Take a Seat Project Stands Up to Criticism

The guy behind the Take a Seat project has spoken out against his criticizers (ahem). Listen up, haters: just because the chairs are found as curbside trash, doesn't mean they are no longer functional, and it certainly doesn't mean they're infested with bedbugs. However, the point about taking up space on already overcrowded platforms was a good one, he admits, although he notes that the stations are chosen with that in mind (here's a map of where there are currently chairs). As for crowd reactions, he says, "I've never stuck around to watch riders' reactions, I imagine the chairs are often greeted with skepticism - 'Who's chair is this? Why is it here? Is there something wrong with it?' - and only utilized by people who just really need to take a load off." C'mon, fess up, who's had a seat in one of the trash chairs?

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By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on October 1, 2008 4:09 PM

Comments [rss]

drewo

"I've never stuck around to watch riders' reactions"

Might be helpful, no?

w0wzers

Well, Since I've been riding the subway all my life. if I seen a chair just in a subway station, well my first thought would be What homeless/drunk person brought this into the station? Then the only way I would sit on it is if I was feeling sick and it was a last resort. I really don't see these chairs getting much if any use.

Eriiique

You know.. I think it's a good idea. However.. I will be surprised if they stick around.. Someone will take them. They always do.

ganghiscon

Have any of the chairs been removed by the MTA or stolen? There's a picture posted at my stop and I've never seen one. Of course, I may just not have been on that part of the platform.