MTA Prepares to Send E-Mails Excusing Late Commuters

The MTA is about to go digital with its program giving commuters excuse notes explaining why delays kept them from being on time to work or elsewhere. As of right now, the MTA mails out 34,000 letters a year that take over a week before arriving to employers. But as of next year, an on-line request form will allow them to send your basic HopStop-style report showing the route that was taken with transfer and delay time factored in. That should come in handy with delays up almost 25% last year and service cuts on the way after the recent plans to tighten up the transit budget. "It seems like some people's bosses aren't the nicest people in the world," Gene Russianoff of the Straphangers Campaign told the Post.

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By Billy Parker in News on November 30, 2008 12:28 PM

Comments [rss]

virgil

Even if they were committed to a perfect system (which I'll believe when the MTA bosses start taking the subway) there would still be delays. This is a pretty good idea, but the txt alerts to passengers is exactly what's been needed, and long overdue. It's good to see a few improvements, however incremental.

inoyourider

F this- why can't they spend the money they're using on this and their BS propoganda they hang in the trains (Great, can you do something about neighbor's tap dancing?) to actually MAKE THE SYSTEM WORK BETTER?

hungryghoast

ribaldry, is part of being an adult being an unrealistic asshole? you got it down, boy.

virgil

Ribaldry, most people factor a level of train delays into their schedule--anywhere from 10 minutes to 1/2 hour), but what are you suggesting? Show up for work an hour (or 2, or 3)early every day just in case the MTA screws up?

ribaldry

There is never an excuse for being late. If there is the smallest possibility that you will be late, leave an hour earlier etc. Arrange you're life so that you don't blame circumstances for you're short comings. Be an adult.

sadpanda

you would think it wouldn't be a problem, but I used to have a boss who never accepted train problems as an excuse for being late unless more than 5 or so people were late. didn't help that he never took the train since he lived around the corner.

Kojak

Things like excuse notes work in Japan since trains are so rarely late, employers wouldn't believe that the trains were at fault. Employees would need proof to back them up on their claim.

In New York however... I don't think that would be a problem. It goes without saying that the trains SUCK. The online service advisories are enough.