Subways Now Have 100 Countdown Clocks

Flickr user thoth1618

If you've seen any of the MTA's new ads, you may have been alerted to the fact that train countdown clocks have now been activated at 100 subway stations. But did you know that the MTA actually beat its own goal to install 75 by the end of the year? NYC Transit President Thomas Prendergast said in a statement, "This is all about providing information to our customers who may see similar systems in other locations and ask, ‘Why not here?’ Well, we asked ourselves the same thing and we are now moving briskly ahead with this project."

We're not sure if they actually worked overtime on this or if they just underestimated the installations in order to impress us at the end, but either way we now have 100 working countdown clocks along the numbered subway lines (and the L). Officials have also begun a project to bring the countdown clocks to the rest of the lettered lines. However, they will not be equipped with "spoiler alert" signs, so if you want the train's arrival to remain a surprise, we suggest you not look up.

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By Jaya Saxena in News on December 22, 2010 3:32 PM

Comments [rss]

tijuanatornado

You know what would be nice too? If these countdown clocks were visible from outside the turnstiles, before you swipe your card and realize you have to wait 30 minutes for a stupid train because it is late at night!

Jake S

At many stations, they are outside the turnstiles. I take the train between 125th and 181st on the 1, and they're outside the turnstiles at both locations.