That mayor has absolutely no jurisdiction on the MTA since it was transferred over to the state in 1965, so your point is moot here, plus you should be talking about the governor, who is responsible for the MTA since taking it over since then.
All the major cities in the U.S. are becoming over-populated with infrastructure that can't support the increased volume. As city governments grapple with catching-up (because in the U.S. our governments can't seem to prepare in anticipation of problems), employers would do a lot to help reduce the burden by staggering work hours. There's no longer a need for the arbitrary rush of 9 am - 6 pm.
1
The bizarre thing about this piece is that the infrastructure has been declining for decades. It's not a surprise or an acute act of nature - it's right in front of your face. So the real question must be, with taxes as high as they are in NY (not just NYC), how is it possible that there is no money or plan?
As always, follow the money. What costs $1, costs the city $10 as they either don't bid (corruption?) or accept a bid only to find the actual cost is >3x more than the bid. On top of that, government officials waste money constantly - on themselves and on their donors (corruption of bid process?). Then we have the unions. No work of any kind (save being a nanny) can be done by non-union people. GA workers went to NY after Sandy to volunteer or work for low rates to help the city, but the unions had a fit. And stopped most, lengthening the fix time and increasing the costs, and those that remained had to sign a doc that they would not work for less than the union rate.
So in the end, I guess the governor, the mayor, and the residents all own a piece of this massive waste and loss of infrastructure competence. Really sad what has happened to NY in the last 2 decades.
As always, follow the money. What costs $1, costs the city $10 as they either don't bid (corruption?) or accept a bid only to find the actual cost is >3x more than the bid. On top of that, government officials waste money constantly - on themselves and on their donors (corruption of bid process?). Then we have the unions. No work of any kind (save being a nanny) can be done by non-union people. GA workers went to NY after Sandy to volunteer or work for low rates to help the city, but the unions had a fit. And stopped most, lengthening the fix time and increasing the costs, and those that remained had to sign a doc that they would not work for less than the union rate.
So in the end, I guess the governor, the mayor, and the residents all own a piece of this massive waste and loss of infrastructure competence. Really sad what has happened to NY in the last 2 decades.
My daily commute has been a nightmare, worse lately than ever before. Some mornings it's a battle to travel from Bed-Stuy to Chelsea - I can't be counted on to make a morning meeting because of how unpredictable the journey is. A typical 50 minute commute can become twice as long without warning.
I'm not a litigious person, but I lost my job as a result of consistent lateness I would gleefully sue the MTA. Is there legal ground for that? I have no clue but it's a fun daydream.
I'm not a litigious person, but I lost my job as a result of consistent lateness I would gleefully sue the MTA. Is there legal ground for that? I have no clue but it's a fun daydream.
Oh gosh. Atomic typo in my post above. "IF I lost my job". IF!
2
Why invest in infrastructures, we are already number one, aren't we?
(but we are going down... SHAME.)
(but we are going down... SHAME.)
I am glad we finally have a comprehensive article about Gov. Cuomo's failure to act regarding the MTA. He is truly sleep on the job. Trump fooled the country, but not NYC, when he ran for president. Cuomo will not fool any of us if he decides to run.
This is what happens when you have a State sponsored monopoly. Authorities are a modern scourge.
1
We were long-time New Yorkers, but eventually we realized just how depressed it was making us to have to deal with the MTA every single day of our lives. Let's be honest, only those who HAVE to take the MTA take it. The more privileged opt for taxis or car services. Everywhere we travelled, the mass transit was superior to the MTA. New Yorkers deserve better. Once we left NYC, we were much happier; mornings are simply less stressful. We hope you will escape and be happy, too.
1
New Yorkers should realize by now that Andrew "muscle cars" has no real interest or concern for our deteriorating subways.
1
The only solution is to build more lines. There are plenty of ROWs located in the outer boroughs to expand service. And new trunk lines are needed in Manhattan. And to fund this expansion we need to bring back the commuter tax.
And we need elected officials with a spine.
And we need elected officials with a spine.
2
At the end of the 3 line you have a train station that was flooded during the Sandy Storm, and no efforts have been made for preventive measurements in case another big storm comes. The train station is NOT handicap accessible. What is even more amazing is the local Assembly Member has had his district office steps away from this train station for a couple of decades. Does anyone know what Assembly Member Denny Farrell has done in all his years in office to advocate for better train travel for his constituents? What exactly does the transportation committee of the NY State Assembly, State Senate and City Council have to say about our transportation woes in NY?
The MTA run trains throughout the metro area. It needs more money. Why is the subway the only part with a fare NOT based on distance traveled? Every modern subway in the world bases fares that way! Simply swipe at entry and exit like in DC! Why should a trip from Woodlawn to Coney Island cost the same as a two stop trip uptown? And if the MTA wants to give income based discounts for poorer New Yorker's that could still be done!
3
Manhattan is a high income borough. Its residents can generally afford to pay for short trips within Manhattan and subsidize the people coming in from the other boroughs.
Reading this article makes me glad I left NYC, although I feel badly for my fellow New Yorkers who still have to ride the subway on a daily basis. My stop was 181st Street on the A train and I commuted daily to either 17th and 2nd Ave or 68th and York. I just couldn't take it anymore and, over time, I became very unhappy. I didn't think a seemingly small thing like daily commuting could impact my quality of life so much, but it did. I had to leave at least an hour and fifteen minutes to get to work on time. Sometimes, it took even if I was going to the UES. Although many people made a concerted effort to be civil, some individuals were so mean and obnoxious when the subways and busses were packed.
I left in 2015 and, after not having a car for 10 years, I now drive to work and it takes me 15 minutes max, sometimes 10 on a good day. Small things like a short commute have drastically changed my quality of life for the better. I thought about leaving NYC for 3 years before I did it and there are things I miss, but riding the subway is not one of them. Overall, I have less stress and more peace.
I will always love NYC but I had to cut the cord because living there was no longer working for me; my daily commute was one of the reasons I left.
I left in 2015 and, after not having a car for 10 years, I now drive to work and it takes me 15 minutes max, sometimes 10 on a good day. Small things like a short commute have drastically changed my quality of life for the better. I thought about leaving NYC for 3 years before I did it and there are things I miss, but riding the subway is not one of them. Overall, I have less stress and more peace.
I will always love NYC but I had to cut the cord because living there was no longer working for me; my daily commute was one of the reasons I left.
4
You should have considered finding an apartment on the East side to cut down your commute time. Would have made you much happier
1
Michael Tuckman:
Apartment rents in the neighborhood around 181st Street are much cheaper than Eastside apartments.
Apartment rents in the neighborhood around 181st Street are much cheaper than Eastside apartments.
Subway service is unacceptable, especially considering the fares. The deterioration of service has been drastic over the past ten years or so. If neither the mayor or the governor feels a sense of urgency about this issue, maybe it's time to support challengers from within the Democratic party who do.
Don't you get it? Most subway fares in NYC are too low for the distance traveled! Technology allows NYC to follow every other major urban system and base fares on distance! That would provide needed revenue to fixing the system!
1
Personally I would think that instead of using state money to give free tuition to kids whose parents make $125,000.00 per year it would have been better spent on getting the people who pay taxes in the state to work on time. Also, just think of it, those parents no longer have to put money in to 529s because their kids get free tuition. It makes no sense.
Maybe the millions being spent on the bridge lighting project could be better spent on bridge or transit improvements? Do we really need a disco show on the bridges? How about it be privately funded like every other major bridge lighting project across the country (Bay Bridge San Francisco)? Why does NYS have to pick up the tab? And why so quick? Who is paying those contractors what is surely a premium to "rush" the installation? A lighting project surely doesn't seem "critical" to me. Just saying.
1
The Bloomberg Administration rezoned large portions of our City to build high density housing along Subway lines. Now the Subways don't work. We are stuck with too many buildings (40,000), too many people, and congested streets. Uber anyone?
1
Even better - a bicycle!
1
Excellent article. The subway should be the most progressive issue there is. It is egalitarian, environmental, and essential to the existence of NYC. These 2 clowns are just not car guys. BTW, the mayor just handed out 50,000 parking permits like candy to Department of Education employees; that means more cars, more pollution, more traffic. http://nypost.com/2017/05/12/de-blasio-grants-thousands-of-parking-permi...
De Blasio's criminal disdain for the plight of New York City's straphangers is reason enough to vote him out of office. What an indictment of our craven political class that not one viable politician was willing to come forward this yer to challenge him, preferring to wait for term limits to do the job for them, knowing full well that this mayor is not up to the task of leading this great city. All of them--Scott Stringer, Dan Garodnick, Tish James--is a profile in cowardice.
I love the people making excuses for the MTA. Transfering from the R train to the L at Union Square, there is little room to walk. And the MTA puts a bench and a garbage can right in the path where people can barely walk its so crowded. Pure stupidity.
I take the B62 bus to work. Bedford Ave. and Manhattan Ave. have parking on both sides. 50% of the time the buses can barely move. Stupidity. Then we have to listen to stupid ideas like a Trolley when they can't even fix the bus route. Eliminate one side of parking. Make a designated bus lane. Put buses on another route alongside. Something. DO SOMETHING MTA. WAKE UP.
I take the B62 bus to work. Bedford Ave. and Manhattan Ave. have parking on both sides. 50% of the time the buses can barely move. Stupidity. Then we have to listen to stupid ideas like a Trolley when they can't even fix the bus route. Eliminate one side of parking. Make a designated bus lane. Put buses on another route alongside. Something. DO SOMETHING MTA. WAKE UP.
2
The New York City subway and elevated systems is the most complex in the world. Its complexity originates in its size and the fact that the various routes are intermingled on the same tracks whereas in Paris and Washington, DC, for example, each route operates on its own dedicated tracks. Thus a delay or problem on one route does not impact the other routes. Aside from the signalling and safety systems as well as the operational infrastructure, MTA could present a few gifts to the long suffering citizens of the Big Apple. First, of course, make the trains run on time. But beyond this, introduce escalators to replace staircases throughout the system's stations. And reconfigure the interiors of the cars so that seats are perpendicular to the windows and that only two people can be seated in the seats. I am old enough to remember the old IND, IRT and BMT divisions in which many seats were at right angles to the windows and were covered with rattan.. The old BMT trains were enormous with plenty of seats and lots of standing room. The current car configurations with the two long benches on each side, for me, demonstrates a disgraceful contempt of the City's citizens and the tourists who come to New York.
1
The old A/cC/J/Z trains actually have more seats than the trains you described. They have even more seating space than the newer, electronic trains, and they're wider as well.
As a small city dweller I read this with bemusement.
Liberals claim big cities are the places of success and happiness. They claim they're THE place to be for the "in" crowd. And they also claim big government is the answer to all problems, more efficient than private companies, etc.
And yet you have this giant mess, and not a credible fix in sight, or a credible politician who even seems to care about maintaining the infrastructure. And this is to help taxpayers get to work -- something you'd think they'd care about.
Not that liberals will ever listen, but maybe just maybe, you should consider the irony of this and many other big government fiascos when you wonder why everyone doesn't see more government and more taxes as the universal elixir of delight, re all problems.
Liberals claim big cities are the places of success and happiness. They claim they're THE place to be for the "in" crowd. And they also claim big government is the answer to all problems, more efficient than private companies, etc.
And yet you have this giant mess, and not a credible fix in sight, or a credible politician who even seems to care about maintaining the infrastructure. And this is to help taxpayers get to work -- something you'd think they'd care about.
Not that liberals will ever listen, but maybe just maybe, you should consider the irony of this and many other big government fiascos when you wonder why everyone doesn't see more government and more taxes as the universal elixir of delight, re all problems.
3
What are we supposed to fund an improved subway system with, your contempt?
6
We're just here for jobs. Be grateful for our tax dollars paying for YOUR infrastructure.
2
First to suggest that Cuomo doesn't live in NYC is an insult to all New Yorkers because he avoids Albany at all costs and his family's roots are tied to the City.
Second, he knows this is a big problem and it has gotten worse under his regime and control, which is not helpful for his delusional Presidential aspirations so he will ignore it as long as possible.
Finally, imagine the irony that the mayor of the City doesn't use the system because " he is driven to his gym in Brooklyn in the morning".
Second, he knows this is a big problem and it has gotten worse under his regime and control, which is not helpful for his delusional Presidential aspirations so he will ignore it as long as possible.
Finally, imagine the irony that the mayor of the City doesn't use the system because " he is driven to his gym in Brooklyn in the morning".
The London Underground in many areas is older than our system. Of course in London, they have built many new lines and are in the process of building others. But leaving that aside, operationally they have had countdown timers for at least the last 25 years. Many of the bus stops have boards showing when the next bus on each line will be arriving and they are for the most part quite accurate. It's 2017 and many of our stations still lack them and you will be told by subway workers with a straight face we don't need them. The next train will arrive when it arrives. I attend a show in the London West End, descend into the station say at Leicester Squareand lo and behold it's 11 PM and it ws the trains are running 4 minutes apart. Here, you have a 15 ute wait at that point.
They have a modern fare collection system and now use contactless media. We still use an metrocard that was already obsolete when it was introduced and there are subway workers who tell you we never should have dumped tokens. They have the ability to caares after 3 rides on one day passes even though single fares are higher than NY.
If they can do it there why can't we do it here. And oh by the way, when can we expect the Utica and Nostrand Avenue subways to begin construction which was promised in a 1955 bond referendum? Just wondering.
They have a modern fare collection system and now use contactless media. We still use an metrocard that was already obsolete when it was introduced and there are subway workers who tell you we never should have dumped tokens. They have the ability to caares after 3 rides on one day passes even though single fares are higher than NY.
If they can do it there why can't we do it here. And oh by the way, when can we expect the Utica and Nostrand Avenue subways to begin construction which was promised in a 1955 bond referendum? Just wondering.
4
Thanks to Jeff for his appreciation of London underground (and London transport in general). I'm an ex-New Yorker, resident in London for nearly 50 years and have seen a steady improvement (despite intermittent signalling and other glitches) over the past two decades (during the Thatcher years the lack of investment in public transport was scandalous). The range of bus service, including small Hopper buses which navigate narrow back stress is astonishing. And the billion pound Cross Rail project is nearing completion--it will provide more links between East and West London and give more options to travellers. For anyone interested in the future of public transport, it's woth accessing the Cross Rail website to read about this truly amazing achievement. Compare this to the 70 or so years it took to add a few stops to the Second Avenue line. New York is of course one of the great cities of the world..why its infrastructure has been allowed to deteriorate (Penn Station!)
is shameful.
is shameful.
Delays aren't great, but what's worse is seeing people get into each other's shirts (after literally being stuffed into each other's shirts...) as frustration due to overcrowding mounts. One of things I've always loved about NYC is how civil we are to each other, but over the last four years I've seen a huge uptick in confrontations-- verbal and physical-- due to overcrowding. 4/5 /6 line 5pm is especially bad. Sad to see in the greatest city in the world... people need some breathing room.
5
I guess all those Hollywood movies, over the years, essentially creating the idea that New York City is The COOL PLACE, worked! If I can't make it there, I can make it anywhere! Well, it's now 2017! Enjoy yourselves! Now, you know why they also called it A HOLE in THE GROUND!
3
First of all, de Blasio has no jurisdiction on the subways as no mayor has gotten that since it was transferred over to the state since 1965. In other words, you gain nothing going up at him since he has no control over the MTA. If you must have a bone to pick then go to Cuomo for this. Nevertheless, I do find that fixing the subways as more of a catch-22 here. Many of you want it fixed, but don't want to cover the costs for it not to mention use the claim that fixing such lines will lead to delays. I hate to break this to you people, but that is a common thing when it comes to fixing a form of infrastructure. Just think of roadwork on highways in that they will cause a lot of traffic, but it will help in the long run once it's done. Of course one way so that it may not have to resort to fare hikes or even placing extra sources of revenue via road pricing is to actually audit the MTA and figure out where most of the spending is really going to. Then again, it will hurt the anti-car fanatics that advocate for road pricing, because they never want to miss a chance to screw around with those who have no choice but to drive in order to get around. As for road pricing in any form, the reason why it's so opposed is because those living in the outer boroughs and suburbs don't just see it as a regressive tax, but also as a punishment for having for little viable alternatives to getting around as transit deserts do exist here, plus we also pay taxes to the MTA as well.
2
Tal, how do you feel when your local Senator doesn't use public transportation, but shows up every 2 years to campaign at the train station?
NY, I won't argue with you that there are politicians that do this, but I feel the problem is that you riders always want everything, but then don't like the way it's being paid for. This is why I have been against any form of road pricing, because it feels as if it really is punishing those who don't access to the system even though we are paying taxes to the MTA despite that as all of downstate NY does. Keep in mind that the MTA every conducts hearings all throughout downstate NY, not just in NYC only. The truth is that everything the MTA calls for a revenue source just ends up the same way they use everything else has, which is why I'm against them creating any new ones before seeing where the ones they currently have are going to first via audits. Nevertheless, I know that there will be riders that will never be satisfied with whatever any politicians will do to help the system. For example, if they don't do a lot, you will most likely say they were being apathetic, while if they do something, you will most likely say that they aren't doing enough making it a lose-lose for them. Sometimes, you guys have to stop setting the bar so high and learn to accept some compromises. One important way to help with the system is actually attend the MTA hearings rather than just sit them out, because doing that actually gives the agency the illusion that you don't have issues with the system, which makes them feel as if they have a blank check to do whatever they feel like.
We NY'ers really need to stop accepting the unpredictability and vagaries of the subway system. NY'ers take a perverse pride in shrugging things off. While that attitude has its uses, it is now working to our disadvantage. We need to start organizing around this issue and begin to put pressure everywhere: on every elected representative from Community Board members to the Mayor and the Governor. DiBlasio does not get a free pass just because the MTA is controlled by the State. The fact that DiBlasio and Cuomo won't stop acting like second graders is infuriating.
9
I ride the A from 181st to 4th daily. Sometimes we wait for 10 to 15 minutes for a train to come and when it does it is packed already. The best part is when it is supposed to go "express from 125th to 59th it often slows down to a crawl or even stops because we are being "held by the dispatcher". Mind Boggling.
I'm waiting for Trump to make the Greatest City in the World "great again" so we can just get to work on time. I'm glad I'm just working her for a year.
I'm waiting for Trump to make the Greatest City in the World "great again" so we can just get to work on time. I'm glad I'm just working her for a year.
5
I have a similar commute: 181st to Chambers (and back again). It has become pretty hellish, and it's probably a walk in the park compared to what commutes on the #7 or the L lines endure every day.
I respectfully disagree. I ride the A/D everyday from 125th to 59th to drop my kids at school and then get back on the A to ride down to Fulton St. If I leave my house to begin this commute by 8, I'm at work every day by 9:10 at the latest (and remember, I'm walking from 59th to 63rd, dropping 2 kids and walking back to the station). The A isn't NEARLY as bad as the 4,5,6 or 1,2,3 lines, which run slower and a way more crowded because of the narrower gauge rails...
The trains in New York City are not the responsibility of the federal government so what does Trump have to do with it?
They should start running them as a business and not a social program with all riders paying the cost of providing the service. Private interests wouldn't touch this system with a 10 foot pole because the Left would never permit them to do what is necessary to improve service. Raise the fares to cover the costs.
They should start running them as a business and not a social program with all riders paying the cost of providing the service. Private interests wouldn't touch this system with a 10 foot pole because the Left would never permit them to do what is necessary to improve service. Raise the fares to cover the costs.
Given the marvelous job the government is doing running the subways, I think it's time to put them in charge of our health care.
This is a simple problem of supply and demand. When the demand exceeds supply, you raise the price until the market clears. Then you can use the new revenue to increase the supply, and increase your profits.
You're welcome.
This is a simple problem of supply and demand. When the demand exceeds supply, you raise the price until the market clears. Then you can use the new revenue to increase the supply, and increase your profits.
You're welcome.
3
This suggestion makes too much sense for government to adopt. Leave it to Google, Apple and others to successfully implement...
And this has always been and continues to be one of the reasons I will not work in NYC, any part of it. The traffic has always been horrible. It's expensive to park there, expensive to eat lunch there, expensive to use the train or the subway and time consuming. I never had any desire to spend 90 minutes commuting to work by train and subway. And in summer or on any warm day the smell can be overwhelming, as can the heat.
If NYC is to continue to be a place to live and work, the state and the city need to provide it with clean, affordable, on time, and widely available up to date transportation. And the federal government should be helping every mass transit hub in America to improve because private cars are not the best way to travel just because the automobile companies want us to think that.
If NYC is to continue to be a place to live and work, the state and the city need to provide it with clean, affordable, on time, and widely available up to date transportation. And the federal government should be helping every mass transit hub in America to improve because private cars are not the best way to travel just because the automobile companies want us to think that.
6
Well hen3ry: What federal programs do you propose shutting down to PAY FOR the feds subsidizing subways of various cities.
It's easy to whine you want more tax money (it's the primary thing liberals do). It's a lot tougher to realistically get that money just because, for example, riders don't want to pay what it costs for the service they want -- and elect politicians who will competently prioritize and oversee the process to ensure that the service is commensurate with what riders are paying.
It's easy to whine you want more tax money (it's the primary thing liberals do). It's a lot tougher to realistically get that money just because, for example, riders don't want to pay what it costs for the service they want -- and elect politicians who will competently prioritize and oversee the process to ensure that the service is commensurate with what riders are paying.
1
Remember that the first two of the three subway lines were constructed and operated by competing private companies. The resultant lack of interconnectibility remains a problem today.
4
The 6 train travels through 2 boroughs Manhattan and the Bronx it functions as a de-facto Homeless shelter and is a nightmare to ride after 8:00 a.m. has almost no accessibility for the disabled, and is wrought with Metrocard machines that only take either cash only, cards only or change only. The last thing a New Yorker wants to hear is that their Mayor has no interests in improving the subway, Boats are nice. But the way we get around in this city is by train and for the amount we pay for service, when should be getting a better deal.
3
The legal structure, with the MTA as a state agency, is deficient for providing an efficient subway system. Political accountability is reduced when the governor is the one responsible. A preferred structure would be to change the rules by giving the mayor of NYC equal weight to the governor in appointing members of the board of the MTA. That said, even with a better institutional arrangement, the subway system is inevitably under great strain because of 3 factors; 1) the very success of NYC as a job generator and place to live, leads to greatly increased demand for subway rides. 2) The limitations in short-run capacity and the great expense of upgrading and expanding capacity for an old system. - e.g. electronic signaling, or new lines.
3) The loss of many years of regular maintenance and subway infrastructure replacement during the years of NY's fiscal decline in the 70's and early 80's.
3) The loss of many years of regular maintenance and subway infrastructure replacement during the years of NY's fiscal decline in the 70's and early 80's.
3
The technology of the subway is so outdated it would require major shutdowns to update the system. I'm all for raising prices and dealing with construction but many people even complain about the current fare. Not only is the subway in the past but so are ithe city's constituents. Just imagine - an actual express line. Atlantic center to grand central or Times Sq. No other stops - that's express and I would pay for a considerable higher fare
So may layers of corruption, incompetence and waste at the MTA. If the NYT did a thorough job on this subject some people might wake up on the state level. What would take for NYS voters to realize NYS monies were being wasted? Is the fear that they would want to withdraw $ from mass transit entirely?
3
isn't overpopulation of NYC the main problem? Once you figure out WHY people flock to NYC to live, maybe you can make other cities more appealing, so that people will flock to those cities as well.
Everybody I know who moves to NYC does so to be around thin, young, educated, liberal, cosmopolitan people. Also, there is a huge gay population in Manhattan. The city of full of great restaurants and nightclubs. This is why people MOVE here. I'm talking about transplants who move here (not people born here). Also, the condos are really good looking. I sometimes look at homes for sale in Connecticut and Westchester, and a lot of them just look ugly on the inside. Almost all the new condos I've viewed in Manhattan are gorgeous (if too small and too overpriced). people MOVE here to live in beautiful condos around beautiful people wearing beautiful clothes. They also move here to be in a city the seems about 33% gay and 90% liberal.
Everybody I know who moves to NYC does so to be around thin, young, educated, liberal, cosmopolitan people. Also, there is a huge gay population in Manhattan. The city of full of great restaurants and nightclubs. This is why people MOVE here. I'm talking about transplants who move here (not people born here). Also, the condos are really good looking. I sometimes look at homes for sale in Connecticut and Westchester, and a lot of them just look ugly on the inside. Almost all the new condos I've viewed in Manhattan are gorgeous (if too small and too overpriced). people MOVE here to live in beautiful condos around beautiful people wearing beautiful clothes. They also move here to be in a city the seems about 33% gay and 90% liberal.
4
Judging by what the Times now writes about incessantly, they move here to stuff their faces with an endless variety of increasingly overpriced, bewilderingly outre cuisine; that's about the only "culture" that's available anymore and that's about all their self-absorbed, incurious brains can process - and don't forget to photograph your meal! Art? Music? The serendipity of simple exploratory strolling? Nothing to see here, move on.
1
I'm rich. I am not angry about the 1%. I'm in the 1%.
I love the food here. You're talking to someone who moved here to eat the food.
I have a PhD. A person can be materialistic yet also intellectual.
I'm not on your side.
I love the food here. You're talking to someone who moved here to eat the food.
I have a PhD. A person can be materialistic yet also intellectual.
I'm not on your side.
"Different strokes for different folks" is the old saying and what you find attractive to NYC in many instances is what drives people out of NYC, including an exceedingly liberal and non-disciplined education system that despises any attempt to bring accountability to the system.
Just about all the New Yorkers commenting voted for Cuomo twice, the second time when they had a credible alternative candidate in Zephyr Teachout AND will vote for Cuomo again. They also love to excuse Cuomo's corruption, negligence so New Yorkers are getting the subway system that they deserve. Leave the Mayor out of it. It is your fave Cuomo to blame.
8
I didn't vote for him a second time. Remember governorship is statewide it's not just the city voting. All the folks that live around the roads that we pay for upstate could care less about our morning commute.
3
Another comment or brought up an important point. There are many people in Brooklyn and queens who travel to those borrows, but have to go through manhattan to do so. It's a waste of time and contributes to the overcrowding- especially during rush hour. If a couple new lines were to open that connect Brooklyn and queens more directly then it would relieve a lot of short term stress on the system and maybe even bring in revenue from increased commerce between the two boroughs.
2
The mta constantly complains of being short on funds- so I would like to say that there is one place people too often do not look to alleviate this problem: cannot contractors. While in high school one of the train stations near my school were under construction for about 3.5-4 years. I thought they were doing something amazing- it had to be if they were spending that much time on it, but no. It turns out they just expanded the platform a bit and added an elevator. That should have taken no more than a year- and service wouldn't even be affected since there were 2 train stations about 2 blocks ahead and behind this one (talk about redundancy). Of course, the contractors were paid a ton for their years of work, but he have to ask- why is this allowed? There needs to be accountability for these contractors who delay projects to get paid more. If we do this the projects will get finished in reasonable timeframes and will cost a fraction of what they do now.
3
Gov. Cuomo will have a response as soon as his polling team finds out which response will have the best impact on his 2020 presidential ambitions.
And when Cuomo announces a solution to the problem, Hillary Clinton will be right there beside him to say it was her idea along.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
And when Cuomo announces a solution to the problem, Hillary Clinton will be right there beside him to say it was her idea along.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
10
The MTA has been so terribly run for so long that we're well past the point of embarrassment and far along into the realm of the whole system grounding to a halt. We have one of the worst subway systems for one of the world's greatest cities (and don't get me started on our airports).
The MTA is slow to react and adopt new technologies, constantly 'testing' such revolutionary technology like LED displays that announce when trains should theoretically arrive.
It seems like every governor has been content to kick the can down the road for the next administration to deal with.
The MTA is one of the only 24/7 subway systems in the world. It might be time to take the bandaid off and commit to a system that ends at midnight for the next 3-5 years to completely overhaul the network as needed.
The MTA is slow to react and adopt new technologies, constantly 'testing' such revolutionary technology like LED displays that announce when trains should theoretically arrive.
It seems like every governor has been content to kick the can down the road for the next administration to deal with.
The MTA is one of the only 24/7 subway systems in the world. It might be time to take the bandaid off and commit to a system that ends at midnight for the next 3-5 years to completely overhaul the network as needed.
5
And, if Cuomo wants to brag about his brand new Second Avenue Subway - he should know that it's 86th ST stop had to shut down a main entrance at 83rd St., because ALL THREE escalators were out of service! This gleaming new subway is only 4 months old. Ridiculous. And, to top it off, there were at least 20-30 contractors standing around doing absolutely nothing. What a way to spend those billions of taxpayer dollars. Maybe someone should have thought of some good old fashioned stairs or more than ONE elevator to accommodate people in cases such as these...
7
Modern construction quality. Oh, we designed it with computers...yet the 90-year old wooden escalators at Macys Harold Square still work. Pathetic!
4
Interesting contrast.....
Mike Bloomberg, the "corporate" Republican mayor, rode the subway very day to work.
Bill Diblasio, the "workingman's" Democratic mayor, gets driven every AM to his gym in his limo.
Mike Bloomberg, the "corporate" Republican mayor, rode the subway very day to work.
Bill Diblasio, the "workingman's" Democratic mayor, gets driven every AM to his gym in his limo.
10
Myth...............he rode it for a stop then was escorted to in his SUV. Makes fro a nice picture though doesn't it.
6
Really? My sense of Bloomberg is that he never hid his plutocracy. He owns a home in East Hampton, right? Did he ever make an effort to seem like a man of the people? Didn't he just present himself as a highly successful, intelligent product of good colleges and the NYC finance world? He never SEEMS like he's burdened with pretense.
1
actually- he was driven from Gracie Mansion to the subway every AM in his limo for security reasons. But...... he DID take the subway, and more often than just a for a photo-op. Granted, it tapered and then stopped all together towards the end of his tenure.
Just making that effort, to be seen by the public as experiencing the same mass transit woes that they do, goes a long way in terms of PR.
Diblasio isn't even trying.
Just making that effort, to be seen by the public as experiencing the same mass transit woes that they do, goes a long way in terms of PR.
Diblasio isn't even trying.
4
I take the subway about once a month. Usually to go from Chambers St to the UWS or Brooklyn Bridge up to east 59th St. I take in on Saturday or during the week day. It's always fast, clean, and efficient.
have you seen rush hour traffic on the WSH? It's awful. My point is that any and all corridors of travel are chokingly full during rush hour, be it the subway, the highway. or the sidewalk.
have you seen rush hour traffic on the WSH? It's awful. My point is that any and all corridors of travel are chokingly full during rush hour, be it the subway, the highway. or the sidewalk.
1
It costs too much to run the subway system because, primarily because of obsolete union rules.
Fares cover less than 50% of the operating cost and nothing toward capital or capital repairs.
Cut the operating cost by 30%, double the fares, and provide an income/wealth kick back for the poor working people. Use the general fund subsidy that is replaced by fair fares and use it to fund the repairs and/or expansions.
Fares cover less than 50% of the operating cost and nothing toward capital or capital repairs.
Cut the operating cost by 30%, double the fares, and provide an income/wealth kick back for the poor working people. Use the general fund subsidy that is replaced by fair fares and use it to fund the repairs and/or expansions.
2
Why is it for some people that labor is always the problem and never management?
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https://emcphd.wordpress.com
4
Well, you have a point...management agrees to those contracts!
1
I often wondered if it was me, or if the Subway truly was experiencing that many more delays in 2017 than in years past. Turns out it's the latter. Considering the unbelievable taxes we pay in NYC, it's criminal the state isn't fixing this, for us. How do they expect us to contribute to the budget if we can't get to work?
5
We need more funding! Well, not to put a shovel in the ground or to update a switching system that predates the second World War. We need more funding so we can continue giving the motormen and the conductors raises; and let's make sure we keep looking the other way on the old disability/overtime roulette wheel that gets spun every day in the LIRR/Metro North/MTA facilities.
We're at the point now where the conductor makes multiple times more when it's all said and done then the riders do (when you count the bulletproof benefits, the rampant pension stuffing and the disability racket).
But we need more money! Vote Tammany!
We're at the point now where the conductor makes multiple times more when it's all said and done then the riders do (when you count the bulletproof benefits, the rampant pension stuffing and the disability racket).
But we need more money! Vote Tammany!
5
I was on a delayed train this weekend, and a few of us agreed that straphangers should strike until something is done about this. We plebs have the power to shut down the city, and if we did, perhaps Cuomo would pay attention for once.
3
Just a thought...........how do you plan on striking?
5
Striking generally equals not working, getting out into the streets, and making demands. See: France.
3
Oh, dear... Yes, the MTA should definitely be under a mayor's control but not this mayor!
9
It's really time for a private company to take up some of the Contracting to improve and upgrade the system. We have already attained our projected population for the year 2020 RIGHT NOW, and, realistically with the cost of the union jobs in the MTA and the corruption, we can't really do this with the current administrations, be at the state or the city; it's become untenable. We also are overdue additions to the subway lines that are not so Manhattan-centric: ask anybody who lives in Queens and has to commute to Brooklyn or lives in Brooklyn and has to commute to Queens. These conditions this invariably add to the traffic problems on the highways. This is an issue of public investment and none of them are really getting it because they have the privilege of taking private cars. They Don't Care About Us the lumpen proletariat that has to get to work on time. It's crazy but that's what it's become so I think it's time for new ideas. I'm not for eliminating union jobs but really for the repairs to take place after normal business hours, we're going to have to turn to private companies that would do it on a cheaper basis and in a better value for the taxpayers' money.
2
New York's infrastructure has been operating at less than a 3rd-world level for years. The irony of reading about these commuting travails alongside stories of high-end restaurants and unaffordable Broadway shows is simply delicious.
4
It's not ironic. It's causal. People move here for the high-end restaurants and Broadway shows and then overpopulate NYC, which leads to overcrowded subways. Same with increased tourism.
There's no irony to it. NYC is overcrowded BECAUSE the restaurants, shows, boutiques, and nightclubs are so great. One reads/hears about 30 yr olds in NYC with three housemates, but many of those people earn 45 to 70 grand a year. On 60 grand a year, one could have one's own 3BR in Medford or Ludlow or Peabody. Heck, for 75 grand a year, one could rent a house in Quincy or Framingham. People are CHOOSING to cram into NYC, and they are doing so for the cultural and social and material amenities.
There's no irony to it. NYC is overcrowded BECAUSE the restaurants, shows, boutiques, and nightclubs are so great. One reads/hears about 30 yr olds in NYC with three housemates, but many of those people earn 45 to 70 grand a year. On 60 grand a year, one could have one's own 3BR in Medford or Ludlow or Peabody. Heck, for 75 grand a year, one could rent a house in Quincy or Framingham. People are CHOOSING to cram into NYC, and they are doing so for the cultural and social and material amenities.
1
Not only are the trains overcrowded and delayed but increasingly, riders are bringing on dogs on leashes, not in bags and not service dogs in utter disregard of other riders and in defiance of subway rules. No one enforces that rule and so people -allergic, fearful or not- are obligated to inhale dog hairs. Who is to say these animals will not soon start defecating on the subway? Who will stop them? I was verbally assaulted for asking a woman to put her dog in the bag for that purpose which she had but chose to take the dog out of. I have seen a dog so large it had to duck to get through the turnstile. It is, frankly, outrageous. What more do we have to endure?
10
Not for anything but I saw a grown man defecating on the platform and not one cop stopped him from doing his business and you're complaining about a dog?
5
It's part of DeBlasio's policy of not enforcing quality of life violations in order to improve the city. That's why there's no more crackdown on noisy drummers and dancers in the subway, wild bike riders and motorcyclists, homeless people sitting and sleeping everywhere, weed outside on all of the streets, turnstile jumpers, etc. It's all part of DeBlasio's policy of making the city a safer and better place by having the cops focus only on real crime and no on these lower quality of life offenses.
5
This can be laid at the feet our dear leaders, those from the past generations who are sooo concerned about the end of their lives they will starve the next generations in their vain attempts to slow down time.
1
get rid of more token booth attendants and hire instead more mechanics to fix the trains.
3
I agree to get rid of those booth attendants , they are rude , they can't help you with any informations about trains and always counting , I mean always counting money.....they would let you wait until finally finishing counting that money then ....then .... serve you! I think their time has past !
Sinatra was right. If you can make it here (by subway/train), you can make it anywhere . . .
I give myself 75 minutes for a 35 minute commute. That's for the subway.
For seeing family on Long Island, all plans are confirmed once I am on a train that has exited the station. Too risky, one way or another.
I'm (almost) at the point where I would consider crowdfunding a private company to come in and overhaul MTA (subject to increased pay and labor union restrictions)
I give myself 75 minutes for a 35 minute commute. That's for the subway.
For seeing family on Long Island, all plans are confirmed once I am on a train that has exited the station. Too risky, one way or another.
I'm (almost) at the point where I would consider crowdfunding a private company to come in and overhaul MTA (subject to increased pay and labor union restrictions)
1
The Big Apple, the jewel, more money located in NYork than maybe the world....and you can't build/operate a 21st century subway...but isn't this just emblematic of what happens when the "Country" is forgotten about, is of little concern as it is replaced by the "Individual" as the repository of all concern/enrichment? Trump is touting $1 trillion in infrastructure spending for the Country (unlikely to get it) but I've read many realistic assessments that you need to spend 10x that just to prop up the old stuff and 20x to catch up with large parts of the modern world. China is building high-tech grids, etc. across the world and children in Flint are suffering from lead poisoning....and the Governor just passed a law that the State can't be sued for their involvement in this crime. The swamp does indeed need to be drained, it's beyond unfortunate the Swamp Monster and his toadies convinced so many they'd act against their own interest. And these out-of-touch, old guard Democrats have to go: business cannot go on as usual.
6
That the efficient and timely performance of the subway system is not only not a top priority but an ongoing top priority is a shameful indictment of our government. Specifically, the MTA is guilty of extreme negligence in not making the upgrading of the track and signal system a top infrastructure priority since the problems became apparent some 50 years ago. 50 YEARS! Instead, we have gotten all manner of cosmetic and "show" upgrades such as retiled stations, MetroCards, and new digitized trains and signage. But who really cares about what the station and trains look like when in the end you can't get anywhere on time! The blame for this failure goes not only to Gov. Cuomo but every governor since and back to his father. And to the useless MTA brass, Prendergast chief among the guilty parties.
33
I actually do care what the stations look like. We can afford both tracks and tiles, and even someone to mop the floors, but we have leaders who frankly don't care. at. all.
8
Cuomo cares about any "big" news that will make a splash, get HIM some free PR, and burnish his status as a presidential candidate. It's always, all about HIM! And that's how he has always been!
He'll announce a big new plan -- and maybe push for the completion of some 2nd Ave Subway stations (a good thing) -- but NYC infrastructure, either in terms of subway tracks, antediluvian signals, or better service? Haha!
He's been governor for almost two terms and look at Penn Station -- still a mess and vague glitzy-'plans' just now being floated -- or the subways -- overcrowded, comical signal system, and worsening service -- or the ARC Tunnel, which his pal Christie single-highhandedly killed, with NOT a PEEP out of Cuomo!
How about a governor actually committed to GOVERNING and maybe committed to improving the state over the long haul, instead of using the office as a stepping stone to a higher office?
He'll announce a big new plan -- and maybe push for the completion of some 2nd Ave Subway stations (a good thing) -- but NYC infrastructure, either in terms of subway tracks, antediluvian signals, or better service? Haha!
He's been governor for almost two terms and look at Penn Station -- still a mess and vague glitzy-'plans' just now being floated -- or the subways -- overcrowded, comical signal system, and worsening service -- or the ARC Tunnel, which his pal Christie single-highhandedly killed, with NOT a PEEP out of Cuomo!
How about a governor actually committed to GOVERNING and maybe committed to improving the state over the long haul, instead of using the office as a stepping stone to a higher office?
9
To benefit the riders there is no question that the City should run the system. You have to have the real stakeholders involved in any issue, especially such a difficult one. This tug and pull between Cuomo and de Blasio benefits no one other than Cuomo and De Blasio. But of course it is too much to ask that politicians think of constituents rather than themselves.
17
I agree except on your last point. I've always believed their feud stemmed from Cuomo trying to outdo di Blasio. The fact that do Blasio has basically called out Cuomo's subterfuge has actually made it better for the average New Yorker. They're now competing in policy. What was Cuomo's plan for years- casinos? Every new idea from Cuomo originated from the Mayor - and that's a good thing. The MTA is a monumental problem - that's why no one wants to address it. The new 2nd Ave stations are gorgeous but to redo the entire system. No one wants to pay for it.
1
I thank God He got me out of Noo Yawk and into the Promised Land. I spent most of my full-time employed life commuting between Queens and Manhattan except for the couple of years I lived on the Upper West Side. I couldn't stand living in Manhattan and fled back to Queens, where the streets were cleaner and the rent was still affordable and there were trees and gardens everywhere, not just in the parks.
When I moved to a neighborhood near the express bus route, I began paying that--to me--fortune to escape the subway. Those *baby on board* buttons have come almost three decades too late to perhaps winkle a little compassion out of fellow commuters.
NY isn't even a young person*s city anymore. My kid couldn't afford to live there even if he wanted to. At an age when I*d been living in my own apt. for half a decade, his friends still in the city all have to double or triple up despite having excellent educations and good jobs.
It was a fun place, even during the high-crime years, when people like me could actually afford to go to the theater and eat out in real restaurants and pay the rent on one-bedroom apts. in decent neighborhoods. Which circle of hell is it now?
When I moved to a neighborhood near the express bus route, I began paying that--to me--fortune to escape the subway. Those *baby on board* buttons have come almost three decades too late to perhaps winkle a little compassion out of fellow commuters.
NY isn't even a young person*s city anymore. My kid couldn't afford to live there even if he wanted to. At an age when I*d been living in my own apt. for half a decade, his friends still in the city all have to double or triple up despite having excellent educations and good jobs.
It was a fun place, even during the high-crime years, when people like me could actually afford to go to the theater and eat out in real restaurants and pay the rent on one-bedroom apts. in decent neighborhoods. Which circle of hell is it now?
7
I'm sure not retiring to there unlike my original plans.
3
new Yorkers need to just vote them out. YOu see once this strategy is used how much time and effort will be spent on fixing the subway.
2
NY'ers like to complain about their dear leaders, the very ones they voted into office usually Dems in NYC, then they go out and vote them back in. You'd think they would have learned by now. Be prepared for a 2d term for the lightweight currently at Gracie Mansion.
4
hence the crux of the problem and the reason that the subway system will not be fixed anytime soon. Complacency on the part of the public has bred contempt of public by its elected officials.
The reliability of the subway system is critical to the long-term economic well-being of the City. Yes, the MTA is a state agency, but de Blasio is the Mayor. His complacency about this speaks poorly for him. He's not a bad person, I think, just ineffectual.
2
Andrew Cuomo is only fooling himself if he is actually "...weighing a presidential run in 2020."
13
Thanks, Bloomberg & DeBlasio, for allowing such rampant over-development of "luxury" housing - both rental & condos - without considering the need for additional infrastructure to support it. The transit system is just the most obvious piece of infrastructure that is falling apart under the strain of numbers it was never meant to handle. NYC transit was predicated on most people in Manhattan living in 5-story walk-up buildings; now many of those have been leveled and replaced with huge residential towers.
Just stay tuned, folks. NYC is well on its way to being "Hong Kong on the Hudson" in terms of too many people jammed into in a small area with insufficient services. There is NO way to bring the subway system up to snuff for all the additional riders. The MTA certainly is not known for doing things right, nor quickly (nor in some cases, for doing things EVER).
Just stay tuned, folks. NYC is well on its way to being "Hong Kong on the Hudson" in terms of too many people jammed into in a small area with insufficient services. There is NO way to bring the subway system up to snuff for all the additional riders. The MTA certainly is not known for doing things right, nor quickly (nor in some cases, for doing things EVER).
47
wrong on all points. London has experienced a development and population boom at least as significant as New York's, but it has invested in its infrastructure and the tube purrs along just fine.
Actually, the population of Manhattan today is about 30% than it used to be 100 years ago...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographic_history_of_New_York_City
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographic_history_of_New_York_City
@Dennis: Go back and read what I wrote: I said that BECAUSE NYC has NOT invested in its infrastructure as development and population grew apace, there is a big problem.
It's nice that London has kept pace, but NYC has NOT kept pace.
It's nice that London has kept pace, but NYC has NOT kept pace.
1
I've given up. I don't think this is going to get fixed. All I have is my vote, and I am going to use it, but it won't work. This pair will win their respective re-election, and we will continue down this path. Help is not coming, because those who need to care do not. I ride a bike to work. Even if one disregards the health and environmental benefits of this mode of transport, it is still faster. I get from my home in JH, Queens to my job at Presbyterian hospital in 30 minutes, door to door. Using the subway, double it, at least. Additionally, there are no youths dancing on poles on my bicycle, there are no manspreaders (I, personally, like this term) on my bike, and there are rarely delays on my bike. No one holds the doors, there is very little vomit, and people don't eat stinky fish on my bike. I've never been coughed on while riding my bike, and people with umbrellas are not welcome.
I understand that this is not a viable option for everyone. For me, I had a choice to keep pumping my $2.75 into a system that doesn't work and won't improve, or to just watch it die from a distance. I'm going to watch it die, and when the streets inevitably follow suit and begin to decay I'll get a mountain bike.
I understand that this is not a viable option for everyone. For me, I had a choice to keep pumping my $2.75 into a system that doesn't work and won't improve, or to just watch it die from a distance. I'm going to watch it die, and when the streets inevitably follow suit and begin to decay I'll get a mountain bike.
14
As this article repeatedly notes, the MTA is a state run agency under the control of Governor Andrew Cuomo. Governor Cuomo has been in office for more than six years, without having put forth any long-term funding plan for the MTA. In fact, although Cuomo pressed Mayor Bill de Blasio to provide a multi-billion dollar commitment to the MTA's next capital plan, the governor has been silent regarding from where New York State's $8 billion contribution will come, and there is real concern that Governor Cuomo will transform that commitment into loan guarantees, rather than actual budget dollars, which would further saddle the MTA with debt. Moreover, during Cuomo's tenure, the MTA has had four Chairmen. It is worth asking why has the MTA had such difficultly retaining its top leader.
Governor Cuomo also failed in another meaningful way. In an effort to buy labor peace, Cuomo tied salaries of the 40,000 MTA's union members to those of the 7,000 members of the LIRR, which is railroad covered by federal law. This was a hugely expensive giveaway, for which the MTA's union members were not required to make any cost saving concessions.
In short, Governor Cuomo is acting like a man running for president, an endeavor that he is likely to lose. In his effort to seek higher office, he is wrongly gambling with our mass transit system.
Governor Cuomo also failed in another meaningful way. In an effort to buy labor peace, Cuomo tied salaries of the 40,000 MTA's union members to those of the 7,000 members of the LIRR, which is railroad covered by federal law. This was a hugely expensive giveaway, for which the MTA's union members were not required to make any cost saving concessions.
In short, Governor Cuomo is acting like a man running for president, an endeavor that he is likely to lose. In his effort to seek higher office, he is wrongly gambling with our mass transit system.
8
Gov. Cuomo should realize that the frequent power outs and delays affect the fiscal soundness of the entire economy; productivity, tourism, and happiness which contributes to productivity.
2
If you go with that reasoning (which I agree with) then they should get rid of alternate side parking. It's a huge waste of time for businesses
When is the Governor going to appoint a permanent, not interim, Chairperson? What's taking so long to fill such a critical leadership position?
2
What do they care, their daily ride involves a black Cadillac Escalade.
15
Or in deBlasio's case a helicopter. And he still can't make it to appearances on time. Nice work if you can get it. Hopefully he'll be unemployed soon. Worst mayor ever.
6
I've never had the misfortune of living in New York, but it's a nice place to visit: if you don't have to ride the subway. What a miserable existence the people who live and work there have on a day to day basis. It appears they all have two jobs. Job number 1 is getting to and from work, and job number 2 is the actual job. Unfortunately, they have to pay for job number 1.
Empty suit Andy was a fraud at HUD back at the turn of the century. He's maintained that moniker up to the present day. Unfortunately, comes election day and the people who ride the subway become drug addicts, and need their "democratic fix."
Empty suit Andy was a fraud at HUD back at the turn of the century. He's maintained that moniker up to the present day. Unfortunately, comes election day and the people who ride the subway become drug addicts, and need their "democratic fix."
7
What is the problem? Insufficient funding? Lack of effective management? Both? For god's sake, it's just a train system. Get someone in charge who is not a political buttboy, who knows some engineering, and can get things DONE, then give him enough resources to renovate, replace, whatever!
It's not rocket science; but it is obviously far beyond the capabilities of our elected officials and their buttboy lickspittle acolytes to deal with.
It's not rocket science; but it is obviously far beyond the capabilities of our elected officials and their buttboy lickspittle acolytes to deal with.
6
I bet if you took away their chauffeured limos they'd pay attention.
15
And...this is not just a problem in NYC. Have you read anything about Boston's subway lately? Or how about DC... They're all a mess. Nobody cares because rich people drive cars.
39
Nobody cares because rich people drive cars.
don't worry, roads are in pretty bad shape too, as well as subways. Local and state govts in the US just are unable to maintain infrastructure.
don't worry, roads are in pretty bad shape too, as well as subways. Local and state govts in the US just are unable to maintain infrastructure.
2
I wish it was only rich people and politicians in cars, quite simply on going maintenance and upgrades aren't sexy and don't provide compelling photo ops at election time.
Why did we need Cuomo and all his lackeys on site to open the new 2nd Avenue subway? It was clean and pretty and looks good on posters and brochures, no so much when its track renewal and signal upgrades.
Why did we need Cuomo and all his lackeys on site to open the new 2nd Avenue subway? It was clean and pretty and looks good on posters and brochures, no so much when its track renewal and signal upgrades.
1
People who ride mass transit aren't willing to pay what it costs to operate.
1
Last year I had finally had enough and moved to a much smaller, much older, and much more expensive Manhattan apartment within walking distance of my office. I now have zero amenities and the much more occasional cockroach sighting, but now I get to avoid the twice-daily stress and sadness of the overcrowded 6 train commute and it has definitely been worth it. It's a shame though... is anyone really wondering why dumpy real estate in the core is so expensive compared to the luxury buildings in the boroughs? It's worth it to avoid the cost to the psyche, but obviously isn't an option for people with families when you need a 6 figure income just to afford a crappy studio.
8
Andrew, there is a solution to your problem, one that many middle class (and below) new Yorkers need to consider - leaving NYC. NY is not the only city in the country. for most NYorkers leaving will drastically improve their lives and lifespans.
4
@Yoda
And here's something you need to consider-- some New Yorkers don't want to leave NYC, because it's home and therefore the only city in the country.
And here's something you need to consider-- some New Yorkers don't want to leave NYC, because it's home and therefore the only city in the country.
9
Yoda, lifespans in NYC seem pretty OK ...
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/04/29/health/life-expectancy-ny...
We're not talking Japan or the mountains of Italy, but not bad ...
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/04/29/health/life-expectancy-ny...
We're not talking Japan or the mountains of Italy, but not bad ...
Make Mr.Cuomo take the N/W train on the 59st and Lexington station headed to queens during peak evening hours, between 6PM and 7PM, assuming there is a train in that 1 hour window and assuming that he can get in and assuming he can get to that overcrowded platform and somehow make space to put his two feet on the ground and assuming that he can wait on the platform without being pushed onto the tracks due to overcrowding.
Make him do this for a week and I will guarantee you he will work like a investment banker to get this mess sorted.
Make him do this for a week and I will guarantee you he will work like a investment banker to get this mess sorted.
9
I live in upstate NY, and if it makes you NYC folks feel any better, infrastructure here is pretty crappy too. The road where I live is full of potholes. Bridges are all rusty. Streetlights are out. Derelict empty buildings crumbling to the ground. A few years ago we had to pass a bond act to get money to repair our schools. All this would be understandable if we paid super low taxes. But alas, as every study has shown, taxpayers in New York State pay some of the highest income and property taxes in the US. This country in general, and NY state in particular, seem to be spending too much time worrying about and addressing politically correct issues, and not enough time addressing the nuts and bolts issues like where has the money gone that should be used to fix infrastructure.
3
What you say is absolutely not surprising. Cuomo is governor of the entire state. We're all suffering.
5
The cops on Long Island and the railroad workers are living pretty high on the hog though. Someone just retired from the RR at something like a $400,000.00 pension. Phony OT, horrible service. But he's going to enjoy his second home in Florida along with his boat. Unions are the bane of our existence. Shame on the politicians for doing back door deals with them.
3
The MTA could have used the $59 million it cost us to throw missiles at virtually nothing in Syria. The MTA could have used the $30 billion+ we spent on the (to be cancelled) Zumwalt program or the projected nearly $1 TRILLION cost of the F-35 program.
Our fraudulent expenditures on security and war making lead to destruction of our infrastructure. If war expenditures help protect America (a lie), we might ask, "What potential enemy could inflict as much damage on us as our under-funding repair/replacement of deteriorating infrastructure?" Economics lesson: look up "lost opportunity costs".
The true enemy consists of our war industry and Congress.
Our fraudulent expenditures on security and war making lead to destruction of our infrastructure. If war expenditures help protect America (a lie), we might ask, "What potential enemy could inflict as much damage on us as our under-funding repair/replacement of deteriorating infrastructure?" Economics lesson: look up "lost opportunity costs".
The true enemy consists of our war industry and Congress.
7
What the feds do with their money has no direct correlation to the waste and mismanagement in NY. It's a false argument.
7
it also could have used those billions to build that far too elaborate and expensive subway site at the world trade center. That stop could have probably been built for a third of the cost had it not been designed and built to the standards of megalomaniacs. Something plain and simple would probably have been just as functional. And the extra money would have gone far in other parts of the subway.
6
Fair enough, but the phoenix is beautiful. Also, the mall below is a big tourist spending destination (along with nearby Brookfield Place).
Do we want a merely functional city, or do we want a beautiful city? This isn't East Berlin in the 70's.
Do we want a merely functional city, or do we want a beautiful city? This isn't East Berlin in the 70's.
Every time there is an article about the subways, the same litany of complaints is aired: fares too high, filth, delays, broken, crowded, old, waste. From the perspective of someone who has been riding for many decades, a few observations: (1) trains have always been crowded in rush hours, even more so years ago; (2) with multi-ride discounts, single rides are cheaper today that they were years ago (with inflation factored in, obviously); (3) fares go up because all expenses go up; (4) people, not the MTA, create the filth and many delays by holding doors and pushing their way into cars before people have finished exiting; (5) yes, the system is old, so it's not fair to compare it to new systems in terms of state-of-the-art technology; (6) the system is one of the very few that runs 24/7, complicating maintenance, although back in the 60's you didn't have these perennial weekend reroutes and the system seemed to function fairly well; and (7) our political system starves the system of needed funds - the reason the LIRR and Metro-North run relatively better (excluding the Penna. Station problems, which are Amtrak-related) is because of the suburban-dominated state Senate.
5
All true and fair, except that there is no reason for the ridiculously lengthy dragged out upgrading of the signals system, which is the main cause of the delays. People holding the doors is the result of insufficiently frequent service given ridership, and the frequency of trains is directly related to the ancient signals system. The Times ran a good piece the other day comparing our signal system to the one in London -granted, they don't run 24 hours- but there are lessons there. All in all, the system is amazing in its reach and the fact that it runs 24 hours, BUT we have major improving to do and sooner rather than later.
1
If De Blasio is passing the buck, then he's not doing his job as mayor. Few political positions have absolute control, and an effective politician succeeds by gaining support from others.
The failure is as much the Mayor's as anyone else in political leadership.
The failure is as much the Mayor's as anyone else in political leadership.
2
Please,in the future, try to refrain from using the words "Mayor' and "political leadership" in the same sentence. Thank you.
3
Mark, you're funny.
Cuomo only shows his face when there is good news for laying the groundwork for future votes. Otherwise, he is a political Where's Waldo.
2
Also, the subways discriminate against people with disabilities, seniors, travelers with luggage and families. Elevators, when they exist, are mostly broken, and if they work, they can be disgustingly dirty.
I am elderly, and I resent that the fastest mode of transportation in New York, even with delays, does not provide me access. Why don't I count? And what about people in wheelchairs? Why don't they count?
I assume that the Governor doesn't care about me. Next time, you won't get my vote, Cuomo.
I am elderly, and I resent that the fastest mode of transportation in New York, even with delays, does not provide me access. Why don't I count? And what about people in wheelchairs? Why don't they count?
I assume that the Governor doesn't care about me. Next time, you won't get my vote, Cuomo.
8
I used to travel 2 -3 hours into Manhattan on a good day to work, it is not worth it for me anymore, I quit my job. Manhattan is a dangerous hell hole.
3
Correction: Manhattan is an EXPENSIVE dangerous hellhole.
5
I don't care whose ego is being bruised and who's to blame for this kids playground fight.
Frankly, I'm sick of the inability of Cuomo and DeBlasio to work it out. They couldn't even have the common sense to collaborate and save a deer a few months back...
Why do any of these politicians think they deserve a higher office when they can't even work together with someone of their own party?
Supporting liberals in a liberal city doesn't mean that New Yorkers have any patience for incompetence and inability to get things done.
Now, shake hands and move on. Show that you have the personality to learn and deliver, and not let your egos get in the way of serving the people who voted you into office.
Frankly, I'm sick of the inability of Cuomo and DeBlasio to work it out. They couldn't even have the common sense to collaborate and save a deer a few months back...
Why do any of these politicians think they deserve a higher office when they can't even work together with someone of their own party?
Supporting liberals in a liberal city doesn't mean that New Yorkers have any patience for incompetence and inability to get things done.
Now, shake hands and move on. Show that you have the personality to learn and deliver, and not let your egos get in the way of serving the people who voted you into office.
8
New York is a proud city. It fell into disrepair in the late 70s and subsequently experienced a renaissance. The City lives and dies by its transportation infrastructure.
During a recent trip to Paris, France, I discovered one of the most reliable and useful subway systems anywhere this side of Asia. Trains stop, load, unload, and it's fast. If you think it's too crowded, not to worry. Another train arrives 2-3 minutes later and you can count on it.
Surely, New York is as good as Paris. Fix your subway, New York, and don't take a decade to do it.
During a recent trip to Paris, France, I discovered one of the most reliable and useful subway systems anywhere this side of Asia. Trains stop, load, unload, and it's fast. If you think it's too crowded, not to worry. Another train arrives 2-3 minutes later and you can count on it.
Surely, New York is as good as Paris. Fix your subway, New York, and don't take a decade to do it.
56
You are so right, Hamilton. I've lived in both Paris and New York City. I still struggle to use the NY Subway. And I look at the financial power of Manhattan, and I ask "why".
1
In many other subway systems, if you don't "stand clear of the closing doors", i.e., if you interfere with the doors, you are promptly arrested. If NYPD cops were stationed on platforms and enforced NYC transit rule 1050.6 instead of milling around in groups on upper levels and far from the action, that would be a free and easy fix to the most common cause of delays.
4
Unfortunate that articles such as these (and there have been many) love to set up the drama between DiBlasio and Cuomo, essentially challenging voters to "pick a side." We'd all be better off if we could get rid of both of them.
6
the governor might need to wake up when things really start to get to the boil and his presidential chances, if any, start to evaporate in the subway heat.
i also wonder, how's the pay for MTA employees. i see many problems in organizations, where they pretend this and that is lacking, and ignore the real problem in their midst, workers who are grossly underpaid and have decided to simply do the minimum necessary to have things chugging along.
there have to be infrastructure improvements, but at the end of the day, if staff are not fairly compensated, then they don't have the motivation to do anything beyond the bare minimum necessary. you need staff who will do what is required, and then go the extra mile of initiative to do preventative work. that doesn't happen when the pay is not fair. it may not be sexy to discuss in a culture that like to pretend that "throwing money at the problem" doesn't work especially when its lower level workers, but somehow the same strategy works for CEOs and upper level workers, but i think that may be part of the problem. pay them well and then attract good workers, let go the ones who don't want to work, and improve the infrastructure. i think this whole problem sounds like a money issue somehow somewhere at least to some extent, that no body really wants to say out loud.
i also wonder, how's the pay for MTA employees. i see many problems in organizations, where they pretend this and that is lacking, and ignore the real problem in their midst, workers who are grossly underpaid and have decided to simply do the minimum necessary to have things chugging along.
there have to be infrastructure improvements, but at the end of the day, if staff are not fairly compensated, then they don't have the motivation to do anything beyond the bare minimum necessary. you need staff who will do what is required, and then go the extra mile of initiative to do preventative work. that doesn't happen when the pay is not fair. it may not be sexy to discuss in a culture that like to pretend that "throwing money at the problem" doesn't work especially when its lower level workers, but somehow the same strategy works for CEOs and upper level workers, but i think that may be part of the problem. pay them well and then attract good workers, let go the ones who don't want to work, and improve the infrastructure. i think this whole problem sounds like a money issue somehow somewhere at least to some extent, that no body really wants to say out loud.
1
I drove to Manhattan the other day (My 92 year old mother-in-law can not take the subway after 4 strokes). Google reported that driving was quicker than mass transit.
Does anyone agree that is a problem?
Does anyone agree that is a problem?
5
Yes, an egregious problem.
Driving around my neighborhood in Brooklyn yesterday I noticed all the recently completed apartment buildings and ongoing construction on new buildings. So it seems developers are free to build as much as they want while our infrastructure and transportation system slowly crumble. Has anyone in government made the connection yet?
13
Sure they have - they've realized they can get "contributions".
3
The subway is just the most apparent example of how NY's infrastructure is crumbling. The truth is that this is an old city, and one that has never really had to invest its considerable wealth in making it more livable, pleasant, or attractive to the average citizen because people will come here in droves regardless. NYC hasn't had to try, and so it hasn't tried in years and years, and today it is light years behind other American cities in terms of livability.
The streets are dirty -- not gritty or charming (I stopped telling myself it was part of the city's appeal after the first decade here, when I realized they were just... dirty.) There are hours-long waits for just about everything here, most frustratingly at the grocery store, where the produce is terrible and overpriced anyway. What little public park space there is is so overrun with people that it's the opposite of relaxing. Getting out of the city by air or car on the weekends is a blessing, but good luck because the airports are far away and a mess, and you'll sit in terrible traffic on your way out. There's a general vibe of unhappiness in the air that comes with an intense population density without much effort to accommodate it.
NYC faces problems of population and size that other cities don't. I don't mean to downplay that. But it's hard to find reasons to stay here when Chicago, Denver, Austin, etc. are offering so much these days.
The streets are dirty -- not gritty or charming (I stopped telling myself it was part of the city's appeal after the first decade here, when I realized they were just... dirty.) There are hours-long waits for just about everything here, most frustratingly at the grocery store, where the produce is terrible and overpriced anyway. What little public park space there is is so overrun with people that it's the opposite of relaxing. Getting out of the city by air or car on the weekends is a blessing, but good luck because the airports are far away and a mess, and you'll sit in terrible traffic on your way out. There's a general vibe of unhappiness in the air that comes with an intense population density without much effort to accommodate it.
NYC faces problems of population and size that other cities don't. I don't mean to downplay that. But it's hard to find reasons to stay here when Chicago, Denver, Austin, etc. are offering so much these days.
5
I found it took 3 days to get my errands done in NYC i would accomplish the same, if not more, in one morning in Orange County, CA...and spend the rest of the day at the beach. Then again, no matter how incompetent your governor may be ours is not of this Earth.
4
The subway is just the most apparent example of how NY's infrastructure is crumbling.
the whole country's infrastructure is falling apart - NY does not have a monopoly here. Local and state govts in the US have proven worthless in this regard.
the whole country's infrastructure is falling apart - NY does not have a monopoly here. Local and state govts in the US have proven worthless in this regard.
1
@Shyres
No offense. but there are possibly more reasons than just the subway that it took you 3 days to get all your errands done.
No offense. but there are possibly more reasons than just the subway that it took you 3 days to get all your errands done.
1
I think of this sometimes when I stand on a 4,5,6 platform at Grand Central and hear an announcement like "the next #6 downtown train will arrive in 13 minutes" (in the middle of a weekday). And I think of it when in London and I hear no such announcements but see a sign that says then next train will arrive in 3 minutes, and it does. How have they done so much better with their older system?
Part of the problem here is that both Cuomo anda DeBlasio are car guys. In addition we have had decades of "no more taxes" and this is unfortunately one of the things you get with "no more taxes." I'll bet a lot of the commuters complaining about Penn Station would say, well, they could get by with the probems if fixing them meant more taxes or taking a closer look at the cop and firefighter benefits they so happily pay for.
Part of the problem here is that both Cuomo anda DeBlasio are car guys. In addition we have had decades of "no more taxes" and this is unfortunately one of the things you get with "no more taxes." I'll bet a lot of the commuters complaining about Penn Station would say, well, they could get by with the probems if fixing them meant more taxes or taking a closer look at the cop and firefighter benefits they so happily pay for.
2
Much of what you say is true, but "no more taxes" is completely disingenuous. Big government supporters always point to more taxes with absolutely NO REGARD WHATSOEVER for the of existing tax revenues. This is the entire crux of the problem, absolutely. If every tax dollar was being spent efficiently and the system truly need more tax dollars to improve, I get it. But more money is wasted that could ever possibly be counted and instead of correcting these inefficiencies you want to leave them and simply raise taxes. It's mindless.
3
Throwing more money.at a system that already throws billions away does not address its underlying problems. 2 miles second Avenue subway cost as much as other cities, themselves not known for efficiency, spend on 10 miles of equally difficult construction. Routine maintenance is even more inefficient; and it's designed to use the maximum number of bodies and maximize the number of hours spent on each job.
This is from someone who started his career working for the MTA and also from simply watching The work crew is one can sometimes catch glimpses of during off hours, and finally having been a construction worker myself ages ago.
This is from someone who started his career working for the MTA and also from simply watching The work crew is one can sometimes catch glimpses of during off hours, and finally having been a construction worker myself ages ago.
2
There is a flaw in the clock system that allows an announcement to be made for a train which is not the next one to arrive.
1
I've been "lucky" enough to be riding these trains since 1970 when my family first moved to the city. It has always been an embarrassment for NYC. The MTA's performance was bad back when it was 35cents per ride. But it was only 35 cents! Now we still have all the problems we used to have, but are paying way more for the privilege. The subway system is an insult to all who must ride, and it's an embarrassment to NYC and New York State. Cuomo is in charge of the MTA and he doesn't seem to care at all.
9
It's really tiresome and utterly false that the poor Mayor is powerless as he doesn't run the MTA. In fact he appoints four members of the MTA governing board. He can exert leadership and political influence to make things much better, as have other mayors. The fact that DeBlasio was woefully unqualified for this job and is purely focused on his own political aggrandizement (like the governor) is a far better explanation rather than the "can't". In other words, he won't!
52
"if you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspapers you're misinformed"
That was said 150 years ago and is more true today
(speech to text formatting, prdn)
That was said 150 years ago and is more true today
(speech to text formatting, prdn)
2
I've often wondered why our subway fares just keep going up and up while the service goes down and down. When I first arrived in NYC in 1970, it was 25 cents to take the subway or the bus. In the 1990's, public transportation in Tokyo was almost $2.00 compared to $1.25 here. Now it's still the same in Tokyo while ours has gone up to $2.75 a ride and the difference in quality is incomparable. What the hell is wrong with our politics that even basic services can't keep up while the cost keeps sky rocketing. Hello?
4
It takes you 35 minutes to get to work? Aren't you the lucky one? If you live on Staten Island, your commute without delays is 90 minutes on average. Staten Islanders aren't even connected to the subway system, but they still have to pay the taxes to support it. DeBlasio doesn't give a care in the world about how working people get to work. He just wants to glorify himself with his endless freebie programs, which those of us who have to get to work on those miserable subways pay for with ever rising taxes. Cuomo has his eyes on Washington, and since NY is blue, he doesn't really have any reason to make people here like him. Of course it would be embarrassing to lose your own state in the primaries.
4
Staten Islanders have a FREE ferry ride to Manhattan. It is literally the only free ride in NYC.
3
those of us working in Staten Island but NOT living there commute between 1.5 and 2 hours too.
1
It is not free to get to the ferry.
1
This is an easy one to figure out. Mr. Cuomo has nothing to say about the subway situation here, because he never rides them -- Outside of a photo-op, that is.
4
As the temporary closure of the L train looms, the neighboring trains that will absorb the ridership need to be looked at closely. The MTA's policy of closing second entrance stairs on the elevated J/Z in Brooklyn is not only inconvenient but unsafe (single point of escape in an emergency). Stations like Gates Avenue and Halsey, which look close together on an MTA map, are actually 6-8 blocks farther apart due to locked entrances. Are these secondary J/Z access points locked/closed to allow the MTA to claim ADA compliance at the expense of rider safety? If the MTA claim that gate closings are a personal safety issue, they should compare crime statistics around stations that only have one way in and out to those with multiple points of exit. The MTA needs to take a hard look at opening the secondary J/Z entrances before the L closure begins.
4
I can smell the stench of the pointless feud between Cuomo and De Blasio all the way from Austin TX. It is pathetic that two liberal Democrats can't get this sorted out.
4
I think it's less of a feud than a demonstration of pure incompetence by the city's mayor. I have friends who work in various parts of city government and virtually all of them describe him the same way: a horrible leader and manager.
4
Smells like ego to me.
2
That they are nominal "liberal democrats" means nothing. That is just the team they both decided to play on to have the best chance of winning an election. Watching Veep and House of Cards has taught me this.
New York city and state sorely need a two-party system. What we have now is effectively a one party (Democrat) system. The lack of serious political opposition resulting in the almost surety of reelection has given us, and will continue to give us, failed politicians such as De Blasio and Cuomo.
The forthcoming election for mayor is less than six months away. In 2013, De Blasio was elected with a whopping 17% of the total number of registered voters in NYC. Tragically, it looks like history will repeat itself. Heaven forbid that most voters would consider voting for a Republican! I say tragically because we're in for another four years of incompetence, laziness, and corruption.
The forthcoming election for mayor is less than six months away. In 2013, De Blasio was elected with a whopping 17% of the total number of registered voters in NYC. Tragically, it looks like history will repeat itself. Heaven forbid that most voters would consider voting for a Republican! I say tragically because we're in for another four years of incompetence, laziness, and corruption.
6
As voting for a Republican is a form of national suicide, what we need is a new party that is truly liberal, unlike the mostly faux-liberal Democratic party.
3
The last time I looked, we still had a choice of whom we voted for here.
Guess what? -- It's not Republican.
Guess what? -- It's not Republican.
1
Correction/clarification - he got a majority of the 17% who bothered to vote, thus an even lower number. Yet, as with other arrogant politicians, he thinks he has some sort of mandate.
2
De Blasio may not have control but he can be a loud and effective advocate - I DO blame the mayor when the subways diminish.
The three priorities an NYC mayor must focus on to be re-elected - in order.
1. CRIME
2. SUBWAYS
3. SCHOOLS
Everything is secondary.
The three priorities an NYC mayor must focus on to be re-elected - in order.
1. CRIME
2. SUBWAYS
3. SCHOOLS
Everything is secondary.
2
@TW
You forgot to add AFFORDABLE HOUSING to your list.
Without a roof over your head, everything else is secondary.
You forgot to add AFFORDABLE HOUSING to your list.
Without a roof over your head, everything else is secondary.
Affordable housing for NYC is a pipe dream. However housing might become affordable someday if the city gets so bad people don't want to live here. It has happened before, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
A governor who shuts down ethics commissions and couldn't care less about the subway. A mayor who gets driven every day to his gym in Brooklyn, and couldn't care less about the subway. Independent Democrats in the Assembly get paid stipends for letting the Republicans rule in a Democratic majority, and couldn't care less about the subway. Does anyone go into politics to actually serve the public? Apparently not.
6
no. all the more reason to keep govt to min. posssilble. It keeps money out of their hands.
1
Remember that Cuomo's state contribution to the capital plan is really just heaping more debt onto the MTA, and its riders. He's just putting everything on a credit card and the bill one come due until after he is out of office. Let him fully fund the MTA capital plan up-front.
4
A governor who shuts down ethics commissions and couldn't care less about the subway. A governor who gets driven every day to his gym in Brooklyn, and couldn't care less about the subway. Independent Democrats in the Assembly get paid stipends for letting the Republicans rule in a Democratic majority, and couldn't care less about the subway. Does anyone go into politics to actually serve the public? Apparently not.
4
Wow, what complaining! The system works infinitely better than it did in the 80's, when the trains got stuck for hours between stations and muggers and flashers seemed to be on every train. The beautiful Second Avenue subway stations are like something out of a dream - of what mass transit could be. Everything about the rest of the system needs updating and upgrading, from signals to wheelchair access. We have to face facts - fixing the system will cost billions - but it will be worth it. We need to complain more.
15
In the 70s and 80s the system was all but unusable, so to compare what we have now - I would rate it fair to poor - to what was then - I'd wouldn't even rate it since the 70s and 80s version of the system was, for all intents and purposes, an 'un-system' - is not much help. Even now, the system fares poorly when compared to the systems in other advanced metropolitan areas.
1
You mean better than the 80s when one would be lucky not to get mugged on the way home from work? Not really a standard for comparison, now, is it? When you say fixing the system will cost billions, that is the same myth the MTA wants us to believe: the most important change needed is in management. The MTA is among the top 5 busiest subways in the world, but at the bottom of a list of over 160 metro systems worldwide. Why? Corruption and lack of transparency--not lack of revenue. Ask yourself what effect all those fare hikes over the years have had on the system? They even saved more money by firing station attendants in the 90s and replacing them with vending machines. And did the surplus money show real improvements in the system? Nope. Worse than ever.
"But the subway, the lifeblood of the city and arguably the most critical piece of infrastructure Mr. Cuomo controls, is falling apart on his watch."
Arguably? What else is in the conversation? In three weeks the subway moves as many people as the Metro-North and LIRR do in a year, combined. There's no road, or set of roads, in the state that are anywhere near as critical to the state economy as the subway. No dam, no airport, no bridge - the subway is what has made NYC the great city that it is, period. And whatever is second place is a distant second.
The only vantage point from which the subway's absolutely critical nature is not immediately apparent is through the windshield of a car. Which is why it's a tragedy we have two car-guy nitwits running both the city and the state. You'd think they'd get along better.
One day, when the subway's reliability dips below some tipping point and those who can afford to do so decide to abandon the subway and drive to work, Gov. Cuomo will be able to sit on the BQE for hours and reflect on the missed opportunities he could have embraced but didn't for reasons unknown.
Arguably? What else is in the conversation? In three weeks the subway moves as many people as the Metro-North and LIRR do in a year, combined. There's no road, or set of roads, in the state that are anywhere near as critical to the state economy as the subway. No dam, no airport, no bridge - the subway is what has made NYC the great city that it is, period. And whatever is second place is a distant second.
The only vantage point from which the subway's absolutely critical nature is not immediately apparent is through the windshield of a car. Which is why it's a tragedy we have two car-guy nitwits running both the city and the state. You'd think they'd get along better.
One day, when the subway's reliability dips below some tipping point and those who can afford to do so decide to abandon the subway and drive to work, Gov. Cuomo will be able to sit on the BQE for hours and reflect on the missed opportunities he could have embraced but didn't for reasons unknown.
8
Many people from the outer boroughs are skipping the subway for the MTA run mega buses which cost around $6.00 each way.
Transit in NYC is Cuomo's and Albany's responsibility (stupidly). Shrews Cuomo keeps his mouth shut about it, knowing that many NYers incorrectly blame De Blasio, who has almost nothing at all to do with it.
1
You keep the streets clean.
You keep the lights on.
and you positively keep the trains and buses running on time.
If not...someone else will on election day.
You keep the lights on.
and you positively keep the trains and buses running on time.
If not...someone else will on election day.
4
This sort of thing is going to make it pretty easy for Trump to beat Cuomo in 2020. Not that there will be any love for a NY politician in the flyover states anyway.
5
And who says Trump will last until 2020???
1
The devil is in the details, not in new subway stations several years past deadline. The MTA system is apparently too complex for the organization and management culture that run it. Try getting a bus from the Bronx to connect to the 96th Street Subway train. It is a simple manner of simply changing a bus route to extend 15 blocks down Second Avenue, but such a "fix" is apparently too complex for the current mindless MTA management.
2
“I give myself an hour to get to work everyday, even though it only takes 35 minutes,” he said, “and I still show up late to work.”
Join the club. NY has it subway woes, LA its traffic congestion. It's a bad and getting worse waste of time no matter which way you go. Only saving grace is more time to write pointless comments, like this one, which is easier to write stuck on a subway train than in a car.
Join the club. NY has it subway woes, LA its traffic congestion. It's a bad and getting worse waste of time no matter which way you go. Only saving grace is more time to write pointless comments, like this one, which is easier to write stuck on a subway train than in a car.
4
Endlessly shoving more people into our city is a disaster, not a help - but deBlasio is a strong advocate of doing so.
Our "City Planning Department" is a farce. There is no such thing as "planning" going on there - it's all about servicing the people who pump money to our politicians: the real estate developers. And I don't think I have to point out, that Donald Trump is the archetype for all real estate developers.
I challenge anyone to go the web site of our "Planning Department" and find any genuine material related to actual planning taking place. You will find specifications for how planning documents should be written, and other "broad-brush" nonsense, but that is are far as they go.
All City Planning really does, is to do on a large scale, what the BSA does on a small scale - grant developers variances from the rules.
There is absolutely no reason why NYC should not be a mess - and it is!
Our "City Planning Department" is a farce. There is no such thing as "planning" going on there - it's all about servicing the people who pump money to our politicians: the real estate developers. And I don't think I have to point out, that Donald Trump is the archetype for all real estate developers.
I challenge anyone to go the web site of our "Planning Department" and find any genuine material related to actual planning taking place. You will find specifications for how planning documents should be written, and other "broad-brush" nonsense, but that is are far as they go.
All City Planning really does, is to do on a large scale, what the BSA does on a small scale - grant developers variances from the rules.
There is absolutely no reason why NYC should not be a mess - and it is!
5
The idea that Cuomo and de Blasio couldn't take credit for something as unglamorous as subway maintenance is mistaken. Consider how today people still praise Ed Koch and Hugh Carey for ridding the subways of most graffiti. Why wouldn't Cuomo want to have that as part of his legacy? Start now and in 2020 he could trumpet how the subway delays have been reduced, stations are now power-washed on a daily basis, and crumbling tiles have been replaced with sparkling new ones. It's not hard to take credit for something like that if the political will is there.
4
NY politicians are pretty awful because NYC is a one party city and the State is becoming like that as well -- so there isn't much competition for elected office. Who with any sense would give someone like Bill DeBlasio the responsibility of running something like NYC when he had never successfully managed anything in his life? In fact DeBlasio is quite proud of his indifference to a well functioning city and a lot more interested in global warming and sanctuary cities. And Cuomo inherited his job.
8
Have you somehow forgotten what one-party rule is doing to our country???
After witnessing what the G.O.P. is doing, it's no surprise they haven't got a foothold here.
DeBlasio may be indifferent, and Cuomo an heir to the post-- but at least they're not part of the Trump cabal.
After witnessing what the G.O.P. is doing, it's no surprise they haven't got a foothold here.
DeBlasio may be indifferent, and Cuomo an heir to the post-- but at least they're not part of the Trump cabal.
1
There are so many problems here, starting with the political insulation of having a governor, instead of the mayor, responsible for a local issue, but what is truly disheartening is that nobody ever wants to focus on basic fundamental issues like signalling and maintenance. The subway is the foundation upon which New York's economy rests, and anyone that doubts this need only remember that the City shut down when the subway was not running after hurricane Sandy. The problems in this article, both immediate and structural, must be solved or New York will suffer.
1
Cuomo is clueless. AMTRAK and the federal spending it relies on is an abject failure. The MTA continues to raise mass transit fares and it continues to gouge drivers on its bridges and tunnels. Yet the mass transit infrastructure is crumbling and cannot meet even the most basic service requirements of the riding public. But Cuomo is silent, his deer in the headlights face in the accompanying photo revealing that he is clueless on producing performance and accountability from the bureaucrats and unions who run the MTA and AMTRAK. The only answer is privatization, but then riders would have to pony up the real cost of a subway and bus ride, rather than depending on vehicle owners to subsidize their rides to the tune of 50%.
The governor can't be bothered to fix our subways, but has thrown millions at colored lights on the Kosciuszko bridge, wi-fi and USB ports on buses, and a questionable rail link to LaGuardia that won't actually make it that much easier for most people to get to the airport. He has political aspirations beyond New York State, but the voters of New York will be sure to tell the country that this man fiddled with cosmetic changes while the subway crumbled.
5
People love to say that the MTA is controlled by the State and the city has no say, but that's a gross mistake. In fact the city has a lot of say and control over what happens in the subway system. I remember very well when Giuliani became mayor, within a month or two the situation on the subways changed radically and dramatically beyond recognition, the trains suddenly started running frequently and on time with few breakdowns, all the graffiti and mess disappeared practically overnight, the change was startling. So clearly the city has a lot of influence over what happens in the subway. The fact is, the incompetence we're seeing on the subway did not exist under Giuliani and Bloomberg. The trains started getting worse about two years before the end of Bloomberg's term, and then took a sharp and precipitous nosedive, along with a lot of other things in the city, shortly after DeBlasio became mayor.
3
This is just one episode of a series that arguably started with Ronald Reagan's tax revolt and identification of government itself as a problem; "The Criminal Neglect of Vital Infrastructure in America." I think it's probably most apparent to commuters in the big northeastern cities like New York City and Boston, where (only yards from MIT), the ancient Green Line looks like something from a 1950s child's toy train set. Now, if all those suits and high heels and the rest of the suffering commuters would just turn their endless complaints into political action, they might actually get somewhere and make a difference. It would take a shift of focus toward the common good, of course. Massive demonstrations, anyone? Solidarity around services essential to all, anyone? Maybe a bright young Bernie supporter or two, working in deepest, darkest Manhattan, could get something going?
2
NY has one of the highest state income taxes in the country, and NYC is one of the few cities with an income tax, yet you blame a lack of even more money being diverted from "flyover country" for the subway's malaise?
How about renegotiating union pensions (or even better follow FDR's advice and totally deunionize government workers like MTA) and reprioritizing spending to show some responsibility?
How about renegotiating union pensions (or even better follow FDR's advice and totally deunionize government workers like MTA) and reprioritizing spending to show some responsibility?
2
This is the de facto response these days from big city politicians like Deblasio and Cuomo because simply they don't care! They are only judged upon their efforts to advance the liberal cause. Things like school safety and performance or city transportation are merely after-thoughts now.
4
I simply don't remember the last time I didn't have a single delay on a subway ride, including short trips, and on an average week I ride 15-20 times. Last Tuesday when I was trying to get to work from Brooklyn, I was one of the lucky ones because I made it far enough to get off the train and take a long walk to work. When that's the faster option, you know things are dire. And somehow they think it's OK to keep upping the fares by crazy amounts. When I moved here only 7 years ago it $89 for a 30-day unlimited, and now it's $121. That a 26% fare increase in only 7 years, which is nowhere near the rate of inflation or wage increase in the same time. This is simply out of control.
3
Why are we paying for DeBlasio to be driven to his Brooklyn gym every morning? Can't he just walk to the Asphalt Green gym or the gym on 91 Street?
145
Dear Older,
Well, thanks to anonymous hate speech, the Mayor can't just stroll around wherever he wants like the rest of us. But in any case, if you were 6'5" you'd hate walking by his age too, I don't begrudge him the ride, and he has nothing to do with how the MTA is run.
Well, thanks to anonymous hate speech, the Mayor can't just stroll around wherever he wants like the rest of us. But in any case, if you were 6'5" you'd hate walking by his age too, I don't begrudge him the ride, and he has nothing to do with how the MTA is run.
1
Can he get a city-wide YMCA pass?
This article in detail explains that the Governor controls the MTA and is the person most responsible for operating the NYC subway system. The obsession with the DeBlasio's peculiar travel and workout routine is a diversion.
2
Cuomo has no interest in the mundane work of upgrading the signal system because it isn't showy and won't attract press conferences which boost his 2020 bid. He is a phony. Plus he has a suburban mentality and doesn't really care about the commutes of city dwellers. And expecting leadership from an incompetent like De Blasio is like expecting water from stone. De Blasio is a useful idiot for Cuomo and sadly no one has stepped up to challenge him.
24
In my mind, the Democratic Party is simply this: 'Not the Republican Party'. That's it. It's Tweedle Dee, as opposed to being Tweedle Dum. To paraphrase the French, these two political parties are simply the Plague and Cholera; which would you prefer?
"Mr. de Blasio said he did not plan to use the new Second Avenue subway — even though it is blocks from his home at Gracie Mansion in Manhattan — since it did not fit in with his routine most mornings of being driven to his gym in Brooklyn."
This one sentence aptly describes de Balsio's performance as mayor. Lazy and detached. In addition to his well-known history of corruption. He couldn't give a hoot about the struggles of ordinary people fighting their way to work every day on the horrid subway system.
Cuomo is no better. He epitomizes the typical politician in New York. High taxes on the middle class and poor services in return.
They both deserve to be dumped. What is shocking is that there are "no serious challengers on the horizon". I guess the voters will continue to be punished by who they put and keep in office. Sad.
This one sentence aptly describes de Balsio's performance as mayor. Lazy and detached. In addition to his well-known history of corruption. He couldn't give a hoot about the struggles of ordinary people fighting their way to work every day on the horrid subway system.
Cuomo is no better. He epitomizes the typical politician in New York. High taxes on the middle class and poor services in return.
They both deserve to be dumped. What is shocking is that there are "no serious challengers on the horizon". I guess the voters will continue to be punished by who they put and keep in office. Sad.
50
It's the voters - the few who vote, by the way - who keep putting people like Di Blasio and Cuomo in office and then re-elect them. It's time for these voters to look at themselves in the mirror and ask themselves, Why do I keep doing this?
2
@Smotri
No. It's time for voters to ask who else is there???
Another Republican? -- don't think so.
We've already seen what they're doing in Washington.
No. It's time for voters to ask who else is there???
Another Republican? -- don't think so.
We've already seen what they're doing in Washington.
Raising fares will hurt the poor. Democrats need to unite and raise taxes to fix the problems.
3
Trouble is the is 0% guarantee that such a raise will actually fix the problem. Given real world history in NY - and elsewhere, to be fair - what is to keep that "designated" money from being used for other supposed needs, raises, bonuses, paying off pension debt, etc. The truth is politicians have squandered the public trust and before handing over evermore money is the tax capitol of the US perhaps we should demand they DO SOMETHING first, other than bloviate more promises.
6
Will simply raising taxes be enough? Lets say, hypothetically, money isn't the issue. How many people in NYC or Chicago would want a subway line shut down for two years to make repairs and upgrade the system? How about just shutting down one or tw stations for 6 mos?
2
Cuomo needs to commute by Metro North, Subway. LIRR and NJ Transit with constituents. This way he can realize first hand delays, a filthy transit hub, and lack of accessibility. Does he know there is a Metro North station in Mt.Kisco? Tell him to leave the SUV at home and see how the little people get around.
47
Your Governor doesn't care about " the little people" other than primary day and the first Tuesday in November, and he only cares a little. He is more about retribution and irrational loyalty
This is a case study on why people have lost faith in government and how the GOP has come to dominate state and local government across the country.
Dems say the answer to society's ills is more government. Yet they have no ability to articulate exactly what the government should do (except resist Trump), and no ability to lead the government to accomplish objectives - even when the objective is a universally appealing one - such as making the MTA and connecting transit systems (LIRR, NJ Transit, MetroNorth, Amtrak) work better or even work at all.
Please NYT keep reporting on these stories that impact the lives of people in the city and report less on the media circus of the current administration.
Dems say the answer to society's ills is more government. Yet they have no ability to articulate exactly what the government should do (except resist Trump), and no ability to lead the government to accomplish objectives - even when the objective is a universally appealing one - such as making the MTA and connecting transit systems (LIRR, NJ Transit, MetroNorth, Amtrak) work better or even work at all.
Please NYT keep reporting on these stories that impact the lives of people in the city and report less on the media circus of the current administration.
31
So Cuomo, who wants to run the country, can't get one town's grimy and filthy subway to run effectively. That's an easy TV campaign ad.
84
In a political world where everything is free, politicians do not want to pay for Positive Train Control safety automation, with or without collision avoidance.
6
The subways already have train control, they've had it for nearly 100 years. Politicians and idiots meddling with technical issues get it wrong every time.
Oddly enough, the subways have nothing much to do with Mayor de Blasio, so he's right to stay out of it. The current wide scale breakdown in service across the MTA, Amtrak, NJ Transit, the LIRR, and others, are primarily the responsibility of Gov. Cuomo and Gov. Christie (the NJ Transit part, and that they're not working on another NYC - NJ tunnel).
This is the test for Gov. Cuomo: can he admit that half the state's population lives or works in NYC, and that the transit woes of these people outweigh the folks driving gas guzzling SUV's and Hummers? Isn't it time for a tax on gasoline to support the millions of commuters making the majority of NY State's income?
This is no test for Gov. Christie, as he is not facing re-election, has sold his soul to Trump, and always backs the gas-guzzlers. But it is also a test for whomever would fill his shoes in the next election.
So I think NYC is watching closely; terrorism doesn't seem to be messing up our commute as much as infrastructure breakdowns and insufficiiencies, and Gov. Cuomo and Christie's replacement are best positioned to actually do something about this.
In the meantime I'll be walking more and more as our transit system deteriorates.
This is the test for Gov. Cuomo: can he admit that half the state's population lives or works in NYC, and that the transit woes of these people outweigh the folks driving gas guzzling SUV's and Hummers? Isn't it time for a tax on gasoline to support the millions of commuters making the majority of NY State's income?
This is no test for Gov. Christie, as he is not facing re-election, has sold his soul to Trump, and always backs the gas-guzzlers. But it is also a test for whomever would fill his shoes in the next election.
So I think NYC is watching closely; terrorism doesn't seem to be messing up our commute as much as infrastructure breakdowns and insufficiiencies, and Gov. Cuomo and Christie's replacement are best positioned to actually do something about this.
In the meantime I'll be walking more and more as our transit system deteriorates.
35
The subway system is the lifeblood of NYC and without it, the town grinds to a halt. Ask any engineer whose societies continually put out studies on the state of the infrastructure and the costs of maintenance and repairs. Oh, I get it, the reports land on the pols' desks and are ignored -- because, hey, money must be raised -- until it's almost too late to fix any of this vital infrastructure. Every time you start blaming the engineers, they whip out their reports and prove that they have been warning you guys of these collapses for YEARS. Get on it, Guvs and Yer Honerzzes past and present, because even this state doesn't stay Democratic if you lose NYC. Wake up!
9
Every politician up the chain of command, including the mayor, should be required to take the subway or other public transit to work every day. Just like us lowly peons.
In my area, that BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) board members DRIVE to board meetings is or should be a massive scandal. These meetings are held AT a major BART station location. These fat cats who run the system drive (or are driven in!) their expensive cars and those cars sit in their own exclusive cool parking lot during the meeting. This makes me want to vote every single one of them out of office.
If the Mayor of New York City had to take the subway to work every day, I predict that things would change, pronto. He is not going to tolerate the conditions I am hearing described here, the delays, the dirt, the crowding. Ah no, that's for working stiffs like you and me.
The elitism here is disgusting.
In my area, that BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) board members DRIVE to board meetings is or should be a massive scandal. These meetings are held AT a major BART station location. These fat cats who run the system drive (or are driven in!) their expensive cars and those cars sit in their own exclusive cool parking lot during the meeting. This makes me want to vote every single one of them out of office.
If the Mayor of New York City had to take the subway to work every day, I predict that things would change, pronto. He is not going to tolerate the conditions I am hearing described here, the delays, the dirt, the crowding. Ah no, that's for working stiffs like you and me.
The elitism here is disgusting.
110
@ Susan:
"If the Mayor of New York City had to take the subway to work every day, I predict that things would change, pronto." READ the article. The governor, NOT the mayor, is in charge of the subway.
"If the Mayor of New York City had to take the subway to work every day, I predict that things would change, pronto." READ the article. The governor, NOT the mayor, is in charge of the subway.
Train wreck.... In more ways than one.
5
I'm pleased that I had the good sense to move from Buffalo years ago. If I was sitting in Buffalo I'd wonder why the Gov. of the State was responsible for a subway in NYC. It is just another indicator of New York Stat sinking into an abyss.
3
@fallen
If you were sitting in Buffalo, you'd already know why the Gov. of the State is responsible for the subway--it's called the State budget.
If you were sitting in Buffalo, you'd already know why the Gov. of the State is responsible for the subway--it's called the State budget.
In addition to crumbling infrastructure the NYC subway system is the filthiest I've encountered. The stench of urine is everywhere. Beware of human excrement in unmonitored areas. It is not just the homeless creating the garbage. Seemingly ordinary people think it is okay to eat and throw food wrappers and scraps, cups and bottles on the floor. The tracks are considered a handy garbage bin. Watch the rats devour food scraps tossed onto the tracks. Sometimes I think the trashing of the city is a deliberate protest by the disenfranchised. Sometimes it is just laziness--that coffee cup is just to heavy to hold so surreptitiously place it under your seat and leave it there when you exit.
53
Why are people so disgusting? I was raised to be considerate, or at least, that's how I turned out (in most cases anyway) ... when people spit, litter, urinate, and apparently, dedicate in public, I guess it's just showing they don't care about anything, and if they do care, it's only about themselves.
Well, what can you expect from greedy 1% out of touch infrastructure hating Republicans like Cuomo or DeBlasio riding around in chauffeured cars and armored SUVs? Oh wait, a moment, I guess the conventional go to script doesn't fit this one..
I love how the city loves to claim the subway as their own until it has embarrassing problems and all of a sudden we need to be reminded that the state is in charge of it. Something tells me that if the problems again dropped that would reverse.
Like the Port Authority and the disaster that are the airports, the MTA is a sad product of the corruption and political dealing that once festered and still is so deeply seated in NY. To a large extent little has changed, as there is still too much politics and far too many fingers (including from the unions) in the pie. Can it change? Perhaps, but it will take the people of NY - and yes, NJ, to finally say enough is enough; no, we won't contribute to you or vote for you or reelect you just because you have a "D" after your name (a major hurdle for many, alas) despite everything else you say and do i between elections.
I love how the city loves to claim the subway as their own until it has embarrassing problems and all of a sudden we need to be reminded that the state is in charge of it. Something tells me that if the problems again dropped that would reverse.
Like the Port Authority and the disaster that are the airports, the MTA is a sad product of the corruption and political dealing that once festered and still is so deeply seated in NY. To a large extent little has changed, as there is still too much politics and far too many fingers (including from the unions) in the pie. Can it change? Perhaps, but it will take the people of NY - and yes, NJ, to finally say enough is enough; no, we won't contribute to you or vote for you or reelect you just because you have a "D" after your name (a major hurdle for many, alas) despite everything else you say and do i between elections.
13
A welcome to NYC from a native Manhattanite who grew up and worked in the 70's and 80's, using predominantly the subway. If anyone is expecting the, "you have no idea how bad it once was," already assumed. NYC was a bankrupt, miserable state of affairs in those early years. At the time the City depended upon the State to bail it out of its financial issues. Today the City is the crown jewel of the State or at least its cash cow. The State depends upon the City whether they like to admit it or not. We had an epic financial boom which some argue was started in the late 80's and definitely through 1996-2007. See the BBC documentary "Hyper Normalization" for a very good take. The problem is that easy money does not change the fundamentals, often makes them worse. City leaders could spend this new found cash to ameliorate problems, but there is the double edged sword of when the cash is not there and not spent on fundamental change. The bonds that bailed the city out of the fiscal crisis of the 70's were never paid off, simply rolled for two generations. Does this sound like functional change? In the past we removed elevated lines before the underground was put in place. We spend millions on hard bordered travel lanes for bikes when these should be for streetcars. New arrivals who are feeling some of the dysfunction: I can't wait until one feels the hot blinding stench of filth while descending into the non-airconditioned hellhole. Crowded cars, try it without AC.
6
Chris - Thanks for putting the situation into perspective. There exists a history of continuing improvement (somewhat low-grade, but improvement nonetheless) of which many commenters are unaware. It's not just the arrival of AC, it's the absence of graffiti and scratched windows and low-watt incandescent bulbs "lighting" the platforms. And let's not forget how many buses it took to move us among the boroughs in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Yes, we could do much, much better with decision makers who weren't named Cuomo or de Blasio (or Bloomberg, for that matter) , and, yes, there is much room for improvement. However, as a New Yorker since 1980, I will always be thankful for the 24-hour, 365-day NYC subway system.
You don't begin to build an addition to your house before you fix the leak in your roof. But this is what Cuomo is doing by building "legacy" projects such as the LaGuardia Airport connection (less effective that the M60 bus) and spending money on buses with WiFi (we already have connections on our phones). Fund the signal problems first!
58
Cuomo is shaping up to our worst governor ever. It's hard to see any progress he's making on any front. Ethics -shut down. Port Authority - a disaster. NYC: schools, tranit - a mess.
He cannot be trusted to be re-elected. He's our own version of Chris Christie
He cannot be trusted to be re-elected. He's our own version of Chris Christie
90
And yet he was endorsed and reelected even though all of this was nothing new the last time around. "I can't vote for a Republican" - regardless of any other factors or qualifications - stopped many voters from denying Cuomo yet another ego boosting victory.
3
You can add to your list that he has done nothing to deal with the crippling property taxes of the suburbs that surround NYC or bring jobs to our upstate cities.
If it doesn't involve a photo op, I have little expectation of action from Governor Cuomo on any of our infrastructure woes be it the subway or LIRR. This is what happens when one party can take the voters for granted. Cuomo can spend the next few years on his presidential campaign and doing nothing for the city or state and still collect New York's electoral votes.
In addition, I always see his motorcade parked outside the Manhattan building his office is in. He doesn't have to worry about our crumbling mass transit system since he never rides it.
In addition, I always see his motorcade parked outside the Manhattan building his office is in. He doesn't have to worry about our crumbling mass transit system since he never rides it.
51
Elitism is very hard to overcome, once one is infected with it. All these fat cats, like Governor Cuomo and Mayor DeBlasio, with their chauffeured limousines and elitist parking privileges, are SO COMPLETELY out of touch with the daily lives of their constituents that they become incapable of caring, no matter how bad things get for the rest of us plebeians. Our FAT-CAT PRIVILEGED Governor and Mayor are completely insulated from the pain of daily life on the subway.
Old problem of politicians wanting to put funding into new projects (ie: 2nd avenue subway, & 7 line extension) and not pay for any of the maintenance of any existing infrastructure.
8
Robert Moses and Al Smith's work. Like Housing Preservation and Development and the way our school system works, New York's corruption feeds off a down-state upstate division by diverting millions of dollars in revenue from the MTA that should be going into service while real estate moguls like Donald Trump build and build and build with tax breaks galore, there's no way to get around the construction, metaphorically and literally, due to the lack of transportation services.
Speaking of metaphor, going down a broken escalator the other day at Jamaica Station to pick up the E train due to signal problems preventing the LIRR from entering Manhattan, crowds coming into the station from Manhattan swarmed both escalators charging up against us who were traveling down into the subway. I had to JUMP OVER THE RAIL to prevent myself from being trampled by the oncoming onslaught of commuters trying to get up to a station platform. All the police were standing away from this mob around the turnstiles 75 feet away to prevent riders from entering without paying, as our LIRR tickets provided free access to the subway.
All that aside, we are barraged by politicians broadcast of safety, this area of mass transit is an absolute monstrosity of potential of human disaster.
Speaking of metaphor, going down a broken escalator the other day at Jamaica Station to pick up the E train due to signal problems preventing the LIRR from entering Manhattan, crowds coming into the station from Manhattan swarmed both escalators charging up against us who were traveling down into the subway. I had to JUMP OVER THE RAIL to prevent myself from being trampled by the oncoming onslaught of commuters trying to get up to a station platform. All the police were standing away from this mob around the turnstiles 75 feet away to prevent riders from entering without paying, as our LIRR tickets provided free access to the subway.
All that aside, we are barraged by politicians broadcast of safety, this area of mass transit is an absolute monstrosity of potential of human disaster.
8
I intend to hold the Governor responsible at the ballot box. And the mayor has shown a total lack of leadership on this (and so many other) issues.
33
I will only expect the rideshare market in New York to expand further to pick up the slack caused by the surreal unreliability of transit, further choking the streets with autos.
9
Hopefully, it will make Diblasio super late to his gym in Brooklyn! Wow, no gyms in manhattan?
2
I'm with Ellen on this one. It's GOT to be a slap in the face to pay so much to ride the subway, and still can't get where ever you're going on time! When I left New York, a monthly pass was $65.00. Now, it's $121.00!!! People have got to start asking where the money is going with the disconnect between the rise in the cost of the fare versus the deteriorating service they fare actually getting! Finally, a warning to Cuomo and DeBlasio: Ignoring the problem will NOT make it go away!!! Show some leadership, please!!!!!
39
It seems every year the MTA wants a fare hike. Can someone tell me what the MTA is doing with all of this money?
71
Salaries, benefits and pensions, coupled with layers of administrators and archaic work rules would likely be "the usual suspects".
6
The fare hikes are because the state government repeatedly refuses to properly fund the MTA. The MTA gets more of it's revenue from fares, as opposed to state support, than most similar transit agencies. They are forced to take on debt to fund improvements to the subway, and a staggering amount of their budget goes to paying interest on debt. If you are truly interested in where the money goes, MTA budgets are publicly available. The real question is not where does the money go, but why does the state not properly fund one of it's most important economic drivers.
5
Dear Susan,
The fare hikes really aren't the problem. When I started riding the subways, they cost $0.60, in tokens, but at that age people were paying for mine. Buying my own cost $0.75, but I usually used my High School pass (totally legally! Sort of!).
However, $1.00 in 1986 is $2.22 in 2017 dollars, so subway fares have not much outpaced inflation. The problem is that the system requires constant maintenance, improvements, and even entire new stations, and the MTA has not gotten the Federal funding it deserves, considering the MTA is vital transportation for the densest nexus of revenue generating work in the U.S.A..
The fare hikes really aren't the problem. When I started riding the subways, they cost $0.60, in tokens, but at that age people were paying for mine. Buying my own cost $0.75, but I usually used my High School pass (totally legally! Sort of!).
However, $1.00 in 1986 is $2.22 in 2017 dollars, so subway fares have not much outpaced inflation. The problem is that the system requires constant maintenance, improvements, and even entire new stations, and the MTA has not gotten the Federal funding it deserves, considering the MTA is vital transportation for the densest nexus of revenue generating work in the U.S.A..
5
Wow! Complaints galore, the ultra-slow subway transit and consequent over-crowding, and delays that are 'killing' the smooth functioning, and well being, of the city of New York (lest we forget, composed of five boroughs). The infrastructure is too old for our current needs; could more trains, i.e. more frequent 'arrivals' and 'departures' be of help? Certainly, if the 'hardware tolerates the punishment. Or stop subways' service to start anew (build a modern system conforming with today's 'mass' transit needs)...while alternate modes of transportation are offered? Both Cuomo and de Blasio, in an exquisite cooperation, thus far daringly absent, are responsible for the unresolved chaos. Or was Truman's "the buck stops here, at my desk" exclusive when things got done?
2
The public should be able to see the MTA's books. I don't blame either the Governor or the Mayor. The problem goes all the way back to Pataki. Let's see a cost benefit analysis for the $12 Billion spending on the East Side Access Capital Project. That kind of money could have been used on the much more needed existing infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.
7
Double the fare and use the proceeds for repairs. It's the fairest way. Those who use it should pay to maintain it.
2
You mean just like car drivers pay to maintain the roads and bridges?
12
Can you imagine if we transition to a fare system like that in Europe or Asia? Fare based by zones or distance travelled. Some people already have difficulties paying the current fare. Our system is too large, too old and too dirty. The saving grace is our brand new subway cars and buses.
3
When people ride the subway, they are not driving; thus they not adding to the congestion and air pollution. It's a win/win situation for everyone, so why should they be the only ones that bear the brunt of the cost. It's the drivers who should pay more, since they're the ones whose cars, particularly the SUVs and other heavy vehicles, which contribute to the damage of our bridges and roads. They should pay more in the gas tax, which would help fix this problem.
4
Out of my 10 or so rides per week I would estimate 6 are delayed by many minutes or more, and it is always in evening. My 40 min ride home took over 90 mints on an A train and no one who worked in subway stations knew why or how much longer the delay would be. Yes, the MTA needs to invest in updating the signalling system but in the meantime there are things they can do to alleviate the stress and anxiety for riders such as: clear and concise announcements, subway platform attendants who have accurate and up to date information, keep the service alerts across digital platforms more up to date. If the MTA simply communicated with the riders better and employed more helpful service oriented people maybe the collective rage would be lessened and would buy them time to make the repairs the system needs.
5
At this point I'd be content if Cuomo and Deblasio could find some way to reduce the amount of solid human waste decorating the system every day. Even in the Bad OId Days of the 70s and 80s, I don't seem to recall this particular gift.
10
In capital cities of Europe the trains are on time, clean stations (imagine that!) and cost about $400 for a YEARLY ticket. In NYC they built a billion dollar tower for rich folks on the back of increased fares for regular folks.
7
Built in the EARLY 20th century, do you think the subway system just MIGHT be in need of some updating and repair? Regarding Cuomo & DeBlasio... they were HIRED as PUBLIC SERVANTS. They should be working overtime (without additional pay) to improve our subways, buses, and city in general. Instead, they duck and dive like most politicians. To quote someone I'm not very fond of..."Bad".
2
New York State politics (much like national politics) are driven by voters in swing districts. The City is solidly democratic. Large swaths of upstate are solidly Republican. And among the few areas up for grabs are the City's commuter counties (think Richmond, Rockland, Putnam and Dutchess) whose residents pay for the MTA but don't use the subway. Albany has every incentive to appease these folks, by rebuilding interstate bridges, renovating airports and keeping the bills down by short-changing the subway. These are the voters Cuomo and the state legislature cares about. Not the millions of straphangers suffering chronic delays underground.
15
All the heralded upgrades to the system have been directed at a small, wealthy segment of the city. Bloomberg's real estate cronies needed subway access to the exclusive haven of Hudson Yards, so he gave it to them. The never-to-be-completed Second Avenue subway serves a sliver of the Upper East Side and de Blasio's ferries mostly cater to the rampant luxury developments on the East River, also a giveaway by his predecessor Cosimo de Bloomberg. Everyone else must fend for themselves.
I recently saw a Nova episode profiling the staggeringly complex and beautiful engineering feat going on beneath London to provide a new subway line. Included in this is 23 miles of new tunnels. All its numerous complications were met with ingenuity and resolve, not endless foot-dragging. Read any article about the Chinese infrastructure effort and you will also want to weep for this country. It took 10 years after 9/11 to end up with the hulking, nondescript warehouse known as 1 World Trade Center - but don't get me started...
I recently saw a Nova episode profiling the staggeringly complex and beautiful engineering feat going on beneath London to provide a new subway line. Included in this is 23 miles of new tunnels. All its numerous complications were met with ingenuity and resolve, not endless foot-dragging. Read any article about the Chinese infrastructure effort and you will also want to weep for this country. It took 10 years after 9/11 to end up with the hulking, nondescript warehouse known as 1 World Trade Center - but don't get me started...
34
We absolutely should be looking to London as our example. Big game-changing projects are what we need (along with good maintenance) not dribs and drabs of adding a billion-dollar station here and there for little benefit. ReThinkNYC and the TriBoroRX are two examples of how we need to be thinking.
1
I think 1 WTC is beautiful. I don't disagree with your other points, but I look up at 1WTC almost daily and am impressed.
Neither Cuomo nor DiBlasio cares about the traveling public as they both continue to support the construction of more and more high rise buildings and commercial structures in already over-crowded and saturated areas. Who in their right minds would consider building another office mega building in the area of Grand Central Terminal- an area already overburdened with subway and bus lines, Metro North, express bus stops from Brooklyn, Westchester, etc to say nothing of the ongoing construction of high rise and often unaffordable apartment structures going up all around the city? Both Cuomo and Di Blasio show up for photo-ops or when they need to muster up votes for their next campaign. And Di Blasio has to go to his gym in Brooklyn? Huh? Obviously, he's not interested in what the people he is supposed to govern have to go through daily just to earn their livelihoods. Neither has a clue about true urban planning which must be supported by affordable,safe and functioning transportation systems. No wonder people are truly considering leaving the city.
16
If those frustrated commuters are wondering why Mayor De Blasio and Governor Cuomo are not addressing their pain I have the answer--the problem exists because Cuomo and De Blasio can't stand each other. As he whistles 'Hail to the Chief' at his desk in Albany, Cuomo is way too busy figuring out new ways to undermine De Blasio's effectiveness in City Hall. Andrew Cuomo just can't understand why he can't be both Mayor of New York City along with his current day job as Governor of New York State. It's a pathetic clash of egos, plain and simple. Cuomo and De Blasio are acting like spoiled children who need some time in the naughty chair. Neither Cuomo nor De Blasio could care less about what the commuters want and if they have to suffer so be it.
10
It is strange that both Mr. Cuomo and Mr. de Blasio declined interviews for this article. Isn't the ability of their constituents to get to work on time, for those who work, worth their time?
Apparently not.
Apparently not.
76
If these nitwit politicians had to use the subways on a daily basis the subway system would work better and the decrepit stations would be refurbished.
32
Also, it wouldn't hurt to take a power washer to some ceilings, walls, and platforms...even to knock down the peeling paint hunks from the ceilings. If there were some schedule of basic cleaning, and an occasional coat of paint would make a much more peasant and sanitary situation for all.
There are great discrepancies within the system for which is clean and and fresh, and which is not, even within the same basic station - City Hall Brooklyn Bridge being one glaring example. The 4/5/6 line is fresh, well lit, and maintained.
But go around the corner and down the stairs to the JZ platform, and there is grime left over from the 1930s... beautiful original tilework that is crusted in dirt and grime, old soda cans and beer bottles that have been in position for 30 years minus... and let's not forget the over bearing stench of aged urine.
This si not an intractable problem. It is a question of valuing the riding public and treating each one, not just the ones that serve wealthy neighborhoods and new arrivals, with equal consideration.
Maybe some of the workers who had previously staffed the now almost nonexistent toll booths, a threat to public safety, could be hired for maintenance??
There are great discrepancies within the system for which is clean and and fresh, and which is not, even within the same basic station - City Hall Brooklyn Bridge being one glaring example. The 4/5/6 line is fresh, well lit, and maintained.
But go around the corner and down the stairs to the JZ platform, and there is grime left over from the 1930s... beautiful original tilework that is crusted in dirt and grime, old soda cans and beer bottles that have been in position for 30 years minus... and let's not forget the over bearing stench of aged urine.
This si not an intractable problem. It is a question of valuing the riding public and treating each one, not just the ones that serve wealthy neighborhoods and new arrivals, with equal consideration.
Maybe some of the workers who had previously staffed the now almost nonexistent toll booths, a threat to public safety, could be hired for maintenance??
71
"The first phase, which focuses on the Eighth Avenue lines in Manhattan, includes directing riders to painted zones . . . "
I had to check the URL to make sure I wasn't reading The Onion. The subway system requires significant investment -- new signals, more capacity, new lines, and modernization like automated train control and platform doors. Right now, the State is allowing the system to collapse.
Control of the transit system must also be returned to the mayor, as he is more directly answerable to those who actually use the trains.
I had to check the URL to make sure I wasn't reading The Onion. The subway system requires significant investment -- new signals, more capacity, new lines, and modernization like automated train control and platform doors. Right now, the State is allowing the system to collapse.
Control of the transit system must also be returned to the mayor, as he is more directly answerable to those who actually use the trains.
21
Check again--it was The Onion
1
I don't pretend to know what the answer is, but the system is beyond the breaking point. It is broken, even as fares continue to rise..a double slap on the face to everyone who uses it.
Even on trains that do run, the system remains too overcrowded; riding during rush hour means being physically pressed onto strangers for the entire ride. Delays, if one is standing, become unbearable after 10 minutes or so. My friend was stuck on an A train in last week's or the week before's disaster and was texting as people fainted form heat and crowding.
And weekends? Oh, please. Weekends are an adventure and not of the good kind. I leave double the amount of time, but even the mat.info weekender can't contain service changes and do not give adequate information so that riders can make an informed decision about whether or not to venture out anywhere.
Maybe Cuomo should have to take the 6 or the F or the A or L during rush hour every morning and every evening for 2 weeks and see if he finds some will to unburden the NYC residents whose taxes support the rest of the state.
Even on trains that do run, the system remains too overcrowded; riding during rush hour means being physically pressed onto strangers for the entire ride. Delays, if one is standing, become unbearable after 10 minutes or so. My friend was stuck on an A train in last week's or the week before's disaster and was texting as people fainted form heat and crowding.
And weekends? Oh, please. Weekends are an adventure and not of the good kind. I leave double the amount of time, but even the mat.info weekender can't contain service changes and do not give adequate information so that riders can make an informed decision about whether or not to venture out anywhere.
Maybe Cuomo should have to take the 6 or the F or the A or L during rush hour every morning and every evening for 2 weeks and see if he finds some will to unburden the NYC residents whose taxes support the rest of the state.
134
The state is spending your tax dollars giving free legal assistance to illegals, paying for sweet pension deals for MTA employees, the city is spending your tax dollars giving away the farm to anyone with their hands out. The MTA is symptomatic of a bigger problem---when gov't is giving out too much, with not enough coming in, something will suffer. It's so simple a child could figure it out. Too much going out, not enough going in.
9
We need a time out on immigration and a time out on new affordable housing. Before you know it there will be 9 million residents.