Editorial
We need ‘world class’ subways
In typical grandiose fashion, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday
the next big project to, in his eyes, rebuild the transportation system: the Empire
Station Complex, an expansion of Penn Station.
Ironically, that announcement came just hours after New York City straphangers
endured one hell of a delay-stricken, problem-fi lled Monday morning commute.
The offi cial Twitter account of MTA New York City Transit documented the
comedy of errors in great detail.
Signal malfunctions crippled the 7 line for tens of thousands of commuters in
Manhattan and Queens. Many straphangers sought to get to work through the
F and M lines in Queens, only to be delayed even further due to signal troubles
there.
Brooklyn residents were not immune from the blunders. Signal trouble near the
DeKalb Avenue station resulted in big delays on the B, D, N, Q and R trains due
to congestion. Manhattan and Bronx riders on the 6 line were also impacted by
reports of a broken rail downtown.
That didn’t stop Cuomo from pushing the Empire State Complex plan as a net
positive for New York commuters. It may well be, considering it expands the capacity
of Penn Station to add Long Island Rail Road and Amtrak trains.
Yet, that commuter focus is the inherent fl aw of the Empire State Complex
proposal. The subways were virtually forgotten. Six subway lines — the 1, 2, 3,
A, C and E — carry tens of thousands of commuters a day through Penn Station,
and Cuomo made virtually no mention of any benefi t this plan will have on the
ordinary straphanger.
The subway system will receive billions of dollars in the next MTA fi ve-year
capital plan for various infrastructure upgrades, such as modern signals to prevent
the type of rush-hour mess experienced Monday.
We just wish the governor were as concerned about the state of the subway system
as he is about trumpeting “world class” projects for commuter rails, airports
and highways.
If they can rebuild the Kosciuszko Bridge and LaGuardia Airport in fi ve years’
time, why can’t the state commit to replacing all bad subway switches, signals and
rails system-wide in the same timeframe?
For once, not all of the blame should be laid at the MTA’s feet. The governor
heads the MTA, which runs the subways. He needs to step up and give the subways
“world class” treatment.
Publisher of The Villager, Villager Express, Chelsea Now,
Downtown Express and Manhattan Express
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The June 28, 2000 issue of The Villager included photos of the 31st New
York City Lesbian and Gay Pride March, which drew half a million participants
and spectators. First Lady Hillary Clinton marched in the parade,
while her GOP rival in the senate race, Congressmember Rick Lazio, chose
to campaign Upstate. In this photo, Clinton marches with Congressmember
Jerrold Nadler and Councilmember Christine Quinn.
Extra!
Extra!
Local News
Read all about it!
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12 January 9, 2020 Schneps Media
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