On Demand
January Guest: Elliot Sander
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Elliot Sander, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), is the Brian Lehrer Show's weekly guest for the month of January.
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Will we ever have increased subway service along the G line or the creation of any other line that serves inter-outer-borough travel?
Brian, I saw the status update about Mr Sander's upcoming appearance on FaceBook and had to post. I just toured the historic Atlantic Avenue tunnel this weekend. what a marvel of old New York- and what a forgotten treasure. More information here. http://www.brooklynrail.net/proj_aatunnel.html
I wonder if Mr Sander has ever been in the tunnel, and if he is aware of any plans to turn it into a proper tourist destination? Our tour literally started with a descent into a manhole in the middle of Atlantic Avenue at Court Street. Very exciting, but of course it limits the kinds of people who can appreciate the tunnel, which is built of Manhattan bedrock and exquisite brickwork by Irishmen who built the thing to last forever.
And Brian, I wonder if you've ever met Bob Diamond, the man who rediscovered the tunnel? He'd make an excellent guest alongside Mr Sander sometime. He knows more about the early history of underground trains in New York than any man should.
Hope you are well-
Justin
Is the CBTC system on the L train finished? Is it considered a success? It seems like after all of those years of CBTC work, the train is still rather messed up.
DO NOT RAISE FARES! DO NOT CUT BACK SERVICE! TAX THE RICH TO GET REVENUE. IN THIS TIME OF CLIMATE AND FINANCIAL CRISIS WE NEED MASS TRANSIT MORE THAN EVER AND IT NEEDS MAXIMUM SUPPORT! DO NOT BURDEN THE LIFELINE OF THIS CITY FURTHER. DO NOT INCREASE THE STRESS ON THE PUBLIC WHO ARE HURTING! RAISING FARES AND CUTTING SERVICE IS UTTERLY INSANE!
Why is the C train one car shorter than the rest of the IND line? During rush hour it's so crowded that it seems that extra car would help.
And why doesn't the B train run on weekends, particularly since it feels like the C train is either a) not running on weekends most days, or b) comes once every 20 minutes.
A few express stops, like A/C/E at 34 Street, have three platforms instead of the usual two. Why is that? It's inconvenient for those of us who just want the next train in a direction. Who benefits from the convenience of taking the next express train no matter which direction it's going? Please standardize on two platforms for express stops.
Think outside the box, Build routes based on where the residents are going.
Why can't the MTA do a proper assesment on where people are going. Case in point, A new bus route has been established to Bayonne. The ridership was so crowded that they had to add buses.
A data study should be done with the far flung outer boros where every resident is asked to fill out a survey on where they go to work. Who knows there may be enough people to establish a route from Tottenville to Jersey City or Hoboken.Too long the MTA just assumes that everyone goes to Manhattan.
Mr. Sander:
With constant fare increases and service cuts, it looks as though the MTA can't
seem to manage their budget. Can the MTa build a surplus whereas these actions aren't necessary?
Q: When will the MTA combine the various help/info telephone lines (that operate on various schedules, but seemingly never after 6PM) ... into ONE 24-HR help/info line. If the MTA can't manage a 24-hr line, at least have one that operates btw 5AM and 10PM. Cut costs and simplify things by combing efforts and increasing efficiencies.
A: ....?
Every year or two, the MTA terrorizes us with threats of increased fares and decreased service. Of course I’m not excited about an increased fare, but please take decreased service off the table – it’s in no one’s interest. The funding is seriously broken and needs to be addressed by the City and State but that’s an issue you don’t control.
Decreasing transit service is so retrograde that it shouldn’t even be considered. Many of us have voluntarily given up our automobiles because of good transit service. Don’t even tempt anyone to return to driving. For climate change and safety and a number of reasons, we want people to take mass transit. But mass transit is only viable if it is frequent and dependable. We’re hooked on the MTA – please don’t threaten us with a diminished system that won’t meet our needs. Whether you like it or not, we’re married and I want divorce off the table.
Could you please comment on the feasibility and desirability of the following potential infrastructure projects.
1. Connecting the SIR with the rest of the subway system with a tunnel via the Narrows. It would alleviate traffic congestion and reduce commute times.
2. Bringing regional rail to Lower Manhattan. It would make office space there more attractive to businesses.
3. Better integration of the the various transit systems. For example, why can't the PATH system connect to, say, the number 6 line instead of just ending at the World Trade Center?
4. Adding subway service on the tracks used by Metro North along 3rd Avenue in the Bronx.
One more question....
Where does one call to report a driver?
Recent experience:
(1) The driver did not pull up to the curb (even though there was more than one bus length available, from the corner to the stop).
(2) Then she totally zipped past the next stop, which had been signaled, despite comments from the riders that she was passing the stop.
(3) At the next stop (one block from the last stop) she sat for five minutes drinking some clear liquid out of a plastic bottle, and when questioned when she would continue, she said "after I calm down...."
This happened around 7PM on the M27/M50 line. I forgot the bus number, the driver was female, 50s, long white/gray hair.
If there had been a posted number that was available at that hour I would have placed a call.
That was around 7PM on Friday, January 1, 2009. And to clarify, she was saying that - she - had to calm down, not the passengers.
Save the M8 Bus
A) is the only crosstown mass transit available in the Village
B) serves the students and teachers of many schools (PS 3, PS 41, St. Luke's, VCS, Harvey Milk, Grace, MS Greenwich Village, Asher Levy, St. George, Technology Arts and Sciences Studio School, Tompkins Square Middle School Extension, Manhattan School for Career Development, The New School, St. Brigid School Connelly Ctr/Holy Child, George Jackson Academy, Little Missionary Day Nursery, Earth School, Girls Prep Charter, PS15 Roberto Clemente, PS 64 Robert Simon, etc...)
C) serves the elderly and mobility challenged
D) reduces subway and automobile congestion
E) is vital to the economic health and growth of the community
F) connects lower income and underserved areas to the rest of the community as well as to other transportation.
Eliminating the M8 would have a severely detrimental effect on the most vulnerable members of our community (children, seniors, the poor).
[FROM www.SavetheM8.org]
I visited portland oregon with my wife last year, and they seem to be developing and creating a myriad of low cost and on-time capital projects for their population (light-rails, streetcars, trams, commuter rails) etc.
While I appreciate the 2nd avenue subway, east-side access etc; Wouldn't the billions spent on those projects, (which are very manhattan-centric) be better suited for expanding the options for the outer boroughs??
I mean just the first phase (96th street to 63rd street) of the second avenue subway will cost 4.7 billion,
meanwhile you could create a 7.4 mile light rail line for about 1.2 billion.
We are at a moment where we could have funding for many transit oriented ideas, let's have some "shovel ready" ones that involve the whole region, not just the city, um I meant manhattan....
Do you think it's fair there aren't citizen-commuters on the MTA Board instead of all the wealthy big-time political contributors?
Mr. Sander, I have a suggestion that will speed service for East Siders (who suffer from the worst congestion in the system) and I'm not talking about a $4 billion capital expenditure. I'm talking about $200.
It's agony to get to a crosstown subway from the East Side. For me, almost 30 minutes to get from 79th St. to the F train at 63 St. There isn't even a bus stop there!! (This is intermodality?)
Same agony to get to 53d and Lexington or Third for the E.
Solution: put the bus stop where it belongs (E 63 St.) and make both 53 and 63 LIMITED stops. There are so few local busses at rush hour that the only way to deliver decent service is making them LIMITED.
The new signs should cost about $200. I'll even contribute it if you'll pay for the new schedules!! This must be the best offer you've had all year, admit it.
Two more questions...
1. What "shovel ready" projects would the MTA like to see benefit from the Obama stimulus plan, which is in the works?
2. I read about the proposed TriboroRX line to serve the outer boroughs that would be relatively inexpensive to build. It sounds great, but is this another pipe dream?
As was reported recently on my blog, Motormanmark.com ("Dead Man's Curve and the Killing of Marvin Franklin,") four people are killed on average every month by being struck by subway trains.
1. Is MTA planning on retrofitting the older (25+ yrs) trains to bring them in line with the operator's ability to see on the newer (10-yr old) trains any time soon?
2. Will MTA slow train speed ratings on curves to allow for a train operator to be able to stop the train in time to avoid colliding with a pre-occupying track obstruction?
Train operators do not like running over people!
Access-A-Ride is a very important problem to be considered. It is very important to us handicapped citizens as, for many of us, it is one of the few ways that people who need medical treatment or other necessities of life can get to the places that render these necessities. As a user of these services, I will say that I feel that Access-A-Ride can be more efficiently run- the vans are meant for about 7 people and 2 wheelchairs, yet I have rarely taken a ride with another person. More people per van would greatly cut gas spending. I feel that raising the fare by about twice as much as has been proposed for other MTA passengers is not only unfair but it puts a larger than just burden on the handicapped.
a-
What happened to installing GPS devices on NYC Buses? The information they turn out is of course very valuable to passengers, but also of crucial importance for improving the reliability of bus services (see: Chicago Transit Authority's recent efforts, among others).
BEFORE YOU ANSWER: don't tell me that GPS doesn't work because of all the tall buildings. This is probably _more_ important in the boroughs, where tall buildings and subway stations are both often in short supply.
Thanks,
Mike
Could you please explain if or how the passing of the congestion pricing plan would have affected the MTA's expansion plans and current budget ?
I understand this country's woeful fiscal crises will impact MTA financing/budget; however, what I have not heard is what the MTA is doing to tighten their own belt as it relates to their salaries, bonuses and perks.
Some years back they took a lot of flack for giving themselves increases and bonuses while negotiating down benefits and pensions for their union workers.
What is their plan going forward to stricten their own excesses?
I have a lot to say about the MTA (losing the M8 line, for example), hearing the announcements or not hearing them, music on the stations drowning them out when it could be an emergency, but I want to comment on a situation which could EASILY be solved.
Benches on the platorms, and benches at bus stops:
1. No benches at all on the local sides of the 34th st #1 train. This is a train older people use, since they only have to go downstairs, not downstairs lower down and then upstairs to the express platform. I spoke to an MTA workman and he agreed with me and did not understand why they were not there.
2. No/or fewer benches at stops near hospitals, eg downtown train at 168th street. I am often there and sit on a yellow box, and once (only) when they told me for 'safety' reasons I could not, I just sat on the platform itself. Since this train comes VERY IRREGULARLY, this would be helpful And, why can't I sit on the yellow box?
3. Same with bus stops, particularly where there are elderly, infirm, eg 12th and 7th ave, 57th street and 7th ave (lots of older people at carniege hall).
But, in general, can't someone take a look at this, it's simple and easy to do.
Looks like M7 train cars have added special hooks for bicycles. Are there any plans to create more infrastructure for riders who want to combine their commutes with public transit and bikes? The best example I can think of is putting self operated bike racks on the front of buses.
Without wanting to preempt negotiations with unions, would you support a wage increase for MTA employees?
Yes or no?
Why is it when you buy a metrocard for $10 or $20 you end up getting the annoying bonus of $1.50? If this is a measure for people to reuse their metrocards, perhaps the MTA should make a stronger metrocard.
And when using the subway to get on the AitTrain, why can't we use our $10 metrocard to get on the AirTrain? Why can't the MTA and the PANYNJ transit systems speak to each other when the metrocard looks the same?
As per Justin's comment about the Atlantic Avenue underground tunnel tour, the MTA should open up tours to other hidden gems of the MTA, such as the old City Hall station, it could be a good revenue source... charge tourists a nice chunk of change.
Where do you stand on the circumferential rail line connecting Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx mentioned last March? (This is also known as the TriboroRX plan by Michael Frumin of the RPA and can be found online.)
Why is there such a problem in communicating information to subway riders when there is a delay or disruption in service. Often even the person in the booth at the station has no idea of what is going on.this is not something that should be happening in the 21st century in NYC.
The proposal to increase the cost of Access-A-Ride to the neighborhood of $5 per trip is outrageous. The argument that it still does not approximate the actual cost is specious. Which city service does pay for itself? How about subways, busses, museums; do fares or admissions pay their full cost? What are the priorities that dump the major cost of meeting expenses on the elderly and handicapped? People earning $100,000 are not likely to stay awake pondering the cost of getting to a doctor's appointment. Take a taxi; or park in a garage for $25 to @50.
Why do most European cities have buses with three doors (their double buses have four) and we do not? Our double buses with just two doors are absurdly slow loading and unloading, particularly when passengers exit from the front.
Are you aware the BXM buses travel down Fifth Avenue during the day almost empty and the drivers refuse to pick Manhattan passengers up? Opening these buses, on a limited stop basis, to Manhattan residents would give us a fast alternative to midtown. Unfortunately these buses have just one door and need two for quick loading.
In Zurich, the trolleys unload and load passengers in four seconds, and the drivers control the traffic lights. Better yet, dogs are welcome.
Provide a"Limited stop" bus service crosstown as well as the regular crosstown bus.
Add a bus route which travels only during rush hour down Fifth, up Madison, from 96 to 34th Street. Some afternoons, it is a ten minute wait to get out of Midtown on a Madison Ave bus while BXM buses go speeding by.
I am an MTA Bus employee,I'm wondering if the city will ever give us a contract!It's been 7 year's since we've seen one,and about 3 and a half year's since we've seen a raise!I do the same job as a TA/OA operator, when will we be treated the same!!!!!I sure hope someone addresses this issue soon,maybe the news media will eventually pick up on this important matter!
I would like to congratulate Mr. Lee Sanders. Ever since his appointment by Gov. Spitzer he has shown professionalism and a willingness to listen to commuters and taxpayers.
I have tons of questions but would like for Mr. Sanders to address several questions around transparency, governance and accountability:
(1) What assurances are you going to give the taxpayers and commuters that the new sources of revenue (Taxes) that are being pushed by the mayor and the Ravitch commission will not be offset by diverting existing funding from the MTA to the state general budget as was done during Pataki where the state reduced the funding and replaced it with borrowing? As you know, today you have inherited a public agency which spends an obscene amount of its operational budget in servicing its debt.
(2) Can you give an accounting, or force the state and City governments to give an accounting of what happened to the huge amount of revenue collected for the MTA since 2002 through the utilities and real estate transaction taxes which doubled and quadrupled in some years up until 2008? What was that money used for?
((3) Are you in favor of having an independent auditor, as existed during the Cuomo administration when the MTA was better managed and when it was turned around, so that this independent person can provide taxpayers and commuters with an independent assessment of how our monies are being used by the MTA on a quarterly basis?
(4) As you are aware, and as it came to light this past year when the free EzPass tags perk were taken away from MTA board members, many of the members on your board are wealthy individuals who have done well in private business. But as their attitude clearly demonstrated, they do not understand the importance of a viable regional transit/transportation system to the regional economy and its development as well as environment and quality of life. Can you really turn the MTA around in terms of governance, prioritization and responsible spending?
(5) Right before the last union contract negotiation in 2005 the MTA miraculously found ½ billion dollars that they did not know what to do with so they spent it in 2 weeks in a publicity stunt to reduce fares during the holidays in preparation to fight the union. The discounts could not be used by most users of the system but somehow the money was ‘spent’. Can you provide documentation as to what was done with the $500M dollars? Do you think it’s fair for the taxpayer to sue former governor Pataki and the members of the board at the time for extortion, fraud and failure in their fiduciary duty in order to recoup that money to pay down some of the debt?
A 23% increase will boost one-way bridge & tunnel tolls between the boroughs from $5 to $7 - making a round-trip between Queens and The Bronx to visit a friend, see a cultural attraction, commute to work or seek medical care $14 - the highest per-mile toll in the world.
This brings into question the whole regime of taxing motorists and truckers for travel between the outer boroughs to subsidize transit service into Manhattan. It is geographically inequitable and elitist.
Tolls should be imposed on the free bridges before being increased on toll bridges. Over the longer term the Tristate Region should begin planning circumferential transit corridors using new demand-responsive, more cost-effective technologies. Coordinated with the extensive network of parks and bikeways already in place, these would offer green mobility where transit options are currently very limited.
I would like to suggest 2 ways to raise money without raising fares;
1) make the internet reachable in subway, and cell phone calls possible ...for a fee
2) Spiff up the retail possibilities and place more adds in the subway ttations; possibly people would also accept to hear advertising if they know it helps keep fares low
The new trains have cut back on seating as well as places to hold on to, especially if you're short. So, not only does it take longer for a train to arrive at the station, but with the new trains I rarely get a seat, I have to stuggle for a standing spot, and, there aren't even strap hangers or extra poles to hang on to. What's up with that?
One is well aware of the effects of traffic on surface transit schedules, but I'd like to see bus shelters equipped to display the scheduled arrival time for the next bus to arrive for all busses which make the particular stop.
This could eventually go "real-time" once the vehicles are appropriately equipped but, for now, getting an idea of approximately when the next bus might arrive will serve us well.
Thank you.
I just moved to Brooklyn from Chicago which has an unbelievably broken "subway" system at the moment. Cut service and fare hikes certainly contributed to its current state. In London, for instance, when the rail system needed funding and wanted more people to ride, fares were lowered and service was increased. It was a huge incentive for citizens to ride and the increased business covered the extra losses. My question is: Is this model (the "London" model) even being considered?
Please keep the M8 bus from the West Village to the East Village. I am confident that it would be packed if more people knew about it. I only found it recently thanks to a new function on Google Maps. Rather than cutting lines all together simply reduce service and tell people to harness the power of the internet.
whatever happened to the "code of conduct" (no walking between subway cars, one seat per person, etc)? if these cannot be enforced, let's create a new code, to be taught in schools, and advertised in subways and buses:
a) all staircases are 2-way walkways. keep to the right on the staircases.
b) unless you are getting off at the next stop, keep away from the doors. if you are not getting off, step aside or step out. not all exiting or entering passenegers can be line-backers.
c) move all the way into the cars. (do we need to hire personnel from other countries' subways to push passenegers all the way into the cars?)
d) subway platforms cannot be used as social gathering places for students (or the homeless).
e) in-the-ear headphones must be in your ear. if I can hear your music, either your headphone volume is too loud, or it's not in your ear.
f) keep the volume of your discussion at a reasonable level. if I can hear you at the other end of a subway car, you're too loud. (maybe you're too loud because you cannot be heard over your headphone volume).
thanks
Dear Mr. Sander:
Do you endorse the Ravitch Report wholly? If so, why was there not even an attempt to address management cuts? In the year prior to the opening of the MTA building at 2 Broadway, how many central bureaucrats were employed at the MTA? How many are there now? If your and Ravitch's rationalizations to not attempt to cut central managemet are that oversight is necessary, how can you explain the LIRRs total lack of oversight of their employees' almost unanimous claim of disability retirement?
Is not the 'doomsday' budget a scare tactic designed to make more palatable and to reduce protest at a smaller fare increase?
I'd like to reinforce two suggestions already posted.
1) The M8 bus, which runs from river to river in the Village, is an important feeder line to the subways and a school bus for the many schools in the neighborhood. It is often full to standing during rush hours and school opening and closing hours. It is an important commercial and social lifeline for our neighborhood. The M21 on Houston Street is infrequent, doesn't go all the way to the Hudson River, and isn't convenient for the shops and restaurants in both East and West Village areas. Reduction in service will discourage use, cause riders to switch to cars, reducing the number of riders, causing further reductions in service in a downward spiral. See also postings 10, 14, 41 above.
2. Echoing John's posting 17 above, please move the Lexington bus stop from 64th to 63rd street, and make it a limited stop as well. The Lexington bus is a feeder to the F train as well as to the E and V trains at 53rd.
While I understand the proposal to raise fares, a cut in service is unnacceptable. I find service already inadequate. The outer boroughs are already short changed. To pay more for less just makes me angry, considering I have no choice but to take the subway. I already don't take the bus because its useless. I also understand how the funding works and where it comes from.
For additional revenue streams, why isn't there a proposal to reinstate the commuter tax, that would be $750 million. Eliminating the property tax rebate (for another $600 mil) was a lost opportunity.
At first I was against bridge tolls on principal, considering such huge areas of queens and Brooklyn don't have subway service at all. But what about charging tolls at the same price as subway fares? That way, for people who can't take the subway for lack of service, they would spend the same money as if they did.
Why was there talk of extending the 7 to Javits, where nobody lives, instead of the other way into Queens to at least 100,000 people do with service (or any other line). This simply sounds stupid.
Why cut G service, where places like Bed-Stuy are completely dependent on it and already have a difficult commute.
Closing stations downtown overnight is just wrong. What if you have to go there? This, there are close stations you could take as well, is nonsense. First of all, the R goes up the west side, the 4 up the east side. How is that convienient? And at that time of night, wouldn't someone want to be as close to their destination as possible for safety?
I would like honest answers please, not political posturing.
Dear Mr. Sander:
We started a campaign to save the M8 bus and have already gathered 1,301 unique signatures at www.savethem8.org.
Some comments from signers:
"I am an 86 year old widow living a half block from the M8. I use it frequently to access my doctors who are almost all on 1st Ave..."
"I use the M8 frequently to go back and forth to the West Village and to see my doctors at the NYU Medical Center. I am 74 years old and disabled. I need this bus line."
"i Ride the M8 every morning to get to school and its the only bus that i take to get to school much faster. please save the m8 bus!!!"
Please DO NOT DISCONTINUE THE M8.
Thanks,
Quinn Raymond
Why exactly is the MTA in such bad shape financially. How It seems like they have a steady stream of income (fares) which is resistant to economic troubles. Also, wasn't there a tremendous surplus just a year or two ago. What has changed?
I can deal with paying $3 per ride -- don't like but still better than some European cities.
As for taxes: WHEN will people get over this Reaganista nonsense that "any tax is a bad tax". Jonathan Chait wrote a good book about the tyranny of the Chicago economists/morons. Before their seizure of the economic dialogue, people understood that taxes serve a purpose.
Likewise, Paterson should drop his nonsensical opposition to a millionaires' tax. John Kenneth Galbraith had an excellent point about this in The New Industrial State: If executives are so all-fired fantastic, what does it say about them if they would cut and run over a fairly modest increase in taxes on the multi-million dollar kickbacks?
Increased taxes in amounts and areas where increases can be borne would do wonders for funding the MTA and other necessities.
#1 - Darius - The question should NOT be about INCREASED service but RESTORING service on the 'G' Line -
Thanks for having Mr. Sander on.
Money for infrastructure (shovel-ready or not) is not only a way to stimulate the economy; it is the best way to be prepared for a terrorist attacks and natural disasters. I hope the MTA does benefit from Obama's plan.
Dear Mr. Sanders
How much is your salary per year including any bonus'?
Is it a mistake to believe that maybe the money has not been going to the right places over the past decade? Should the riders be forced to give up more of their earning because the MTA can't allocate money to the places that need it?
slippery people....
What would be your reaction to, instead of a tax increase on employers, a tax reduction for employers who allow employees to telecommute, thus relieving stress on the transit system?
Why can't we get a public schedule of when the subways run? Service cuts wouldn't be a problem for me (and I assume many others) if I could plan/schedule my day according to when the subway would arrive.
Also I think this is a PANYNJ question, but why does Airtrain not charge people who go to get their cars? this seems to favor people who drive to the airport when all the riders benefit from airtrain.
Can you request of Mr. Sanders that he investigate why the last run of uptown M11 bus (appprox. 12:40am), far too often never arrives, causing an added hour onto a late night commute home for nighttime workers?
3 years ago, MTA renovated the 103rd St Bway Station. While accessible access (elevators) was ditched to save $$, several features MIGHT have been included w NO meaningful cost increases, but would have hugely increased comfort and utility. These comments are also relevant to almost every other station that undergoes costly but needed refurbishing:
1. Why not put a simple roof over the street entrances so rain/snow doesn't fall on the steps? This would also reduce maintaince and flooding. When subways were first introduced all stations had covered street entrances.
2. Who came up with the insane system now in place for giving passengers with luggage and bikes entrance to gates? Right now they have to swipe MetroCard at turnstile, reach over and "turn" the turnstile so fare is counted, and then the attendant can buzz someone through the gate. I don't know of any other urban transit system that uses this byzantine workaround. That this would not be fixed in a rennovation is inexcusable.
3. In many stations like 103rd St/Bway there is ample space for inside safe, secure bike parking as is avaiable at BART and most systems in Europe. Adding wheel guides on staircases is also not expensive.
4. O.k. we couldn't afford an elevator. What about at least an escalator for mobility impaired people and those w luggage?
@ Hugh.
Which European cities would that be exactly?
Why doesn't the MTA sell advertising on the walls of the tunnels across from where people stand while waiting for the train? This would seem to be an outstanding location to advertise and an easy opportunity to increase revenue. I believe this space is already used for advertising in many European subway systems.
Thank you.
You or your guest should also note that non-public transportation is effectively subsidized via the maintenance of the roads, (historical) use of Air Mail to subsidize airlines and the lack of appropriate (cost covering) taxes on gas and roads. Were these entered into the equation, public transportation would not require the level of 'subsidies' that they currently require. Until all economic costs, including long term costs like damage to the environment and health, are included in peoples economic choices, car use will continue to exceed the use of public transportation. Importantly, if we do want to move to more use of public transportation, we will need to ensure that development and development policy (including zoning) encourage growth around public transit.
Brian,
Mr. Sanders did NOT answer the question of whether all of the revenue from the East River tolls will be used exclusively for express bus expansion. He punted that one which tells me that if the new revenue is used for that purpose, existing sources of funding will be diverted to other purposes - INCLUDING OUT of the MTA's budget and to the general State budget... This is DOA
1. Are Mr. Sander and his top echelon willing to accept real pay cuts to help finance the deficit?
2. When will the MTA provide real transparency to explain their inability to spend wisely and efficiiently?
3. How can MTA justify raising/doubling Access-a-Ride fares on the most vulnerable population, usually on fixed incomes? The service is notoriously poor: late most often, full of excuses for poor service, etc., etc.
4. Still to be seen: actual costs to customers on subways, buses, with the draconian increases.
5. Why isn't there real rush hour service on the #6 at 3:30 p.m., at 77th Street? Schools, hospital shirts, all changing, exiting jobs and entering the station at the same time. On Jan. 7th, the train was stuffed to capacity and ended up skipping stops. Shame again on MTA for inadequate, inhuman service.
What happened to the plan to run all the trains as separate train lines? Was this successful on the L and 7 trains?
Why do some lines get updated cars more frequently than other? For example, the A, F and G lines have not have had new cars since 1977.
stephen
What about a fare on the Staten Island ferry?
Hasn't the drop in gasoline prices helped the MTA at all?
what is the retirement policy for MTA workers? i seem to remember learning around the time of the strike that the workers get to retire at age 55, which frankly, seems a super expensive policy for an organization struggling financially.
There are so many M14 buses--often bumper to bumper--but the M21 is like an urban legend or a ghost: people say they've seen it, but it's hard to believe it exists. Redeploy?
Wondering if Mr. Sanders could comment on the feasibility of adding bike racks to city buses?
It seems like that would be a good way to encourage biking in the city and to fit in with PlaNYC. This could also encourage folks to bike and ride -- to stay fit and incorporate biking with public transit.
In Europe mass transit is a dream. You can take a Train from the Airport to the city CENTER (not Jamaica, Queens). You can get around the country on Hi speed trains with wi-fi. Light Rail snakes through bucolic residential neighborhoods and takes you to a commercial center.
Whenever I come home I wind up spending over 10% of the cost of my Airline ticket to get from the airport to my house!
Why not:
-raise the prices of a ticket so that the true operating costs are reflected.
-Allow Low income families a tax credit.
-Use Tax money (or Stimulus grants) to fund expansion and infrastructure only.
NYC transit needs to dream big now more than ever! We are waay behind the rest of the developed world.
Why are most subway platforms so gritty, grimy and gross? Does anyone ever wash them? What can be done? It's an embarrassment...and probably a health issue.
Why is there sooo much congestion on the L line. I leave my house 1/2 earlier than normal every morning for the last 3 months just to get to work on time.
Recently the MTA website changed how it announces weekend service changes. Previously, all the changes were listed on one page. Now, people have to select a specific line, press a button, and then get information on that line only.
Why has this change been done? It's now very hard/impossible to get an overview of the weekend's service outages/changes. Can't we get the overview back?
A few minutes ago a caller asked why public transit doesn't turn a profit and needs to be 'subsidized' - That reflects the old school illusion that the automobile industry isn't subsidized - even long before the recent bailouts - I'm talking about artificially keeping the price of gasoline low, about building roads and bridges which do not make money - And the benefits of transit are not factored into their cost - such as time saved, pollution and congestion reduced, open space conserved - we need to look at 'profit' and 'cost' from an expanded perspective
live in Brooklyn - MTA employee performance has been, at times, appalling. What attention is paid to the conduct of those who work in and run public transporation?
Could Mr. Sander address Mr. Lehrer's comment about nonprofits not making a profit? Nonprofits are not barred from making a profit. They are only barred from distributing their profit to their members or officers.
He didn't answer the question about the M-8. Make him answer the question: Why the M-8?
We never hear a discussion on mass transit as a public policy concern. There are certain things that cannot and should not be managed on a for profit basis. CEOs don't understand that there's no way to provide sufficient mass transit if you expect to avoid having to subsidize it. Europe understands this. For a functioning society we need public transit. We certainly don't need more cars.
Why oh why is there a 2:1 ratio of A to C trains running into Manhattan off peak. I often sit on a crowded C platform waiting for the C train while two or three empty A trains thunder past on the inside track. Wasteful.
Hugh #49 - I have absolutely no problems with taxes if the money is going to be used for the common good of the community and to make our region more competitive.
The problem IS that there is no accountability and transparency - In the past 10 years labor costs have been kept below inflation while revenues from existing taxes, fees and fares have gone up 30-40% and in some cases, the revenue from our utility and real estate tax transactdions have more than doubled. yet service has been reduced.
We cannot impose new taxes if there is no transparency as to how existing revenue is being used and when there is no accountability to prevent misuse and mismanagement of these revenues
Mr. Sander one of the most ridiculous set up for what does's not work is the 2 & 3 lines from 14th street to fulton street the express line runs express untill chambers street then service slows down, the most ridiculous thing is going up town from fulton street the doors open on the left going uptown, then on the right on park place, then on the left side on chambers street and travelers feel like a ping pong ball that by the time you try to get off on 14th street your fighting with everyone to get off the train.
payroll tax??? I am a small businessman with 12 employees, 8 of whom telecommute, and 2 walk to work. This plan means another tax on me of $3K or so to subsidize 2 people's impact on the system.
I already pay employees' health insurance in full and contribute to FICA, unemployment insurance, etc. Why is the answer always to tax those putting their necks on the line to employ people? From my perspective, this just adds to the pressure to lay people off.
A $2 fare is ridiculously cheap. Way below every other major world city -- DC, London, etc.. If low-wage people can't afford a fare increase of 50 cents, then give them a break -- a special Ez-Pass with discounted fares that can be issued to those under an income threshold.
I'll pay $3 for my trip and be grateful. Better than $3K for 2 employees taking the train, in any event!
I live in Bklyn on the b25 line where many petitions are circulating to protest its removal. This is a huge bus line stretching from downtown all along Fulton St. The many small businesses will falter and the brownstone communities which have the largest concentration of black ownership will be threatened by blight. This will lead to the city taking over these communities by eminent domain and forcing long-time residents out. Bus lines in other communities like Park Slope B69, for example, are not at risk. This is a blatant attempt to destabilize our communities and limit access to downtown, except by train. It is hypocritical for Sander to talk about "greening" the MTA when eroding livelihoods will be the result in selective areas that are desired by richer people who want historical architecture at a low price."Greening" for which NYers, and at what cost?
Why is the MTA using tiles to surface platforms and subway stations in many locations? Tiles break easily, can be slippery when wet and show the inevitable dirt and grime of NYC. Broken & missing tiles are trip hazards and often not repaired quickly. Many tiles have been patched with cement instead of a fresh tiles. (It is curious that the 47-50th/Rockefeller Center station platforms did NOT get tiled. Instead, they received troweled concrete surfaces.)
As was mentioned above, the new cars, while finally having a modern suspension system, also have 20 fewer seats in each car than the orange seat cars with mixed direction seats. This means for example people start standing 2 or 3 stops sooner coming to Manhattan on the N. Besides, all the seats are long uncomfortable benches along the outside walls of the cars with no depressions to hold you in, and the shape is even less comfortable than similar 30(?) year old trains with the lengthwise gray bench seats. MTA is trading vastly increased passenger discomfort and safety for larger (standing) capacity and I assume faster loading and unloading in stations. Did you consider facing back and forth (crosswise) pairs of seats like on London tube cars instead of the back to back ones on the orange seat cars? They are easier to get out of. (Not to mention actual padding and upholstery!). It seems to me if you want more speed and capacity, modern computerized train controls rather than even more passenger discomfort would be a better way to go.
There is an innovative plan by Theadore Kheel that would double the congestion pricing fees to enter Manhattan, put a surcharge on taxi fares, and make the buses FREE, and the subways FREE except during peak times, when the fares would be reduce drastically. The benefits to the vast majority of New Yorkers, both economic and environmental, are too obvious to detail.
Please ask Mr. Sander about the Kheel Plan.
The MTA website has a way to make comments, but the comments are answered by someone who only notices what the topic is and then cut and pastes some boilerplate on the topic, not ansering the actual question. Even when I say I want an actual answer!
I have repeatedly questioned lack of heat in subway cars. N cars for example can go to Coney Island and back when it is below freezing, at night (no sun heating), with no heat on. I have been able to find the answer: thermostadts on trains with automated systems are set at 56 degrees! OK, people have coats on but....56 degrees? WHY? Occasionally the heat is on on the really old cars, which I assume have manually controlled heat. It is a pleasant surprise to get on a non freezing N!
#82 David ALtman from LIC - Great question!. I've had the same question as well specially on the 7th Ave E/B/D station where they the tile was installed through shoddy work. Most of the floor tile has cracked or come lose. Some has been replaced but it's extremelly filthy.
IF we had transparency we would probably find out that hundreds of millions of contracts have gone out to well connected companies to slap some cheap tile on with no benefit to public transit.. But alas, the taxpayer/commuter has no representation and the press refuses to ask and get the facts on these questions
On MTA buses the ventilation system is often not on. In winter there may or may not be heat, and in summer there may or may not be air conditioning. When I have occasionaly made a suggestion to the driver to turn the system on, sometimes they do and sometimes they answer in a way that indicates they have no idea about how the HVAC works. All drivers should be obviously trained in the operation of HVAC on various bus models and should be required to use it properly, and be checked on to make sure they do.
Regarding fare hikes, it seems that a lot of money is wasted on useless and/or poorly designed projects. This is even more disconcerting because I imagine there are many more projects invisible to the normal subway rider. Wasted money on useless projects and lost revenue on inefficient employees include:
-The metal mesh applied to the Emergency / Service Exit doors at every subway station. What/who is this keeping out?
-The alarm (that is always going off) that is attached to this Emergency / Service Exit door. What is the purpose of this alarm?
-The ridiculous and too many MTA announcement posters, e.g. don't run on the subway platform or on the stairs; throw your trash away. A priority should be affordable transit fares, not debating, designing, producing and posting ineffective "parenting" posters.
-The way too numerous empty advertising compartments on the trains. Every time I see one of these, I think of the money I am going to have to pay in order to compensate for the inefficiency of the MTA marketing department.
-The ultimately useless "Emergency Instructions" stickers on all trains. This is the black sticker that tells straphangers what to do in case of fire, illness etc. In essence, this sticker tells us, in ever situation, to NOT pull the emergency cord and to find a train conductor. The poor non-information conveyed on this sticker only shows the MTA's incredible lack of readiness in case of any emergency. Compare this to the Washington D.C. subway emergency posters, for example. A blatant and staggering difference.
I would like to know if there is any resource I can use to review the cost of such projects. I would also love to know how such projects are justified given the more imperative, infrastructural needs of the MTA compared with the lack of funding available. It seems unfair that we should have to pay more to ride mass transit simply due to the perpetual, foolish spending of the MTA.
The stations in the outer bouroughs are disaster areas. Stations on the below grade N for example are crumbling with all the ceiling paint coming down. At my station one door is kept open with a crushed soda can and another with string. The elevated F and D stations look like they are maybe in Romania. Filthy, floors of a combination of raw wood boards and patches of asphalt (inside!). The Bay Parkway D station looks like it was supposed to be a nicer one on the line. That was before the windows were filled with concrete blocks, billboards covering the outside, filth, patched floors, bad lighting, etc. None of these appear to have been hardly touched since they were built about a century ago. The lack of maintenance over the years has left these stations in really appalling condition. Can't the N stations at least be cleaned up if not actually renovated? When are all these stations going to be renovated and maintained?
Question to MTA Lee Sander:
Is MTA going to do something about the deafening, screeching and rumbling noise the elevated and underground subways make? I live in Brighton Beach between the Q and F trains. The noise from those trains is unbearable! There are a many highrises, apartment buildings close to the traks (Trump Village, etc.) and all people living in them are affected by the extreme subway noise. (The same applies when one is standing at an underground station waiting for a train.) There has been station renovation and improvement done on the Q and F lines a few years ago but the noise issue has not been dealt with. I have traveled extensively all over the world and I found that our public transportation, especially subway system is the worse in every way (filthy, noisy, slow and unreliable). In addition, after Londons's, the second costliest. Ours is not the oldest either.
BRIAN PLEASE ASK SANDERS ABOUT THIS THE NEXT TIME HE IS ON YOUR SHOW:
Bring back the WHOLE SYSTEM SUBWAY MAPS inside regular train stations. Huge stations like West 4th St. etc. have maps but ordinary stations like the 86th St. station do not. I'm not talking about the map at the entrance near the token booth. But once you've swiped into/onto the platform there are no longer maps for figuring out how best to get from Point A to Point B. The near 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheets, attached to the beams near the tracks, that outlines ONE line are not useful when the trip includes great distances and several connections (like from the IND to IRT to BMT). I've been riding the subway for nearly 60 years and sometimes need to consult a map BEFORE I get on the (possibly wrong) train.
Justin Hedrix wrote, "I just toured the historic Atlantic Avenue Tunnel this weekend. what a marvel of old New York- and what a forgotten treasure. More information here. http://www.brooklynrail.net/proj_aatunnel.html"
Brian, I'm not sure if it was done recently or not but, a good future show may be about low key or unknown but great NYC Tours for New Yorkers. As a New Yorker I really don't do any sight seeing bus or walking tours of New York because they are VERY expensive and filled with tourist. This tunnel tour seems quite interesting. Thanks for posting this information Justin.
I have several issues I'd like discussed the next time Elliot Sander is on the show:
1. Communication at the West 4th St station
The A/C & B/D are two flights of stairs away from each other at W 4th, but there will be an announcement saying there is an uptown express train one stop away without saying if it will be an A or D. Anyone going to 59th or 125th can use either train. The same is true of the B/C for passengers making any stops between 59-125th when the announcement says a local train is approaching.
2. Bunching of buses on M86 line
The eastbound 86th street crosstown bus starts at Broadway, and there are times where there are three buses bunched together by Amsterdam or Columbus Avenue (1 or 2 stops away) and seeing two buses bunched at these points is common. The driver of the second bus can see the Amsterdam stop from the Broadway stop, and should be instructed not to leave B'way until the other bus leaves Amsterdam.
3. Why do the 1 trains sit at the Times Square station for so much longer than any other stop? It seems like they're being held for at least 5 minutes these days, and it's been going on for at least a few months.
4. Communication for all subway lines
When I lived in London in 1986, there were LCD displays above platforms that told passengers how many minutes away the next train was. They also had weekly and monthly passes for the subways. When I came home and asked why the MTA didn't have these things available, I was told the longer length farecard would never be approved in the city because they discriminate against the poor, who can only pay for one fare at a time. Since Metrocards have been around for a decade, how about getting those platform signs installed?
A few questions: Why is the project not moving along on the closing of Ave U/Neck road stations (even though stations closed for a month). 2) Why is the project scheduled to take so long? One year to rebuild part of a station is absurd. 3) For customers' convenience, run Manhattan Bound "B" trains local for two stops to Kings Highway- this gives customers the ability to take the B or Q to their designated station. Thank you.
I wish to expand on number 88's excerpt below
"The way too numerous empty advertising compartments on the trains. . . "
How does the MTA Manage it's advertising? What are the revenues that come from the advertising on busses trains and billboard space? If the space is contracted out to one company what are the revenues from that contract? I have several ideas about how to effectivley increase efficiency of advertising and thus increase advertising revenue.
Get in touch.
Since cycling is growing exponentially in and around the city, every year. and people, like myself like using public transit along with cycling in my commute.
Could you look into adding Bike racks on the front of buses, like other progressive cities
Figure a safer way for people to bring bikes on the subway
Regularly schedule salting the bike lanes of Bridges, in the winter. It's a nightmare, even trying to walk, down a sheet of ice.
Can the MTA put safe bike racks around Grand Central? I had MTA cops giggling at me,for asking. I currently chain it to a sign that has the skeleton of a ripped apart bike, that's been there for months.
How much money could be saved by eliminating those "bonuses" that you get for buying $10 or $20 Metrocards?
Firstly, with the most recently fare hikes, those bonuses dropped so that they are not enough to ride the train; you have to add to the Metrocard again to use the "extra" money.
Secondly, many tourists buy the pay-per-ride, and they would ride the subway one way or the other.
Also, if the MTA has to raise fairs 20%, I for one am going to bike to work a lot more.
Like Nick, I'm wondering what the point of messing with the bonuses was. I can't imagine it saves so much money, and it's a hassle for riders. It stinks of underhandedness. Why can't you just give the extra ride every time a person puts on $12 or $14, rather than this ridiculous system we have now where I have $10.55 on my metrocard and have to resort to complicated equations to make sure I use it all?
Is the MTA considering peak/off-peak pricing for its Bridges & Tunnels? How about some form of peak/off-peak pricing for subways and buses?
And how about distance pricing? Express buses cost more, can't longer subway rides cost a little more, too? Since most subway riders take round trips, distance pricing can probably be accomplished with the Metrocard system -- by pricing the front end higher and the back end lower based on the latter's proximity to the former's entry point.
Two questions:
1. Why can't the MTA create a more natural train flow for the L Train during morning rush hour? How you can manage to simultaneously have long waits for a train and delays because of train traffic? This is truly a staggering accomplishment.
2. The sense of frustration is only deepened by the repeated playings of the automated message. The delays are self-evident without being reminded two or three times each stop by that smug automated voice. I have lived my entire life in New York City and have yet to meet a fellow citizen here that appreciates being told to be patient. Who is responsible for playing this message and is it up to the discretion of the Conductor?
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