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As the MTA considers ways to save money as it faces billion-dollar deficits, the Daily News suggests the "Sick Customer Response Program" could be on the chopping block. Apparently the MTA would be able to save $250,000 if the program, which has EMTs stationed at seven busy stations, were eliminated in 2009, but we think it would be a mistake to end it.
First of all, it would be a PR nightmare, what with passengers questioning whether the MTA and NYC Transit really care about their well-being. Second, sick passengers were the number 3 cause of subway delays last year (many of them fainting women on diets) - if anything, it would be great to have more EMTs.
NYC Transit spokesman Paul Fleuranges tells the News it's "premature" to discuss budget ideas. Hmm - we're hoping that the News article is a way to get the public's dander up about it to rally against nixing the program. You can read a transcript of a Transit Trax talk about the SCRP here. The EMTs are stationed at Queens Plaza and Roosevelt Avenue in Queens and 125th St. (Nos. 4,5,6), Grand Central Station, 5th Ave. & 53rd St., 14th St.& Union Square, and Fulton Street in Manhattan.
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Getting rid of a quarter million dollar program really won't make a big impact on such a huge budget and deficit.
Do you need EMTs at Union Square? Isn't there a hospital across the street?
Hey reducing service and increasing cost is what late-period capitalist govt is all about!
I am guessing the cost in delayed trains will cost even more than the savings. Seems like dubious math.
I thought that story about women fainting because of diets was disproved.
Any sick passenger should be immediately removed from the subway car so that service can continue ASAP. Any dieting woman fainting should be immediately placed in front of the subway so that service can continue and there will be one less self-obsessed vapid bimbo in the world.
weren't they just giving us half-off fare for christmas? at the time i was like: i would rather they just keep the money and try not to spend the other 11 months of the year talking about going broke.
right on, #6 & #7
wow - maybe a way to relieve the so-called 'sick' passenger syndrome or 'women fainting' is to put fucking AC into the PLATFORMS and not just the trains. OR - invest in technology that allows cars to travel one right after the ohter so we dont' have to wait so long in 180 degree 100% humidity just to get on an 'express' train that goes 2 mph letting local trains pass them!
This is is ridiculous. I am a FDNY EMT and I work at Queens Plaza. The MTA does not employ EMTs, nor do they have ambulances. The pre-hospital medical care of all New Yorkers falls on the EMTs and paramedics in the city-run 911 system. Both the FDNY and voluntary hospitals participate. But not the MTA. Check the source of this article. It's bogus.
real talk #6