Straphangers Campaign Lists Bests And Worsts For Year In Transit
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - There were plenty of events that had an impact on mass transit in New York City this year, some for the better and some for the worse. Now the list is out!
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The Straphangers Campaign's Gene Russianoff says among the worst things is that the 2nd Avenue subway project is behind schedule and over budget.
In addition, creaky subway cars on the C line introduced 1964 will be kept in service until 2017.
Also, the state cut $100 million in transit operating funds.
"The number of attacks by passengers on transit workers and bus drivers has gone up in the last year," added Russianoff.
There is, of course, a flip side.
"The most positive event of the year is a non-event which is that the fare did not go up and service was not cut in 2011," he told WCBS 880 reporter Rich Lamb.
He said that is significant "cause it was cut every year for the three years before which was unprecedented."
The Straphangers Campaign is also excited that the Cortland Street station on the R line, closed since 9/11, reopened this year.
Plus, they are fans of the spread of countdown clocks and addition of cell phone service to six stations.
Here is the complete list in order.
Worst
1. The State took a net $100 million from dedicated transit operating funds.
2. The NY State Legislature voted exemptions to the MTA payroll tax at an unknown cost to its riders.
3. MTA proposed to take on $7 billion of debt for capital projects.
4. Aged trains on C line will now remain in service through at least 2017.
5. MTA is over budget and behind schedule on Second Avenue Subway and East Side Access, say federal officials.
6. Breakdowns increased and ridership decreased on NYC Transit buses.
7. Hurricane Irene.
8. Garbage can-less subway stations.
9. Passenger assaults on bus drivers and subway workers are up, 20% and 16% respectively, from January to October 2011.
10. A tax-free transit benefit may shrink in half next year.
Best
1. There was no subway, bus and commuter fare hike after three years-in-a-row of increases.
2. Faster bus service arrived on the M34.
3. Some of the service cuts from 2010 were restored in 2011.
4. MTA launched Weekender site.
5. Riders can now track the location of some bus routes by cell phone.
6. In the shadow of the World Trade Center, the southbound Cortland Street station on the R re-opened.
7. MTA adopted the 511 number for one-stop telephone help.
8. $1 fee on purchase of a MetroCard postponed.
9. A pilot brings cell phone service to six underground subway stations.
10. More countdown clocks appear around the subways.
You can also read more on the Straphangers Campaign website HERE.
What would you rank as the best and worst transit events of 2011? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
