Some enterprising reporter for the Times might try to decipher where the money goes and why there isn't more available for repairs in the subways, Penn Station and New Jersey transit? A simple balance sheet study. Money in, money out. Especially money out. Where does it go and why. It shouldn't be that hard to do. It might allay rider's anger looking forward to July and August.
3
I have no sympathy for these people. The woman complaining about people with earbuds not hearing the announcements... really? You can't hear the announcements on the train because the PA systems either don't work, or you are whispering into it. And when we can hear the announcements, it's "train traffic in front of us." That's a lie. We all know that's a lie.
And the unions are part of the problem. They're fighting the new, modern signal system because it will result in lost union jobs. Can't have those union employees who turn the manual, 1930s switches lose their jobs, can we? Of course not!
And the unions are part of the problem. They're fighting the new, modern signal system because it will result in lost union jobs. Can't have those union employees who turn the manual, 1930s switches lose their jobs, can we? Of course not!
4
The operator and conductor have nothing to do with a train being delayed or re-routed. For upset riders to take it out on the train employees is immature to the 10th degree and should be discouraged, perhaps through the use of fines or make assaulting a transit worker a low-level felony (i thought it already was, but that might be only applicable to bus drivers). No excuse for this behavior. None. Zero. Transit workers should not have to endure verbal and physical assaults when doing their jobs.
7
The NYC Transit system is among the least subsidized form of mass transit in the world, and so routinely runs a deficit. The city puts more money into the subsidy than the state. The levels of contribution have dropped over the years, with the city providing more money than the state. So, who is MOST responsible for the problems? Cuomo. He is now working to 'fix' the problems in Transit as part of his preparation for the run for POTUS in 2020. What an irony, he is going to claim that he fixed a problem he created. As a 24 year veteran of NYC Transit, I can tell you without exception, that the Bus Operators, Train Operators and Conductors are dedicated to making service, despite the BEST EFFORTS of MANAGEMENT. Note: I was in management at the TA during my 24 year stint.
6
New Yorkers put up with so much crumbling infrastructure, third world transportation and broken down stations. There must be good reasons to live in metropolitan NYC despite all it's seediness and dysfunction, but I will never understand the appeal. Nice place to visit....
3
I lost respect for the subway conductors when they'd announce to a crowded train that there's another train right behind this one.
They do this all the time. But they can't see backwards and they have no idea at all where the next train is. So people could be delayed 20 minutes waiting for the next train.
They do this all the time. But they can't see backwards and they have no idea at all where the next train is. So people could be delayed 20 minutes waiting for the next train.
2
I appreciate the instances of reflective intelligent commentary. What is amazing are the other comments. Regardless of what life throws at you, if it's a bad home life, a rotten spouse, health troubles or a miserable infrastructure such as the system outlined in this piece, every one of us should be committed to a set of appropriate adult mature behaviors and responses.
Many of these responses reflect some kind of moral relativism such that empathy or respect is dependent upon how you feel or your experience. That's not how life works and represents such a degradation of human interaction that many should be ashamed. Lumping all these workers together as being "lazy" is childish and won't get you to Midtown faster. Bringing unions into this? Irrelevant. Absolving people of assaulting workers? No better than Trump et al. Get some fortitude, collectively work to fix this, single out employees who are rude and unprofessional and address that individually.
Life is fraught with tough experiences. In the ER, we have patients assault us, curse at us, threaten us and their families often join in. Guess what? You find ways to stand back, pull yourself out of the emotional response and develop an effective adult response to manage the situation. We need to respect each other more because we have a standard for ourselves that is independent of the behaviors of others. Period.
Many of these responses reflect some kind of moral relativism such that empathy or respect is dependent upon how you feel or your experience. That's not how life works and represents such a degradation of human interaction that many should be ashamed. Lumping all these workers together as being "lazy" is childish and won't get you to Midtown faster. Bringing unions into this? Irrelevant. Absolving people of assaulting workers? No better than Trump et al. Get some fortitude, collectively work to fix this, single out employees who are rude and unprofessional and address that individually.
Life is fraught with tough experiences. In the ER, we have patients assault us, curse at us, threaten us and their families often join in. Guess what? You find ways to stand back, pull yourself out of the emotional response and develop an effective adult response to manage the situation. We need to respect each other more because we have a standard for ourselves that is independent of the behaviors of others. Period.
7
Physics: pack more particles into the same space and pressure and temperatures rise. Apparently that works for urban dwellers as well. If you're not prepared to put up with that perhaps you shouldn't live in a city or large metro area.
1
Our subway system is a coal mine. It's a dangerous place to work per the physical and mental health risks of such an environmental hazard. It is tough for passengers, but it is incredibly difficult for any worker connected to subway work. What do we want to do about it?
1
Subway staff are unionized and receive very generous pension benefits for low skilled work. While the work might not be what I'd like, they are handsomely paid in relation to their skill.
2
Yes, they do receive generous pension benefits, if they live long enough. I don't have the figure at my fingertips, but my recollection is that on average, they live less than 5 years in retirement. Next, 'while the work might not be what I'd like' - ordinarily, jobs that people don't want to take require additional compensation to get people to do the job. How much would it take in compensation to get you to take such a job. I worked in IT for Transit for 24 years. The people in the trenches deliver the best service they can, despite the best efforts of management. They take the abuse, while the politicians stand idly by.
6
I think most riders reasonably understand that malfunctions and delays can happen. My biggest beef with the MTA, however, is how they MANAGE those problems, when they do occur.
We have to contend with: NO announcements made. Garbled announcements made. Announcements full of so much info as to render riders (esp. those poor tourists) speechless (i.e., 'this D train is now going to run express between such-and-such station and such-and-such. If you want the stops between A and B you must take the 8th Avenue line to station B then switch for the Uptown B train.") Of course, such announcements ASSUME that all riders understand where the bypass stations mentioned are located, and such announcements ASSUME that all riders understand that the '8th Avenue line' (there's NO SUCH subway line)...that what they are referring to are the A/C/E trains.
Signs throughout stations and over platforms are conflicting and utterly confusing (i.e., 'D trains run local late nights'. Um, and WHAT exactly constitutes 'late night'? 10:00 p.m.? Midnight?)
Whenever there are delays, etc., it's generally the blind (i.,e MTA workers) leading the blind (passengers). The MTA's internal P/A systems are pathetic. Most MTA workers have no clue what is happening within their own system at any point in time.
Compare how the MTA is managed and run, and how their workers conduct themselves, to Tokyo's subway system. The difference is apalling!
We have to contend with: NO announcements made. Garbled announcements made. Announcements full of so much info as to render riders (esp. those poor tourists) speechless (i.e., 'this D train is now going to run express between such-and-such station and such-and-such. If you want the stops between A and B you must take the 8th Avenue line to station B then switch for the Uptown B train.") Of course, such announcements ASSUME that all riders understand where the bypass stations mentioned are located, and such announcements ASSUME that all riders understand that the '8th Avenue line' (there's NO SUCH subway line)...that what they are referring to are the A/C/E trains.
Signs throughout stations and over platforms are conflicting and utterly confusing (i.e., 'D trains run local late nights'. Um, and WHAT exactly constitutes 'late night'? 10:00 p.m.? Midnight?)
Whenever there are delays, etc., it's generally the blind (i.,e MTA workers) leading the blind (passengers). The MTA's internal P/A systems are pathetic. Most MTA workers have no clue what is happening within their own system at any point in time.
Compare how the MTA is managed and run, and how their workers conduct themselves, to Tokyo's subway system. The difference is apalling!
6
kindly don't forget the workers are getting paid, lousy job or not. it's the riders who are continually getting -shall we say- sidetracked for their money.
Sure, the workers are getting paid, but that is no reason to insult or blame them for malfunctions for which they have no responsibility at all. The problem is that their bosses, the managers, are not within reach, so it is the accessible person who gets the blame for everything. So, leave the employees alone and phone/ write to /Twitter the ones who have landed you with that mess.
4
Oh, the poor MTA workers, being exposed to the frustration and outrage of riders who are treated poorly and with contempt. One never ever can be sure when a train will actually appear. Like clockwork, a local train will pull into the station where an express train sits idly. As soon as the local train stops and the doors open, the express train doors slam shut and the express train is gone. How is such a practice anything other than mean-spirited or incompetent? One will wait for a train fifteen, twenty minutes, board the delayed train and within minutes, the train will stop with an announcement saying there's 'train traffic ahead.' WHAT???!!! Most stations are filthy, disgusting beyond words, complete opposite of what you find around the world, booth agents sneer at you and if something happens, like a homeless person spitting in your face, a mentally-ill person acting out, 'showtime' where one gets kicked in the face, don't look for a cop because there won't be one. Citizens of the 'greatest city in the world' are accustomed to the disgrace that's the NYC Subway system. Visitors and those who used to live in NYC know the truth. Shameful.
7
The delays are not the track workers fault, nor that of the conductors and engineers. The problem rests with Gov. Cuomo in Albany, who is responsible for the MTA, and obviously didn't have the foresight to plan for this.
3
Front-line customer service staff are always in the firing line for the unhappy having-a-bad day idiots who want to get the monkey off their back by dumping onto someone who's paid to take it and isn't allowed to fight back or they might lose their livelihood.
Guess that's why some places build shields around the driver - so you simply can't attack them - as occasional idiots would otherwise try to do.
It's risky out there - low grade folk will choose you to blame as the cause of all their problems - which just ain't true !
Guess that's why some places build shields around the driver - so you simply can't attack them - as occasional idiots would otherwise try to do.
It's risky out there - low grade folk will choose you to blame as the cause of all their problems - which just ain't true !
2
Chewing out, abusing the train workers, is cowardly and stupid. No excuse. They didn't create the poor conditions everyone is dealing with.
4
When the conductor slams the car doors -- repeatedly -- on a young girl's leg, rather than open them up long enough to allow the girl to free herself from the door (and possibly enter the train), what nickname IS appropriate for this civil servant?
1
I was on the F train this morning when, after stopping at Broadway Lafayette, it was rerouted onto the E line. The conductor was clearly frustrated and annoyed that the decision to reroute had been made after Broadway Lafayette (where the transfer to the B/D was right across the platform) and apologized several times in a genuine manner for the inconvenience. While none of the passengers were particularly thrilled by this turn of events, the conductor's apology did make a positive difference.
3
I have a lot of reasons to be angry.
The lying. I'll stop being angry when the MTA stops lying. Even when they bother to make announcements, they're usually lying.
The MTA has been stopping service on entire routes. But do they have anyone WORKING on those tracks? Not usually. Don't stop service on a route if you're not going to work on the tracks and signals!
And the signs that tell you about service changes and outages? The MTA hasn't bothered posting them lately. They NEVER post them in my station - even when my station doesnt have any trains running. They take your money. You get down to the platform, and discover - there are no trains. There is a slow and crowded shuttle bus that will get you to a subway train miles away. Further down the route, you get off the train to transfer - and there are NO TRAINS to transfer to. Again - no signs, no announcements. Just a waste of my time and money. I have a lot of reasons to be angry.
The lying. I'll stop being angry when the MTA stops lying. Even when they bother to make announcements, they're usually lying.
The MTA has been stopping service on entire routes. But do they have anyone WORKING on those tracks? Not usually. Don't stop service on a route if you're not going to work on the tracks and signals!
And the signs that tell you about service changes and outages? The MTA hasn't bothered posting them lately. They NEVER post them in my station - even when my station doesnt have any trains running. They take your money. You get down to the platform, and discover - there are no trains. There is a slow and crowded shuttle bus that will get you to a subway train miles away. Further down the route, you get off the train to transfer - and there are NO TRAINS to transfer to. Again - no signs, no announcements. Just a waste of my time and money. I have a lot of reasons to be angry.
1
Sometimes, it's not riders that miss service announcements because of earbuds. Sometimes, the speakers in the car and on the platform are at an inaudible volume.
1
People who gripe about the condition of the subway today were certainly not living in New York City in 1982.
9
I remember 1982. We are on our way there. It's not saying much when you console yourself that 'worse' is better than 'worst.'
Yes we were, and we are griping because it's the same equipment. I'm assuming you are not a daily rush-hour commuter, just a person who romanticizes about NY's former decrepitness to identify yourself as cooler than the "new kids".
57, born here, daily rider. I'm amazed every day at how much the system has improved over 35 years. The new R179s will be rolling soon.
if it isn't already, it should be mandatory that all mta executive staff take the subway daily.
29
Exactly. No parking permits for MTA employees. No employee parking. They should experience the system on a personal level. And they can explain to their bosses why theyre late....again.
2
Like other New Yorkers, I have suffered my share of delayed and cancelled trains. But I have always, always found the MTA workers to be polite and helpful.
Maybe since I approach them politely they react the same way. "Please" and "thank you" go a long way.
My problem is with other riders : the man spreaders, the rap dancers, the people talking loudly on their cell phones and putting bags on the seats when the car is crowded.
The MTA needs to invest some real money in more regular trains and maintenance. And why do they assume no one rides the train on weekends. The E and F trains from Queens to Manhattan on weekends always run locally instead of express, making the trip so much longer.
Hopefully the MTA will improve its service, but please readers be polite to the MTA workers. They have a tough job.
Maybe since I approach them politely they react the same way. "Please" and "thank you" go a long way.
My problem is with other riders : the man spreaders, the rap dancers, the people talking loudly on their cell phones and putting bags on the seats when the car is crowded.
The MTA needs to invest some real money in more regular trains and maintenance. And why do they assume no one rides the train on weekends. The E and F trains from Queens to Manhattan on weekends always run locally instead of express, making the trip so much longer.
Hopefully the MTA will improve its service, but please readers be polite to the MTA workers. They have a tough job.
20
...so you are insinuating that if any of us have had encounters with rude MTA employees, that perhaps we weren't 'polite enough' to them? Um, sorry, but there are indeed some MTA employees with the worst attitudes imaginable, and they generally tend to be found in the station booths.
It is not uncommon for employees in those booths to ignore you when you are at the window, or else they 'mumble' a reply, or they won't press the P/A speaker so that you can hear them, etc. One time I overheard a person in the booth yelling at an old woman. I could not believe it.
Yes, I've also encountered some great MTA employees. When they employ humor, it can go a long way in tempering the nerves of irritated passengers. But for select other MTA employees, they act badly because they know they can do so, without repercussions.
It is not uncommon for employees in those booths to ignore you when you are at the window, or else they 'mumble' a reply, or they won't press the P/A speaker so that you can hear them, etc. One time I overheard a person in the booth yelling at an old woman. I could not believe it.
Yes, I've also encountered some great MTA employees. When they employ humor, it can go a long way in tempering the nerves of irritated passengers. But for select other MTA employees, they act badly because they know they can do so, without repercussions.
1
I grew up in the NYC area. In 1960 I took an LIRR from Bethpage to Atlantic Station and needed to get to President St Station (at Nostrand Ave) to attand my first day at Brooklyn Prep, now Medger Evers College. All the subway workers were patient and helped me find the way there.
Last year I paid a visit to NYC with my family, haven't been to this great city in 30 years. Every cop was was exceedingly polite when I asked directions. New York cops are the greatest!
And every kiosk worker was just the opposite: indolent and surly. Some even gave incorrect instructions about what tain to take. That dpesn't mean the transit people are not nice people at heart. It means they are stuck with a structure that leaves them hanging out to dry because the system is poorly operated.
But is no excuse to spit in faces.
Last year I paid a visit to NYC with my family, haven't been to this great city in 30 years. Every cop was was exceedingly polite when I asked directions. New York cops are the greatest!
And every kiosk worker was just the opposite: indolent and surly. Some even gave incorrect instructions about what tain to take. That dpesn't mean the transit people are not nice people at heart. It means they are stuck with a structure that leaves them hanging out to dry because the system is poorly operated.
But is no excuse to spit in faces.
9
It would be easier to sympathize with these workers if they all did their jobs. How many times have riders been stranded on a platform while an MTA employee sits silent in the booth on the far side of the turnstyle, unwilling even to announce that there is no train coming? How many times have frustrated conductors taken their microphones and screamed at the whole train because one person held the door? How many times have MTA employees ignored aggressive passengers who hassle other riders? How many of them will retire with generous pensions?
8
How about when your train arrives at an across the track transfer point the train you want to transfer to pulls out? Is there no courtesy given to the passengers who want to change trains by waiting an extra minute or two?
9
I should have written across the PLATFORM--mea culpa
3
Is there any courtesy for the thousands of commuters that would disrupt further, when you just waited 5-10 minutes in the middle of a tunnel? Both situations happen all the time, don't blame the people that just want to get home
2
and i would say not even a minute... more like 10 to 15 SECONDS... but you know... there's always a train "directly behind"... yeah right. $4 billion for count down clocks i read once (has to be a mistake, but no, was quoted as $4 bn) along wih how much more for signal upgrades.... and what the mta really needs to start with is totally free... 15 extra seconds to allow passengers across the platform to get across the platform... the conductors know best when theor trains are full and those 15 seconds would not make a difference... but often times it would
1
The criminals who run the subways, like the criminals who run corporate America are ensconsed from public view.
You'll see change when they're dragged out from under their walnut desks and out of the reach of their bodyguards.
You'll see change when they're dragged out from under their walnut desks and out of the reach of their bodyguards.
11
The reactions of frustrated riders are exactly why I left NYC after seventeen years. Who raised these people to think it is ok to give the middle finger to a transit worker because they are late for some dumb meeting? If you know the subway is off, take a cab or an uber or a lyft or the bus. And take an etiquette class, while you're at it.
19
Customer service is a miserable job. Customer service is an especially miserable job when your employer is both under performing and unresponsive. Sounds like most people just want to know about the problems before they swipe their card. Instead, they stand around waiting until an employee shows up. They're already angry. The response they get is "Not my problem. I just drive the train." A bad problem just got worse.
Sorry subway workers. Unintelligible C-train messages from 1960's drive-in speakers don't count. Shouting at the platform from a train window doesn't help either. If you hadn't noticed, the platform is quite long. Customers probably wouldn't be so angry if MTA or New Jersey transit could set realistic expectations. They obviously can't. They can't even update the lights for their drivers.
There's another question we need to ask though. What job on earth would prevent an employee from walking out after being spit on? Do you think a Walmart employee is going to stick around for $9.00 an hour and no benefits after getting spit on? Transit workers must have a pretty sweet deal to put up with that nonsense. The end of the article sets the tone: tread lightly. It doesn't matter whether delays are your fault or not. A blasé attitude gets Joe and Jane professional upset. They turn around and vote against unions.
Sorry subway workers. Unintelligible C-train messages from 1960's drive-in speakers don't count. Shouting at the platform from a train window doesn't help either. If you hadn't noticed, the platform is quite long. Customers probably wouldn't be so angry if MTA or New Jersey transit could set realistic expectations. They obviously can't. They can't even update the lights for their drivers.
There's another question we need to ask though. What job on earth would prevent an employee from walking out after being spit on? Do you think a Walmart employee is going to stick around for $9.00 an hour and no benefits after getting spit on? Transit workers must have a pretty sweet deal to put up with that nonsense. The end of the article sets the tone: tread lightly. It doesn't matter whether delays are your fault or not. A blasé attitude gets Joe and Jane professional upset. They turn around and vote against unions.
10
You should try BART here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Every train absolutely crammed full., I mean Tokyo full.
11
I have been to SF a few times and BART and Muni are disaster areas as well.
4
Except that Tokyo trains are 95% on time.
6
I have never seen a lazier group of people than MTA workers. On weekends when lines are closed down for work you'll see a dozen workers standing around while one guy fidgets with a crowbar. This is not hyperbole. They seem to be on a full-day lunch break. Why do I never see them working? Why do they move like molasses? Why are the station agents rude and worthless? When a train is stuck in the tunnel for 10 minutes does the conductor not announce something? Anything? Why are conductors unable to make intelligible announcements? Sorry guys you'll be hearing more from angry passengers until things are fixed and you guys actually start caring about your job.
When you treat the passengers like humans maybe we'll treat you like humans.
When you treat the passengers like humans maybe we'll treat you like humans.
25
I've been riding the NYC subway system for over 40 years. Delays happen constantly, pretty much every time I ride the subway. The idea that there are schedules is a joke. I have also watched groups of transit workers, MANY times, standing around doing absolutely nothing while one or two guys move a shovel around. The workers in the token booths are more often than not, outright rude and hostile. Their jobs have become much simpler since the Metrocard machines were installed. The machines do most of the tasks the booth clerks used to do.
Of course, assault and spitting is never OK, but I certainly understand the level of frustration and anger that would motivate someone to act out. I have found myself pacing back and forth, wanting to yell out in frustration while waiting on a sweltering hot subway platform for a half hour or more. When I've gone to the token booth to ask what was happening, because no announcements had been broadcast, most often the worker has no idea what's going on and quickly become defensive. Conductors and token booth clerks MUST deal with the public. They are the public faces of the system... like it or not... and unfortunately will sustain the public's frustration. Other than the physical assaults and getting spit on, I have no sympathy for them. If you don't like it, quit. Or better yet, bring your grievances to the corrupt imbeciles who have been creating these problems for so many years.
Of course, assault and spitting is never OK, but I certainly understand the level of frustration and anger that would motivate someone to act out. I have found myself pacing back and forth, wanting to yell out in frustration while waiting on a sweltering hot subway platform for a half hour or more. When I've gone to the token booth to ask what was happening, because no announcements had been broadcast, most often the worker has no idea what's going on and quickly become defensive. Conductors and token booth clerks MUST deal with the public. They are the public faces of the system... like it or not... and unfortunately will sustain the public's frustration. Other than the physical assaults and getting spit on, I have no sympathy for them. If you don't like it, quit. Or better yet, bring your grievances to the corrupt imbeciles who have been creating these problems for so many years.
6
Because they work for the union (150% pay in he weekends) and you my friend pay for it.
I want to hear one example of an industry/field that is unionized and works well.
MTA: destroyed, US auto industry: (was) bankrupt, education: lets not even talk about it because i have kids and i am getting too angry.
I want to hear one example of an industry/field that is unionized and works well.
MTA: destroyed, US auto industry: (was) bankrupt, education: lets not even talk about it because i have kids and i am getting too angry.
3
Track workers/signal workers/flaggers, and other "lazy" MTA employee workers that you see "standing around" work on a very specific schedule, doing specific tasks relevant to repair or maintenance work. These tasks don't always happen simultaneously and they have to work around the times of the day when train traffic is heaviest. There are specifics to some of these jobs and tasks that fall out in a certain way where someone who doesn't understand what these workers are doing or what they are there for, might assume that they are slacking off. Why don't you ask what these people do for the MTA next time you see someone standing around with a couple of track lanterns? I'm sure they would be happy to explain it to you.
3
I was sympathetic until this:
"In the Coney Island break room, she and others paused their conversations to watch a television news story about a stalled F train the night before, its passengers seen clawing at the doors in the hot, dark car. The employees shook their heads and resumed talking."
You would think the employees would be angry about the awful condition of the system they work in -- evidently not.
Then I remembered that said employees are union and that in previous years when their contract has been up for renewal at the end of the year, they have sometimes threatened to strike if their demands were not met. Putting more stress on their paying customers (us, the passengers).
Maybe the lethargy of the MTA employees is just another part of the problem.
"In the Coney Island break room, she and others paused their conversations to watch a television news story about a stalled F train the night before, its passengers seen clawing at the doors in the hot, dark car. The employees shook their heads and resumed talking."
You would think the employees would be angry about the awful condition of the system they work in -- evidently not.
Then I remembered that said employees are union and that in previous years when their contract has been up for renewal at the end of the year, they have sometimes threatened to strike if their demands were not met. Putting more stress on their paying customers (us, the passengers).
Maybe the lethargy of the MTA employees is just another part of the problem.
10
For all the people that complain about the salaries and benefits that the MTA workers receive: how much would you need to be paid in order to be physically and/or verbally abused by a hostile public day after day? I wish that more people would do customer service jobs so that they could understand just how demoralizing it can be to deal with a public who demonizes you for things over which you have no control.
14
Now imagine being a cop.
4
Fortunatley I was not uniformed but was often times targeted.
Many of the uniformed workers have a "Disguise" Overcoat or Jacket and only allow their uniform to show when required.
Many of the uniformed workers have a "Disguise" Overcoat or Jacket and only allow their uniform to show when required.
1
There needs to be more complaints and more anger for anything that is going to change this situation. If "telling" the governor or the mayor or the MTA about their woes is not going to amount to anything, then NO ONE should expect the complaints and the vitriol that ensues. I can't wait to leave and stop paying taxes for this pathetic excuse of a city.
1
Another conductor said she was regularly frustrated by passengers who miss announcements of service changes because they’re wearing earbuds or headphones. “They’ll pull the thing out of their ear, ‘What’s going on? You didn’t say anything.’ ”
Come on. Subway announcements, especially in older cars like those on the A/C, are difficult to hear. It doesn't help when we get a generic "train traffic ahead of us" statement instead of knowing if there's a problem and we should get off or switch to another line across the platform. While it's probably not their fault, the lack of actionable information from MTA employees during train delays is supremely frustrating.
Come on. Subway announcements, especially in older cars like those on the A/C, are difficult to hear. It doesn't help when we get a generic "train traffic ahead of us" statement instead of knowing if there's a problem and we should get off or switch to another line across the platform. While it's probably not their fault, the lack of actionable information from MTA employees during train delays is supremely frustrating.
9
Exactly my beef with the MTA. When there is a problem, telling us what's REALLY going on. Give us an idea of whether the problem will be fixed in a few minutes, or twenty minutes. Then we can decide, should we stay on this train or get off here and now while we are still at a station?
I too notice that many employees don't seem to take real 'action' during problem situations. Maybe the MTA needs to start 'empowering' more of their employees. Maybe they are told they must wait for 'direction' or get the 'go-ahead' from management, and that they are not allowed to do anything outside of their prescribed 'duties'...and this in turn makes the delays even longer. Maybe employees should be more honest and say 'look folks, I've not received any information yet from management as to what is happening up ahead. If you ask me, things don't look promising, so you may want to get off this train right now...' ....instead of just 'we are being held at the station'.
I too notice that many employees don't seem to take real 'action' during problem situations. Maybe the MTA needs to start 'empowering' more of their employees. Maybe they are told they must wait for 'direction' or get the 'go-ahead' from management, and that they are not allowed to do anything outside of their prescribed 'duties'...and this in turn makes the delays even longer. Maybe employees should be more honest and say 'look folks, I've not received any information yet from management as to what is happening up ahead. If you ask me, things don't look promising, so you may want to get off this train right now...' ....instead of just 'we are being held at the station'.
1
Subway service is a disaster everywhere in the US, not just NYC. Metro in DC is held up globally as the ultimate failed transit system. These systems need shut downs of large segments of lines for repairs and upgrades. It only gets worse for years before it gets better. They also need billions from taxpayers.
1
What is a signal malfunction? What causes it? How does it get fixed?
7
I'm appalled to read that people are abusing subway conductors. Really? Anyone with an ounce of sense knows that the conductor is not driving the train or manipulating the signals. Why hurt someone who is as innocent as the passengers? THanks for this article. It's important that passengers know that the conductors are not at fault when there are train delays, unless of course those conductors are tardy - not showing up to work on time, thereby delaying the trains from leaving on time.
4
Assaulting or abusing anyone is never ok. I don't think anyone's arguing otherwise.
But some of the quotes at the beginning of the article make it sound as if the personnel are mystified as to why customers are upset in the first place.
If I showed up 20 minutes late to my job each and every day, I'd be fired for cause. And yet, there's no consequence or penalty for subways and LIRR trains running late or not showing up at all.
It is infuriating to be handed a card with "on time performance" stats claiming 99% or better, when your train is late each and every day. If I lied to my bosses like that, I would be fired for cause.
I can't tell you how many times I've waited 20 minutes or more for a late subway, only to have it arrive and then immediately stop because of "train traffic ahead" even when no other train has come by in half an hour. The lie hurts more than the delay.
Passengers rely on these trains for their livelihood. People's entire lives are based around the train; for some, everything from place of employment to place of residence is affected by proximity to the train. We accept everything from higher rents to higher fares because we depend upon the train working as advertised. The subway fares went up in March, and service immediately declined after the increase. If passengers behaved the way the train system does, we'd be fired, period. It's frustrating that there is no accountability.
The MTA could start by providing any kind of customer service.
But some of the quotes at the beginning of the article make it sound as if the personnel are mystified as to why customers are upset in the first place.
If I showed up 20 minutes late to my job each and every day, I'd be fired for cause. And yet, there's no consequence or penalty for subways and LIRR trains running late or not showing up at all.
It is infuriating to be handed a card with "on time performance" stats claiming 99% or better, when your train is late each and every day. If I lied to my bosses like that, I would be fired for cause.
I can't tell you how many times I've waited 20 minutes or more for a late subway, only to have it arrive and then immediately stop because of "train traffic ahead" even when no other train has come by in half an hour. The lie hurts more than the delay.
Passengers rely on these trains for their livelihood. People's entire lives are based around the train; for some, everything from place of employment to place of residence is affected by proximity to the train. We accept everything from higher rents to higher fares because we depend upon the train working as advertised. The subway fares went up in March, and service immediately declined after the increase. If passengers behaved the way the train system does, we'd be fired, period. It's frustrating that there is no accountability.
The MTA could start by providing any kind of customer service.
14
I have riding on NJ Transit on and off since the Jersey Central and Penn RR ceased to be and I have only very rarely encountered a courteous NJT employee. While I do not condone verbal or physical violence of any kind and certainly realize the conductors, etc are not responsible for system problems,the majority seem to treat the customers as an unpleasant inconvenience, at best.
Service is going down, on time service is getting increasing rare and surly conductors are making 100K a year for collecting tickets?! Something has got to give. As a union,NJT workers seem to forget they are public employees whose jobs exist to benefit the public and they are there to serve the public. Genuine courtesy would go a long way.
Service is going down, on time service is getting increasing rare and surly conductors are making 100K a year for collecting tickets?! Something has got to give. As a union,NJT workers seem to forget they are public employees whose jobs exist to benefit the public and they are there to serve the public. Genuine courtesy would go a long way.
7
The problems mostly stem from antiquated equipment, especially signals. But they have been problematic for decades. The fares are increased, but nothing seems to be getting done with fixing or replacing the signal equipment.
Also, part of the ire of riders comes from knowing that the conductors are very well-paid for such a low-skilled job and that, too, comprises the rising cost of fares.
So, when are the signals going to be replaced or fixed and when are conductors going to realize that they are overpaid and stop making demands for wage increases under the threat of a strike?
Also, part of the ire of riders comes from knowing that the conductors are very well-paid for such a low-skilled job and that, too, comprises the rising cost of fares.
So, when are the signals going to be replaced or fixed and when are conductors going to realize that they are overpaid and stop making demands for wage increases under the threat of a strike?
6
The problem is NOT "antiquated signals" but lack of maintenance.
Cloth covered wires need to be replaced with modern THHN or Teflon insulation. Mechanical relays must be replaced with solid state devices. The cost of this maintenance is small compared to the cost of not doing the work.
Cloth covered wires need to be replaced with modern THHN or Teflon insulation. Mechanical relays must be replaced with solid state devices. The cost of this maintenance is small compared to the cost of not doing the work.
3
Keep the coverage on the MTA going. This is unacceptable.
13
Ironic! In the 1970's and 1980's when it was claimed that the subways were dangerous, and we had all that graffiti vandalism around, there was never a need for the Transit Authority to make announcements that assaulting an employee was a felony! As bad as the system supposedly was, there was much more mutual respect between riders and employees!
5
Of course it is wrong to take frustrations out on transit workers, but I expect courtesy from people to whom I am courteous, and that has not always been my experience. Passengers have their own frustrations and stresses to deal with, and if I'm a little slower than usual pulling out a ticket, or if I'm standing in line for a sandwich and an Nj transit worker is standing behind me, I don't appreciate being cursed at or snapped at for not moving at the speed of lightening. There's an old saying that what you give, you get., and that's as true for transit interactions tad any other kind.
13
So much of what's wrong with the subway is due to failure of outdated vehicles and systems and deferred maintenance in an old, complicated and interconnected system. I'm amazed it runs at all. That said, what's the point of abusing the train crew who'd like to be able to get the train to its terminal on time and safely? I can't say that in years of regular riding I've experienced a door being shut in my face while the train was empty or anything else of the sort. The responsibility for the ongoing problems with the system lies with its management which does appear to be working hard on repairs.
7
I think it's reprehensible in any case to attack front-line staff for systemic failures. In the vast majority of cases, they have no more control over the situation than you do, and are probably just as frustrated as you are. If you want to complain to somebody, go talk to their senior management.
I'd also like to remind people that transit workers are real people with feelings and families who worry about them. My dad is a bus driver back in my home town, who has been robbed and assaulted, just for trying to do his job. Every time I see a news story about a driver who has been beaten or murdered, I worry that I'm going to see his name in the news.
I'd also like to remind people that transit workers are real people with feelings and families who worry about them. My dad is a bus driver back in my home town, who has been robbed and assaulted, just for trying to do his job. Every time I see a news story about a driver who has been beaten or murdered, I worry that I'm going to see his name in the news.
25
Where are the police? Riding the MTA during rush hour is "Lord of the Flies".
And I mean real policing, not just ignoring anything short of murder. As in: don't block the doors, let them off before your push your way in, don't put your feet on the seat, don't block the aisles with your strollers and luggage carts, no "showtime", panhandling, and screaming the gospels, etc., etc., We just want to ride in peace.
And I mean real policing, not just ignoring anything short of murder. As in: don't block the doors, let them off before your push your way in, don't put your feet on the seat, don't block the aisles with your strollers and luggage carts, no "showtime", panhandling, and screaming the gospels, etc., etc., We just want to ride in peace.
36
Well said. The new trend of blasting music through your phone without headphones can be added to the toxic brew.
9
Due to an earlier incident....
14
Unfortunately, the other side of the coin is that as a customer, you are exposed to so many impolite and plainly disinterested MTA personnel who emanate the friendliness of prison wards so that this story hardly elicits sentimental feelings of empathy in me.
46
"Train operators and other New York City Subway workers have borne the brunt of passengers’ anger over system delays and disruptions."
I understand it's not the individual subway motorman's fault the system is in the state of disrepair we find today. BUT when the subway doors slam shut while passengers are still disembarking before even one entering passenger has time to get aboard and then pulls out of the station empty, the wrath of riders left behind is well-deserved.
I ride the Times Square Shuttle twice a day and this is my experience 70+% of the time. Watching empty cars pull away while commuters stand by impotently rankles and the subway employee who does this deserves every finger waved in his direction.
I understand it's not the individual subway motorman's fault the system is in the state of disrepair we find today. BUT when the subway doors slam shut while passengers are still disembarking before even one entering passenger has time to get aboard and then pulls out of the station empty, the wrath of riders left behind is well-deserved.
I ride the Times Square Shuttle twice a day and this is my experience 70+% of the time. Watching empty cars pull away while commuters stand by impotently rankles and the subway employee who does this deserves every finger waved in his direction.
27
The shuttle has 99% on time performance. They shut the doors when its time to go.
4
Weird, I ride the shuttle in my commute most days, and I have never once watched an empty train pull out. Most of us are on the platform when it pulls in, step aboard after passengers disembark, and one to three minutes later the train pulls out. So sorry, but I don't believe your tale in the slightest.
3
They close the doors on empty cars while those of us queued to get on are left behind. On time and empty is useless.
2
This is unfortunate. However, at least on the MTA front, things would be better when commuters would not have to watch workers halfheartedly wipe down escalator bannisters or leaving small piles of trash on a platform because they didn’t catch them with first pass of a broom. How about the maintenance crews that field a half dozen workers each shift who gather on platforms shooting the breeze while one of their six actually does work? Maybe one of the abusers encountered a token clerk whose first response to a question is a sneer and world-weary “why are you bothering me?” response to the simplest questions. Ride the A train from High Street Brooklyn to Columbus Circle and see the other side of the coin. I’m not saying abuse should be the first response – the system is old and broken – but civility should go both ways.
18
It should go without saying that rudeness, never mind violence, towards any public-facing employee is unacceptable.
But the MTA's budget is nearly $16 billion, yes with a B, dollars a year- larger than the entire GDP of many nations.
It is just hard to see how so much money is spent to such poor outcomes. I know the NYC subway system is old, but so is London's, where trains reliably run every minute or two. How have so many other global cities been able to build phenomenal mass transit from scratch while we fail even to upgrade an existing system?
I once had an enlightening conversation with someone who worked for the MTA in an internal consulting capacity. She told me that pretty much every time a train was late -- barring real issues like a stalled train or signal issues -- it was because someone had shown up to work late. And of course it's basically impossible to fire a poor performer. And did I mention that $1.2 billion of their budget goes to pensions?
I often think of that conversation while I'm waiting on for the theoretically-running-every-4-6-minutes-during-rush-hour (ha! ha ha ha!) F train.
But the MTA's budget is nearly $16 billion, yes with a B, dollars a year- larger than the entire GDP of many nations.
It is just hard to see how so much money is spent to such poor outcomes. I know the NYC subway system is old, but so is London's, where trains reliably run every minute or two. How have so many other global cities been able to build phenomenal mass transit from scratch while we fail even to upgrade an existing system?
I once had an enlightening conversation with someone who worked for the MTA in an internal consulting capacity. She told me that pretty much every time a train was late -- barring real issues like a stalled train or signal issues -- it was because someone had shown up to work late. And of course it's basically impossible to fire a poor performer. And did I mention that $1.2 billion of their budget goes to pensions?
I often think of that conversation while I'm waiting on for the theoretically-running-every-4-6-minutes-during-rush-hour (ha! ha ha ha!) F train.
27
That doesn't really make any sense. If a member of a subway train crew is late, the dispatchers will take a member of another train crew and put them on that crew so that the train scheduled to depart at XX:XX will leave on time.
2
Some subway workers are surly, and clearly don't care about their jobs or their passengers, but the abuse should be directed at the governors and the MTA board, the people who make the decisions on how to fund, repair and maintain these deteriorating facilities.
We expect to hear that the roads and bridges in red state America are crumbling as the Republicans who run those places don't want to raise taxes to pay for therm. New York has no such excuse.
We expect to hear that the roads and bridges in red state America are crumbling as the Republicans who run those places don't want to raise taxes to pay for therm. New York has no such excuse.
5
I have used the NYC Transit many times; however, I think Boston is worse. Without any notice, bus runs are cancelled. We can see the minutes before arrival on the App - then it disappears.......the bus is cancelled. Some routes have four buses running behind each other. It is a mess and our Governor Baker has done little to improve it.
The employees of the MTA have always been remarkable patient in my experience. When I take my personal frustrations out on members of the general public, I tend to get very nasty responses. MTA employees, however, are always remarkably calm and manage to answer my concerns to the best of their ability. I think the rest of society could benefit from their example; it would make cursing at random strangers a much less risky endeavor.
8
This is so totally wrong. I'm appalled that people are taking it out on transit workers, when those workers have absolutely nothing to do with the delays, the price of a ride, the temperature in the stations, the overcrowding, or any other annoyance.
Clearly the subways have been getting a lot worse over the last decade, because nobody in government, either party, sees the importance of repairing and replacing infrastructure. But this is not the fault of people working for the MTA, LIRR, NJTransit, and the rest. They're just doing their jobs, it's management and governors who are to blame for this situation.
So I'm always polite to the workers, and if I ever see someone throw something or spit at a transit worker, I swear, I'll make them regret it. The only way to teach some people manners is by utilizing pain.
Clearly the subways have been getting a lot worse over the last decade, because nobody in government, either party, sees the importance of repairing and replacing infrastructure. But this is not the fault of people working for the MTA, LIRR, NJTransit, and the rest. They're just doing their jobs, it's management and governors who are to blame for this situation.
So I'm always polite to the workers, and if I ever see someone throw something or spit at a transit worker, I swear, I'll make them regret it. The only way to teach some people manners is by utilizing pain.
8
Let's give more tax breaks to the wealthy and make it easier for billionaire to buy up New York as non-residents so they don't have to contribute anything to society.
15
Ben, the MTA is incredibly funded, yet poorly managed. We could a billion dollars at it, and it would disappear overnight. There is no pyblic accountability at any level.
There is no excuse for rude behavior. Ever.
There is no excuse for rude behavior. Ever.
4
This makes me so sad. I'm not sure why people think it's ok to take their frustrations out on another human being. If any employees are reading this, please know that this one former rider thanks and appreciates you for the difficult job you do. Think how many people the MTA moves on a daily basis! It's truly incredible.
MTA- I used to love your ad campaigns when I lived in NYC- how about one about treating the employees - and indeed, everyone- with kindness, tolerance, and respect?
MTA- I used to love your ad campaigns when I lived in NYC- how about one about treating the employees - and indeed, everyone- with kindness, tolerance, and respect?
21
These folks are ready for anything and then the unexpected negative action happens. We learn about the same sort of problems on airplanes, on buses, in stores, at protests and at political rallies. It's getting to be too easy to lose track of the importance of civility in keeping things livable for the other person.
8
This one rider thanks you, and does so verbally every time he rides the train. I am hoping that this summer will get transit agencies some funding to make this stuff right. Maybe it will finally get a critical mass' attention.
12
Agreed with bouurns. There's no place for disrespectful and uncivilized behavior when these people are just trying to do their jobs. However I can't help but think that when over a quarter of MTA employees make more than $100,000, and all can retire under 65 with a full defined benefit pension plan, that a lot more money could have gone toward fixing the system. We just had a fare hike in March, but for what? Even worse service? It seems like riders' share of the pie just keeps shrinking.
32
An article about how staff are getting spit on and assaulted and your solution is to cut their pensions. You don't like your station, unionize like these folks did, don't attack their benefits. Your increased wages will improve the tax base.
12
The MTA is ALWAYS hiring. Imagine what service would be like without longtime experienced employees. Cut their pay and benefits and we'll soon find out.
7
If Governor Cuomo can't manage and improve a mass transit system in one of the richest states in the country, how on earth does he possibly aspire to run the entire federal government from Washington?
65
Assault of MTA personnel is just despicable under any circumstances. The burden should fall on MTA to reform its operations in passenger and tourist friendly ways - with the first step being communication. MTA's communication systems need a complete overhaul, none of which need to cost an arm and a leg. Clearer speaker systems in all carts would be a great start.
12
i work as a train conductor on a different Railroad and some of the nasty things passengers have said to me and my coworkers over the year range anywhere from rude to uncivilized.When things happen outside of our train like track, signal or police activity we usually know as much as our supervisors tell us or what we can pull from radio chatter.We become the punching bag for the faults of people above our paygrade.Please be nice to us we don't get the thanks from the media and the public that first responder and military get during the travel season
35
Well, it's regrettable that these men and women get the brunt of it but unfortunately, they're the public face of the transit system--and they seem to be the only entity within the MTA with whom one can seek answers. I think the majority of riders understand the system is old and decaying. What pains us the most is that there are no timely announcements, there is no consideration, there is no foresight for the thousands of us underground sweating and waiting with no information. It wouldn't kill the MTA to be proactive and improve the communication chain when things (inevitably) go haywire. That would engender a lot more good faith and understanding and improve the relations with riders. We're in this mess largely because of the astronomical costs of supporting MTA pensions--what kind of work ethic are we paying for in the long term, exactly?
50