Gothamist: OMFG: MTA Starts Real-Time Email, Text Messages

Mac1405

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:34:35 -0500

I signed up this week for alerts on the N & W lines. I have only gotten updates for LIRR so far...awesome! Also, the time periods you can select are rather large. I don't need updates at 4 am, if I just want morning rush hour alerts. USELESS.

dwburns

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:19:23 -0500

This is helpful so that I can reroute if there are problems on one of the lines I use. However, they need to keep the text messages to 160 chars. I received several long alerts this morning that were split up between 2 or 3 texts. I have a limited number each month and at this rate I'll go over. Also, the actual sign up link is here: http://www.mymtaalerts.com

drchadwick1

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:34:14 -0500

It worked for me this morning. I got one message saying there was a stalled L train, then another about 30 minutes later saying trains were moving again. Both messages were correct and matched what was happening underground. I'm as skeptical as anyone of the MTA and its ability to do things right, but so far, so good.

noktulo

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:23:48 -0500

I proposed something like this for the DC system a while back. I'm glad to see someone had the same idea. http://www.insomniapocalypse.com/web-design/metro-automatic-delay-notifier

Think twice

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:52:16 -0500

I should feel reassured, and yet I'm not. Is my confidence gap with the MTA that wide?

cucarachita

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:42:44 -0500

there's no sign up on that site. Just help signups, for people who already signed up.

babyhitler

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:09:02 -0500

how the hell will this help? all the texts will be "service out. you are screwed. oh well". I mean, before you were screwed but now you'll just get a heads up when they sodomize you.

Snoopy

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:57:59 -0500

They can't get their trains to run on time and now they want to get into the telecommunications business? They can't even get their speakers to work properly on the platforms. Here's a typical message as I last heard waiting for the local at the 14th street station. "The ne% train is appro#*&() the 3"+@ &*%^tion. Please stand $#l& as the train #$%!@.

peanut100

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:39:00 -0500

the less interaction i have with the mta the better. why the hell would i want these f'ers texting me??? less service, higher fares, but ooooh we have text messages!!!!

goodcow

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:33:17 -0500

So I signed up and within the past five minutes, it's sent me this message, five times: DISABLED VEHICLE WHITESTONE BRIDGE SOUTHBOUND CENTER LANE BLOCKED 1) It's sending duplicate messages 2) I don't even have alerts activated for "Bridges and Tunnels" 3) They need to hire an editor so IT ISN'T YELLING AT ME Inept fucks can't launch anything properly.

mihow

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:53:50 -0500

I hate how cynical that last comment was. I am all for helping people and business if they are in need. All for tax dollars going to the areas that need it, but I get so annoyed when things aren't run well and that's why we're being forced to throw money at it. The MTA has some issues that need to be worked out internally. If they do that and they still need money, so be it. But I can't help but think that they are failing miserably because they direly need an internal overhaul. That is all.

Snoopy

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:50:09 -0500

It's all those metal framed bikes with spinning spoked wheels that are causing this problem. Call the DOT and complain.

mihow

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:38:52 -0500

Good thing they're thinking of charging car owners in order to pay for nifty things like this.

abzme

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:34:22 -0500

if they put an advertisement on the bottom, maybe they can get some extra cash....

Tgirl

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:27:53 -0500

thanks but no thanks...

teenseagull

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:23:50 -0500

HONESTLY.

mrmagoo

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:23:39 -0500

this is unbelievable! its such a waste of money!!!!

Wza

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:18:48 -0500

this text will cost you down the rd peace out, mta :)

blablanyc

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:13:58 -0500

Now if they could only get cell phone service in the subway they will be on the right track. Councilman Simcha "Bright Eyes" Felder: “Why does there have to be cell service to the end of the platform?” he asked. “At least this way it would automatically stop people from walking into the trains or walking off the platform.” http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/11/the-pros-and-cons-of-underground-cellphone-technology/?scp=2&sq=colin%20moynihan%20subway%20cell%20phone&st=cse

nomnomnom

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:12:09 -0500

Yeah, I also had issues to set up my notifications. It runs just like their subway service!

JH4285

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:11:52 -0500

I take service delays as a given anyway. I'd prefer that that money go toward improving existing service (no matter how minimally) instead of informing us of how bad it is.

duanereade

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:06:24 -0500

$10,000 a month? That's enough to pay 8 workers (each making $60K/year) for a week to FIX THE PROBLEM INSTEAD OF FUCKING TELLING US ABOUT IT.

r1b2

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:04:04 -0500

Tried to sign up but... Access to our email notification system sign up and options designation is temporarily unavailable until Tuesday Nov. 25th at 11:00 AM. This will allow us to migrate to a more robust email and text messaging alert system. Email Alert Notifications for existing customers will continue to be sent during this time period. It's 3 PM, well after 11 AM, but still offline. Way to start on the right foot.

Dirk

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:01:27 -0500

Only in the eyes of an MTA executive would text messaging be "revolutionary".

Gregoire

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:00:55 -0500

If they're as reliable as their audio 'real time' service announcements, then I would expect these to give your computer or blackberry a virus.

doppelganger

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:55:30 -0500

u can haz fare hike