Key phrase, "I don't know if I will grt home and yes @CaveatEmptor I do suspect Chris Christie of having a hand in all this.
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A contrarian thought here: a lot of these complaints ate from people outside of New York City proper. While I sympathize with their plight, maybe the fundamental problem is that we have WAY TOO many commuters outside of the city proper, i.e. the 5 boroughs that make up NYC. Also where are those magical market based solutions that Red Staters love to tote around? Why isn't there a market solution to NJ Transit? Or Long Island transit?
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The book DON'T THINK OF AN ELEPHANT, by George Lakoff years ago made a strong case for the democratic party featuring a strong forward push for infrastructure. He links such a campaign to reminding voters how hard our grandparents worked to create a system of roads, rails, bridges, water systems, and parks- and how much our government has been willing to let these assets fall into ruin.
Lakoff actually uses the word taxes as a positive value- assuming we are using taxes to prevent the disrepair of Penn Station and its overused rails, build a real high speed rail network, separated commuter bike lanes, and other energy saving and travel improvements that drag the US into the 21st century of transit in a way easily observable in Europe, Japan.
Lakoff actually uses the word taxes as a positive value- assuming we are using taxes to prevent the disrepair of Penn Station and its overused rails, build a real high speed rail network, separated commuter bike lanes, and other energy saving and travel improvements that drag the US into the 21st century of transit in a way easily observable in Europe, Japan.
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If you were serious about saving the country and your jobs you would leave the city and register to vote in red zone
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You cannot have a good rail system in the largest city in the US, but we sure do have the the most expensive fighter jets (400 million PLUS per plane), two wars that have cost us over a trillion dollars each, and the efforts to spend another trillion dollars to "modernize" atomic weapons over the next ten years.
That is why it takes an hour transit twenty miles from New Jersey to Penn Station. I have travels Europe and seen what rail should be. We should be embarrassed.
The Chinese are going to bury us.
That is why it takes an hour transit twenty miles from New Jersey to Penn Station. I have travels Europe and seen what rail should be. We should be embarrassed.
The Chinese are going to bury us.
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I was a transportation planner and I think my two cents are certainly worth more than the fellow on here blaming Obama.
1. Most federal transportation dollars are for capital projects, ie new things. The NY/NJ area almost always gets what it asks for and then some and are notorious for multi billion dollar cost over runs. See, Second Avenue Subway. Whereas the next biggest city, Los Angeles raises funds locally through taxes and then goes to the fed for the rest and their projects usually come in under cost and ON TIME. The corruption of NY/NJ is in part to blame for the current situation as is Christie. The Feds would have probably capitulated and given more money for the Gateway project. Christie just threw that money away and guess who got it? Los Angeles. They are building a subway that will be, you guessed it, on time and under budget.
Anyone who voted for Christie either time deserves what the get.
2. Yes it is unfair that we have to spend to maintain the infrastructure by itself. Perhaps if smart people went to Washington instead of Cruz, Trump, Rubio & the rest of this pathetic excuse for a government we might be like the rest of the world whose Federal Government steps in to assist in maintaining essential infrastructure.
3. Raise the gas tax. Roads are ridiculously subsidized and no more essential, especially in this case, than the trains.
Many who work in public transportation are old white men who drive. Now you see where the problems begin.
1. Most federal transportation dollars are for capital projects, ie new things. The NY/NJ area almost always gets what it asks for and then some and are notorious for multi billion dollar cost over runs. See, Second Avenue Subway. Whereas the next biggest city, Los Angeles raises funds locally through taxes and then goes to the fed for the rest and their projects usually come in under cost and ON TIME. The corruption of NY/NJ is in part to blame for the current situation as is Christie. The Feds would have probably capitulated and given more money for the Gateway project. Christie just threw that money away and guess who got it? Los Angeles. They are building a subway that will be, you guessed it, on time and under budget.
Anyone who voted for Christie either time deserves what the get.
2. Yes it is unfair that we have to spend to maintain the infrastructure by itself. Perhaps if smart people went to Washington instead of Cruz, Trump, Rubio & the rest of this pathetic excuse for a government we might be like the rest of the world whose Federal Government steps in to assist in maintaining essential infrastructure.
3. Raise the gas tax. Roads are ridiculously subsidized and no more essential, especially in this case, than the trains.
Many who work in public transportation are old white men who drive. Now you see where the problems begin.
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It's time for employers to start reconsidering whether requiring staff to come into the office every day brings actual value. I commute 1.5 hours to work each way in heavy traffic for a job that I could easily do from home most of the time. I'm out the door by 6:30am every day, and burn through a tank of gas a week (and don't say "move" because housing costs are a thing). At what point will our society realize the toll commuting is taking on our families and on the environment?
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You could have lived closer to your job. You could live walking distance from the emerging rail/light rail lines with bus system connecting. Might not have as big a house. God Forbid an apartment/condo if you want tax breaks.
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Many people will discover they can do their jobs as well if not better by not commuting. They'll spend more time with their families and be happier and healthier.
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Although the republican party shares a good brunt of the blame, there is plenty of blame to go around.
For decades both parties took infrastructure for granted. Democrats funneled money into social welfare programs whereas Republicans funneled money back to rich people. The whole time infrastructure programs withered and are now on life support.
Next up is the MTA and the NYC Subway. It is a slow burn there too. Just not enough money. MTA and NYC Government - despite all the talk to the contrary it has not been a priority. A lot of talk. Nothing more.
And here we are. NYC is more than NYC. It thrives or starves on the economy of Northern NJ, Long Island, Westchester and CT. If these arteries to NYC are clogged or closed NYC suffers. DeBlasio may not think so (extra tolls/congestion pricing for NJ, non LI NY and CT commuters/drivers) but it is true. Companies will relocate for talent. There are already doing so. Just another reason to leave. Plus, it will push the work from home principle faster. Knowledge industries drive NYC's core economy.
So to Democrats and Republicans alike. Wake up.
And to commuters. If you live in a commuting town, ban together and speak with your elected representatives. Build a consistency they must listen to. In NJ there are >200k using NJ Transit.
For decades both parties took infrastructure for granted. Democrats funneled money into social welfare programs whereas Republicans funneled money back to rich people. The whole time infrastructure programs withered and are now on life support.
Next up is the MTA and the NYC Subway. It is a slow burn there too. Just not enough money. MTA and NYC Government - despite all the talk to the contrary it has not been a priority. A lot of talk. Nothing more.
And here we are. NYC is more than NYC. It thrives or starves on the economy of Northern NJ, Long Island, Westchester and CT. If these arteries to NYC are clogged or closed NYC suffers. DeBlasio may not think so (extra tolls/congestion pricing for NJ, non LI NY and CT commuters/drivers) but it is true. Companies will relocate for talent. There are already doing so. Just another reason to leave. Plus, it will push the work from home principle faster. Knowledge industries drive NYC's core economy.
So to Democrats and Republicans alike. Wake up.
And to commuters. If you live in a commuting town, ban together and speak with your elected representatives. Build a consistency they must listen to. In NJ there are >200k using NJ Transit.
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One imperfect solution for some LIRR patrons is this: there are many fine, safe and reasonably priced parking garages (around $10/day) in Harlem and the Bronx which can be easily accessed from the Triboro Bridge or the Major Deegan Expressway. Park there and hop the subway (A, D, 4, or 5 @ 125th Street or the 4/5/D from Yankee Stadium) or take MetroNorth from 125th Street station for a quick ride to Grand Central Station. Yes, there are some logistics involved, but the number of unused and reasonably priced parking spaces in these garages is quite astounding. While visiting Harlem and/or the Bronx, why not stop into one of our fine restaurants and enjoy yourself before your drive back to the hinterlands of wherever. You won't be sorry and you're guaranteed to have a story or two for your friends. Don't be a stranger! WE LOVE NY.
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A fabulous solution, except for one small problem - the current construction on the Triboro Bridge. That bridge is a nightmare to cross right now.
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Fortunately I'm no longer involved in this NYC commuting nightmare. But if I were, I would take the E or F between Jamaica and New York. Is the MTA honoring LIRR tickets during the work? It may take a little longer, but at least when you are going home you get to wait for your train on an open-air platform in Jamaica, instead of that dank inferno, Penn Station.
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LIRR trains will not be "detoured" to Jamaica. Every branch, except for the Port Washington branch, goes through Jamaica already. They will either be terminated at Jamaica or diverted to Brooklyn or Hunterspoint.
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Why isn't the LIRR offering discounts?! The traffic on LI's highways heading into the city is going to be TORTUROUS.
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Grand Central Terminal is probably the greatest commuter station in the world, and Penn Station is probably the worst. Why anyone living in the tai-state area would move to an area than requires a commute into Penn Station is beyond me.
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Some of us can't afford to live in Westchester.
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The LIRR trains come into Penn Station from the east, and then presumably go to the yards pending their return to Long Island. The NJ Transit trains also turn around at Penn Station. Wouldn't it be more efficient to merge the two systems (at least operationally) and have e.g. a train from Long Island stop at Penn Station only long enough for passengers to detrain and embark, and then continue on to New Jersey? If the time for the stop at Penn Station could be reduced to about five minutes per train, then the tracks not undergoing renovation could be used much more efficiently.
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Dear Retired Guy,
It would seem to make sense, but the problem is these are two entirely different lines, the LIRR and the NJ Transit, and they have different administrations and different trains. Also, the entirety of the train track network under Penn would have to be rebuilt to do this. So it's not an easy thing to do.
It would seem to make sense, but the problem is these are two entirely different lines, the LIRR and the NJ Transit, and they have different administrations and different trains. Also, the entirety of the train track network under Penn would have to be rebuilt to do this. So it's not an easy thing to do.
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Too many people for this to work. It would be a nightmare. Especially at peak times.
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Slow-motion nation destroying...brought to you by Republicans opposed to public transportation, infrastructure, planning, taxes, the common good, common sense and modernity.
America's descent into the third-world continues, so a few billionaires can have bigger yachts.
"Next stop on the failing Republican national train...The Kremlin !"
Heckuva job, No-New-Tax-Nincompoops.
America's descent into the third-world continues, so a few billionaires can have bigger yachts.
"Next stop on the failing Republican national train...The Kremlin !"
Heckuva job, No-New-Tax-Nincompoops.
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The roots of all this are the century old tracks connecting to a station that was ruined five decades ago. In addition, any fix will take 10-20 years to complete. Although they've done plenty wrong, this belongs to a score of administrations.
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Yes, this. It's years of automotive lobbying and lack of government vision.
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The fact that textbook infrastructure depreciation is being treated as if it were some 100-year, unpredictable, overnight disaster like Hurricane Sandy is utterly absurd.
The only people who haven't known with absolute certainty for *decades* that the subways and trains were falling apart seem to be those who live in Albany.
The lesson to be learned here is not that we need to have multiple options for commutation. While that's true, the lesson to be learned here is that you need to invest in infrastructure continually over time so as to never reach a point where the system completely fails, as will happen this summer and will continue to happen until our politicians put together a comprehensive plan to bring the backbone of our city to the cutting edge of transit.
This is a failure of leadership, plain and simple. Every politician involved should be ashamed of the damage caused by their inaction and indifference.
The only people who haven't known with absolute certainty for *decades* that the subways and trains were falling apart seem to be those who live in Albany.
The lesson to be learned here is not that we need to have multiple options for commutation. While that's true, the lesson to be learned here is that you need to invest in infrastructure continually over time so as to never reach a point where the system completely fails, as will happen this summer and will continue to happen until our politicians put together a comprehensive plan to bring the backbone of our city to the cutting edge of transit.
This is a failure of leadership, plain and simple. Every politician involved should be ashamed of the damage caused by their inaction and indifference.
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Hey, look at the bright side, at least Obama and Hillary Clinton and her cronies focused on the working people these past years. Oh wait...
I can see all the incredible improvements made by Obama with all that wonderful spending of his, doubling the national debt and pouring so much money into our infrastructure. Oh wait..
I love watching Hillary Clinton pitch to working class American's. She really seemed to embrace them on her campaign trail. It was, how can I say, admirable. Ah shucks, I'm not good at this.
Truth be told, we're in the peak of all peak of a cycle as the worst politicians of last the century, Obama, Holder, Pelosi, Clinton's (the anti-christs themselves), Cuomo, and so many others have enriched themselves on the backs of so many. It was profoundly endearing watching Hillary pander to her $30k a plate dinners in the upper crust of LA and the Hamptons; people that flew in by helicopter and driven by limo (who cares about infrastructure then). Obama, the king of failures, didn't spend a nickel of the $8 Trillion he spent on infrastructure. Almost all of that went to big pharma, insurance companies and a whole host of special interests, that affected no one and bettered no body.
You can argue with me about this, but you're going to be wrong. And no, Trump is no better, but none of this is his fault and frankly, he's far more in tune with the problem. Only way our national infrastructure is fixed is with a big reset and many know what I mean.
I can see all the incredible improvements made by Obama with all that wonderful spending of his, doubling the national debt and pouring so much money into our infrastructure. Oh wait..
I love watching Hillary Clinton pitch to working class American's. She really seemed to embrace them on her campaign trail. It was, how can I say, admirable. Ah shucks, I'm not good at this.
Truth be told, we're in the peak of all peak of a cycle as the worst politicians of last the century, Obama, Holder, Pelosi, Clinton's (the anti-christs themselves), Cuomo, and so many others have enriched themselves on the backs of so many. It was profoundly endearing watching Hillary pander to her $30k a plate dinners in the upper crust of LA and the Hamptons; people that flew in by helicopter and driven by limo (who cares about infrastructure then). Obama, the king of failures, didn't spend a nickel of the $8 Trillion he spent on infrastructure. Almost all of that went to big pharma, insurance companies and a whole host of special interests, that affected no one and bettered no body.
You can argue with me about this, but you're going to be wrong. And no, Trump is no better, but none of this is his fault and frankly, he's far more in tune with the problem. Only way our national infrastructure is fixed is with a big reset and many know what I mean.
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I guess you forgot that the Republican controlled congress refused to pass most infrastructure bills during the Obama administration.
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Obama was president, not king. The problem was an obstructionist congress. Maybe you should channel your anger into something more helpful (and fact based).
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I'm sorry, who was in control of the purse strings the last 7.5 years? Can we hear the answer? GOP was it? Who killed the tunnel from Jersey to Penn Station? Christie was it? Is he a Democrat? No?
Right now, who's "fantastic, greatest in history, most wonderful of anything ever" Presidency has completely dropped the ball on infrastructure spending? If people want better commuting options into Manhattan, you will need to convince the GOP that there's some Military need for it.
Right now, who's "fantastic, greatest in history, most wonderful of anything ever" Presidency has completely dropped the ball on infrastructure spending? If people want better commuting options into Manhattan, you will need to convince the GOP that there's some Military need for it.
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Not mentioned here is the veto of the funding to upgrade and add to the Hudson River tunnels by NJ Governor, Chris Christie. Also, plans and funding for taking over the adjacent post office building for station use is held up as well. It's time to stop this nonsense and get this work done.
The "Red State" fools continue to block infrastructure projects like this by electing political hacks who pander to them and want no part of "evil" New York. Lost in the smoke screen is the fact that the NYC Metropolitan area is responsible for a larger share of our total G.N.P. than many of those "Red States". Get going on the work and do it now.
The "Red State" fools continue to block infrastructure projects like this by electing political hacks who pander to them and want no part of "evil" New York. Lost in the smoke screen is the fact that the NYC Metropolitan area is responsible for a larger share of our total G.N.P. than many of those "Red States". Get going on the work and do it now.
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Exactly, I mirror your point above about "NYC Metro area G.N.P." makes it a Natl issue but is treated in today's Congress as a "regional" funding issue. You're right on , It is lost in the "smoke screen" of a collapsed Gov.
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Anyone voting Republican: this is what "tax cuts" look like.
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I commute from Long Island and I have been late to work/working from home due to the many delays/ cancellations on the LIRR. My company decided the summer of hell issue for me and laid me off on June 16. That is how Long Islanders will suffer - more of us will get laid off.
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Is there no legal recourse for you whatsoever? Surely they can't legally fire you because of NY infrastructure issues that are not in any way your fault?
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"she would work ... try the ferry from Hoboken to West 39th Street in Manhattan. But she said she was not sure ...how she would get to her office in Chelsea once she got off."
Citibke could help. There is a large station at the ferry and many in Chelsea.
The problem is a lack of safe, protected cross town bike routes. One solution: eliminate one lane of car storage along some crosstown streets and replace it with a bike line, separated by a barrier more convincing than a stripe of paint.
Citibke could help. There is a large station at the ferry and many in Chelsea.
The problem is a lack of safe, protected cross town bike routes. One solution: eliminate one lane of car storage along some crosstown streets and replace it with a bike line, separated by a barrier more convincing than a stripe of paint.
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Thank you, Gov. Christie, for causing this big mess by failing to support the Gateway Tunnel project several years ago. While your concerns might have been valid, you failed to exert leadership and address those problems. Instead, you simply squashed the entire project, making it very clear that you were not a leader, but instead a political hack who cared only about yourself.
As a result, millions of your citizens are now facing horrible inconvenience, difficulty, extra costs, and all the other challenges associated with this summer of commuting hell. We all know who to blame; it is no wonder that your approval ratings are hovering at 10%.
As a result, millions of your citizens are now facing horrible inconvenience, difficulty, extra costs, and all the other challenges associated with this summer of commuting hell. We all know who to blame; it is no wonder that your approval ratings are hovering at 10%.
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Yes, He's guilty as charged but not alone. Those pols. before him ( state and Fed.) in a position of influence , have for decades ignored the glaring tough decisions to fund desperately needed infrastructure but instead yielded to special interests for military weapons etc.
If you take a 1950 Ford or Buick and rebuild it with all new parts. You still have a 1950 car which is not suitable for current highway speeds of today ( 75 mph average ) Same is true of current rail design. The system is beyond repair and band-aids won't work.
There needs to be a Natl. program to rebuild the collapsed system, however with Congress divided by special interests for regional projects in their home districts , it will continue to deteriorate until a future Fed. Admin. deals with it openly.
.
If you take a 1950 Ford or Buick and rebuild it with all new parts. You still have a 1950 car which is not suitable for current highway speeds of today ( 75 mph average ) Same is true of current rail design. The system is beyond repair and band-aids won't work.
There needs to be a Natl. program to rebuild the collapsed system, however with Congress divided by special interests for regional projects in their home districts , it will continue to deteriorate until a future Fed. Admin. deals with it openly.
.
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His concerns were not valid. He didn't care. He said it was "too expensive" while he was busy giving tax breaks to the state's wealthiest and slashing school budgets.
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It's going to be rough alright, somewhat mitigated by the technology that allows some people to work from home, and hold teleconferences and such. We're lucky that there are some ways around this commuting disaster that didn't exist twenty years ago.
But I think people should brace themselves for the situation getting a lot worse for the next few years at least. Our infrastructure has been neglected for decades, and Trump shows every sign of continuing to neglect it aggressively. Subways, trains, airports, and so on, will probably all degrade significantly until we get a government that is committed to investing in repairing and updating our infrastructure.
So if your job doesn't allow for working at home, it might be a good time to start looking for a job that does. If your career doesn't allow it, it might be good to seek out a job within easy walking or biking range of your home, or moving closer to where you work now. Soon enough our transportation system is going to become completely unreliable, so good luck restructuring your commute.
But I think people should brace themselves for the situation getting a lot worse for the next few years at least. Our infrastructure has been neglected for decades, and Trump shows every sign of continuing to neglect it aggressively. Subways, trains, airports, and so on, will probably all degrade significantly until we get a government that is committed to investing in repairing and updating our infrastructure.
So if your job doesn't allow for working at home, it might be a good time to start looking for a job that does. If your career doesn't allow it, it might be good to seek out a job within easy walking or biking range of your home, or moving closer to where you work now. Soon enough our transportation system is going to become completely unreliable, so good luck restructuring your commute.
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