of mind.
The buskers on the train go on and on,
On and on, on and on,
The buskers on the train go on and on,
Driving some folks off.
The phones on the train go click, click, click,
On and on, on and on,
The phones on the train go click, click, click,
Tweeting twitty news.
Newspapers fall down on the floor,
On the floor, on the floor,
Newspapers fall down on the floor--
Seniors nodding off.
Pickpockets eye the passengers.
Passenger, passengers,
Pickpockets eye the passengers,
Plucking here and there.
Cops watch the thieves so clos-e-ly,
Clos-e-ly, clos-e-ly,
Cops watch the thieves so clos-e-ly,
Collaring a few.
The engineer stays on the tracks,
On the tracks, on the tracks,
The engineer stays on the tracks
Trying to stay awake.
The old folks shiver on the train
On the train, on the train,
The old folks shiver on the train,
Cursing the A.C.
The children are on their way to school,
Way to school, way to school,
The children are on their way to school,
Giggling till their stop.
The passengers get off the train,
Off the train, off the train,
The passengers get off the train,
Sighing with relief.
1
Talk about serendipity. Reporting on Julius & Etherl Rosenberg and Preet Bharara on the same page -- it seems historical events actually do have a cunning way of repeating themselves.
And while on the subject, New York may be one hot bed of spies, but I lived in the other one. Berlin.
Which is why unlike most, I have no illusions about what is happening now, and know for a fact the Cold War never ended --Even though the Wall came down, the game is still afoot!
And while on the subject, New York may be one hot bed of spies, but I lived in the other one. Berlin.
Which is why unlike most, I have no illusions about what is happening now, and know for a fact the Cold War never ended --Even though the Wall came down, the game is still afoot!
1
Your caption under the picture of the Rosenbergs quoted their sons, but did not state that after the "thaw' with Russia, Russian records showed they were guilty as charged. This is more important than the sons' false allegations.
2
As Putin's checkered past with the KGB evolves into his master chess moves of compromat and disinformation, we bare witness to a drama of epic proportions.
That it happened mainly in New York City explains a lot.
New Yorkers owe us a general strike calling for a new election.
Sorry , I kid the New Yorkers. They are reputed to have an excellent sense of humor. But maybe...?
That it happened mainly in New York City explains a lot.
New Yorkers owe us a general strike calling for a new election.
Sorry , I kid the New Yorkers. They are reputed to have an excellent sense of humor. But maybe...?
1
You should absolutely swipe people in if you have an unlimited pass. It doesn't cost you anything! New York doesn't offer a reduced fare card. You think someone who can easily afford transit is just going to stand around waiting for someone to swipe them in? Do you think they enjoy it? No, someone is standing there hoping to be swiped in because they don't have 5.50 to get where they need to go. Help them out. It is absolutely the moral choice. If the MTA needs more money, and I believe they do, the right place to get it is not poor or working class New Yorkers.
1
Confirmation was received yesterday from both MTA and NYPD that swiping someone in with an unlimited Metrocard is legal. When pressed by media due to the SIF action, the MTA issued an official statement on it.
This is significant news, considering that the SIF action was able to "establish law" over ambiguous language in a way that usually requires litigation. I think this speaks to the power of a people united, which has been increasingly needed during these times of struggle.
*It's just key to note that, though swiping someone in for free is technically 100% legal, that does not make you 100% safe from police harassment, which we were again reminded of in multiple instances of suppression during our action yesterday. Please do so at your discretion of your position in society and awareness of who NYPD typically targets. Just know that when you're seen doing this, you're sending a message to your community of not only compassion, but that you don't stand for predatory practices or the continued criminalization and exploitation of the poor. In solidarity.
This is significant news, considering that the SIF action was able to "establish law" over ambiguous language in a way that usually requires litigation. I think this speaks to the power of a people united, which has been increasingly needed during these times of struggle.
*It's just key to note that, though swiping someone in for free is technically 100% legal, that does not make you 100% safe from police harassment, which we were again reminded of in multiple instances of suppression during our action yesterday. Please do so at your discretion of your position in society and awareness of who NYPD typically targets. Just know that when you're seen doing this, you're sending a message to your community of not only compassion, but that you don't stand for predatory practices or the continued criminalization and exploitation of the poor. In solidarity.
2
I ALWAYS swipe. It's the kind, decent and generous thing to do.
1
Swiping someone in defeats the purpose of having subway fares, that is, to pay (or at least offset some of the cost) for the maintenance and improvement of the system. The more people that swipe in, the less income for MTA, requiring them to raise the fares, causing more people to swipe in and sending the funding into a death spiral. People seem clueless as to where the funds come from to pay for this service. If you want free fares and social justice, then the only way to meet the expenses is for increased government subsidies, which means higher taxes. I would be fine with that, but I think many taxpayers, including those who are abusing the system, would not.
BTW, try living on the West Coast, where public transportation is poorly funded and inefficient. In order to get anywhere in a reasonable amount of time, you need to have a car, with the attendant costs and burdens. I long to have a transportation system that works, a feature of many great cities around the world but not often found in the US.
BTW, try living on the West Coast, where public transportation is poorly funded and inefficient. In order to get anywhere in a reasonable amount of time, you need to have a car, with the attendant costs and burdens. I long to have a transportation system that works, a feature of many great cities around the world but not often found in the US.
If the MTA allows and has budgeted for free swipes, why are you - not living in NYC, no less - so intent on criticizing the widespread practice of New Yorkers taking care of fellow New Yorkers? Given that the MTA permits sharing a swipe from an unlimited card, why are YOU doubling-down on the finger wagging?
Since your concerns appear to lie with taxpayers (which would likely include people needing free rides), consider this: NYC taxpayers pay $50 million a year to arrest people for jumping turnstiles. It would cost those same NYC taxpayers $8 million LESS to give away free year-long unlimited metrocards to the arrestees. How's that for inefficient (not to mention unethical) use of taxpayer funds? Not so good, right?
So, by swiping in a person in need, NYC taxpayers are saving themselves money! They are also preventing a predatory arrest (92% of those arrested are Black or Latinx, even though everyone fare-beats) or an unaffordable ticket. (Taxpayer savings, by the way, would be significantly higher if NYPD reduced its size by stopping (or even curbing) arrests and summons for fare-beating. It is the #1 arrest in NYC. Let's think about all the better, more productive uses for taxpayer dollars than an overstuffed police force!)
These are among the reasons why real New Yorkers #swipeitforward.
Since your concerns appear to lie with taxpayers (which would likely include people needing free rides), consider this: NYC taxpayers pay $50 million a year to arrest people for jumping turnstiles. It would cost those same NYC taxpayers $8 million LESS to give away free year-long unlimited metrocards to the arrestees. How's that for inefficient (not to mention unethical) use of taxpayer funds? Not so good, right?
So, by swiping in a person in need, NYC taxpayers are saving themselves money! They are also preventing a predatory arrest (92% of those arrested are Black or Latinx, even though everyone fare-beats) or an unaffordable ticket. (Taxpayer savings, by the way, would be significantly higher if NYPD reduced its size by stopping (or even curbing) arrests and summons for fare-beating. It is the #1 arrest in NYC. Let's think about all the better, more productive uses for taxpayer dollars than an overstuffed police force!)
These are among the reasons why real New Yorkers #swipeitforward.
1
Remember that the Rosenbergs were accused of giving secrets to the Soviets at a time when they were still our allies.
As the whole U.S. government supplied massive amounts of military equipment and other aid to the Soviet Union between 1942 and 1945, I guess one could say everyone involved in that was a Soviet agent.
As the whole U.S. government supplied massive amounts of military equipment and other aid to the Soviet Union between 1942 and 1945, I guess one could say everyone involved in that was a Soviet agent.
1
Nets plow Pistons
when stalin was informed of the creation of the U. N. in San Francisco
( 1948 ) and advised to get it located in Moscow he said no,, its better
in New York,,we can conduct much more espionage.
( 1948 ) and advised to get it located in Moscow he said no,, its better
in New York,,we can conduct much more espionage.
7
"As part of the mayor’s Vision Zero campaign, the city will break ground on a project to make more crosswalks, medians and bike lanes — and to make them safer."
Medians are good things when they don't make it hard for fire trucks and ambulances to get from one place to the other; those bump-outs at corners make it difficult for them to make turns. Speed and red-light cameras, with hefty fines and cars impounded after a certain number of violations, would do a lot more to keep everyone safe. I know that it's the state that needs to approve those, but Mr. de Blasio can do more to urge lawmakers in that direction.
Somehow, people think that such devices disproportionately affect the poor. What can that possibly mean? People who do not want to pay fines need to slow down, that's all.
Mr. de Blasio can visit Coney Island Avenue and the cross streets that are now being used as speedways and see for himself what drivers are getting away with.
(In addition, Mr. de Blasio might rethink his criteria in appointing judges. The one he appointed last year -- an adjunct somebody from somewhere -- didn't have much on the ball, I guess -- freeing the man who stole an ambulance and murdered the EMT last week.)
Medians are good things when they don't make it hard for fire trucks and ambulances to get from one place to the other; those bump-outs at corners make it difficult for them to make turns. Speed and red-light cameras, with hefty fines and cars impounded after a certain number of violations, would do a lot more to keep everyone safe. I know that it's the state that needs to approve those, but Mr. de Blasio can do more to urge lawmakers in that direction.
Somehow, people think that such devices disproportionately affect the poor. What can that possibly mean? People who do not want to pay fines need to slow down, that's all.
Mr. de Blasio can visit Coney Island Avenue and the cross streets that are now being used as speedways and see for himself what drivers are getting away with.
(In addition, Mr. de Blasio might rethink his criteria in appointing judges. The one he appointed last year -- an adjunct somebody from somewhere -- didn't have much on the ball, I guess -- freeing the man who stole an ambulance and murdered the EMT last week.)
6
Medians and bump-outs are separate things, of course; I didn't mean to conflate them. I should have added an "and" after the semicolon.
Even I agree with you; I think there should be speeding cameras everywhere or as part of and automobiles basic " operating system"… Imagine that your own car sending you a ticket in the mail!
In my old stop at 125th, ABDC, there was always someone asking for a swipe as I got off to head home. I always happily shared my unlimited. Now is Astoria this doesn't happen much but I'm always happy to share. Sharing is caring!
7
You do realize that in doing so, you are depriving the transit system of funds needed to keep it running. If everyone did as you did, revenue would drop and there would be much less money for maintenance and upgrades.
1
tanstaafl:
Did it occur to you that the individuals requesting the swipe can't easily afford the fare? Otherwise, why would an adult put himself or herself through that? The loss to the MTA is minimal. I'd rather see them get swiped than jump the turnstile, as young men tend to do.
I usually don't swipe people. I don't often buy unlimited cards because of the cost and I can't afford it to give away my regularly-priced rides. In addition, some people making the request are too aggressive. But if I could afford it and the person was polite I probably would.
Did it occur to you that the individuals requesting the swipe can't easily afford the fare? Otherwise, why would an adult put himself or herself through that? The loss to the MTA is minimal. I'd rather see them get swiped than jump the turnstile, as young men tend to do.
I usually don't swipe people. I don't often buy unlimited cards because of the cost and I can't afford it to give away my regularly-priced rides. In addition, some people making the request are too aggressive. But if I could afford it and the person was polite I probably would.
2
Tanstaafl from California: Real New Yorkers, like Daisy, swipe it forward. Your deep sympathy for a corporation is particularly dystopian, when that corporation, MTA, itself permits people to swipe in their fellow NYers. Do you realize that Daisy, and others like her, is legally helping others to get to work, school, medical appointments, and the like? Do you realize that if people like Daisy did not legally step up for people in need, those people risk arrest for not having the $2.75 fare? Do you realize that each such arrest cost taxpayers $1,750 (again for a $2.75 "crime")? Do you realize that the 30,000 annual arrests for fare-beating in NYC cost $50m - an amount that far exceeds the cost of giving away metrocards to all arrestees for a full year? Do you realize that 92% of fare-beating arrestees are black or Latinx, even though everyone jumps turnstiles? All this is why real New Yorkers swipe it forward.
2
I swipe people all the time. When I exit the subway, I'm looking for people who need a swipe. I'd love for my card to be swiped every 18 minutes.
13
I was visibly showing my frustration when swiping a Metro card in the subway one day when a lovely stranger swiped me in with his card. One of the nicest things a stranger has ever done for me. A nice payback for the many times I've been asked to give directions to subway travelers. Which I'm always happy to do.
11
My memorable NYC spy vs. spy moment was walking down an east side street on a fall day. Scrawled on a wall in chalk was a message: "FBI on the corner." Mystery and intrigue.
9
It certainly feels wrong. How can it be legal? Maybe that's why MTA is insolvent.
5
Swipe someone else? what! Do it all the time!
7
And it probably speeds up the process – especially when people are in a hurry. Although I'll never understand that Time warp thing with "swiping it forward": How is it possible to pay for the person it's already in front of you… Hmmm?
Why mention the inspiration for "The Americans," yet omit the fact that the Rudolf Abel case was the basis of the movie, "Bridge of Spies?"
13
Right. And why repeat the canard that Abel was caught because a newsboy found a nickel-- that was the FBIs PR,while in truth, he was turned in by a defector.
This article only continues a negative anti Russian dialogue that must be changed. We cannot blame all of our nations problems on Russia.
3
Certainly we shouldn't blame Russia for everything, but Russia is trying to subvert our businesses and democracy through hacking, suppresses dissent in Russia, is trying destroy the EU and destabilize Ukraine, has violated missile treaties we have with them, engaged in provocative military exercises in the Baltic, and backs the brutal Assad regime in Syria.
18
Back in the day, I used to pay the toll for the car behind me. I've been sad to know this is no longer possible as the pass through tolls are now becoming commonplace.
Swiping your card is the new pay for the car behind you in the toll booth.
Swiping your card is the new pay for the car behind you in the toll booth.
9
The difference being, the joy in paying it forward at the toll or the drive through comes from how unexpected it is to the next driver, and the potential for good will chains. Free swipes tend to go to folks who ask (illegally, apparently) for them; I've never seen someone swipe in a commuter who had their own card out and ready.
Are we sure swiping it forward is legal? If so:
Tune of "Smile"
Swipe though some feel it's stealing
Swipe just because you're reeling
How they imposed the new price
Was not nice.
Swipe 'cause you know you wanna
Swipe and maybe manana
You'll find a stranger will come through
For you
Nothing illegal in it
Count off that 18th minute
I bet that cop will not tell you to stop.
Take a swipe at the careless spending
Waste that seems neverending
The MTA won't hear your gripe
So you just swipe. (if it's legal)
Tune of "Smile"
Swipe though some feel it's stealing
Swipe just because you're reeling
How they imposed the new price
Was not nice.
Swipe 'cause you know you wanna
Swipe and maybe manana
You'll find a stranger will come through
For you
Nothing illegal in it
Count off that 18th minute
I bet that cop will not tell you to stop.
Take a swipe at the careless spending
Waste that seems neverending
The MTA won't hear your gripe
So you just swipe. (if it's legal)
27
Yes I would swipe someone through. One night very late I was catching the N train back to Brooklyn and as the train pulled up and discharged passengers I kept getting the "swipe again at this turnstile" message. A kind man swiped me through and I made the train, so I would definitely pass the good karma on, provided I had an unlimited card.
16
Yes, I always swipe people into the subway if I can. If I'm exiting to go on the bus I use my metro card for the bus transfer (or else I'd have to wake 18 minutes), but if I can walk instead I'll swipe someone in. With an unlimited there is no reason to not swipe someone. If I needed a swipe I'd appreciate it if someone helped me out, so why not do the same?
20
You actually can swipe someone in and still it use it right away at the bus station - you just can't use it on the same bus line/subway station without waiting 18 minutes. I do it all the time.
9
@Marie, not exactly, for an unlimited card, you can use at the same bus station but not on the same bus/line direction for 18 mins.
Can someone confirm if swiping someone is, in fact, legal? I was certain it was not.
I'd swipe people every chance I get.
I'd swipe people every chance I get.
14
Not illegal, just undocumented and definitely non-violent. Get with the program and go for it.
7