Sitting is killing us all, that much we know. "Sitting 6+ hours per day makes you up to 40% likelier to die within 15 years than someone who sits less than 3. Even if you exercise." Need more convincing? Here are some of those scaremongering illustrations for you: more ›

Sure, the East River Ferry has had its issues since its launch this summer: delays annoyed commuters, Hasidic Jews were pissed about its child restrictions, and for a minute there, it looked like no one wanted to ride the thing at all. But those issues pale in comparison to the latest problem: the ferry is too damn popular. more ›

Yesterday, hundreds of NYPD cops, Port Authority cops, MTA cops, NJ Transit cops and National Guardsman others participated in a terror drill at busy transit hubs, such as Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station, in the city. According to the Post, the "drill [was] dubbed Operation MASS -- or Multi-Agency Super Surge, officials said. The regularly-scheduled drill -- which lasted about three hours -- is designed to see how cops can mobilize and coordinate their efforts in the event of an attack." more ›

Wireless internet may soon be a reality for our city’s trains. The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3 predicted it, and now the MTA says it wants Metro North and LIRR to be connected by the end of the year. According the Post officials have issued a call for ideas on how best to float internet on the trains coming and going from the city. Also to be wired: Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station. But considering the budget crunch, how does the authority plan to pay for its hook-up? more ›

"It's a double whammy," Gene Russianoff, staff lawyer for the Straphangers Campaign, told Gothamist. "You'll have to wait longer for a train, and you'll have a reduced chance of finding a seat." According to MTA documents [PDF], instead of attempting to accommodate 100 percent of off-peak passengers with seats, the agency will aim to fill the cars with 125 percent of the "seated load." Commuters can expect more crowded trains during all off-peak hours on the 7 and L lines, midday and evenings on the 1 and A lines, and Sundays on the J and M lines. And the number of seat-less commuters is actually expected to exceed the proposed maximum of 18 standing passengers on F and Q lines at certain times on Saturdays, and on 1 and N trains at certain times on Saturdays and Sundays. more ›

“Disoriented, overwhelmed, alienated [and] alone,” graphic designer Acamonchi made these sketches during his bleak, cold-weather commutes. Apparently New York winter is rough on the Mexican-born artist, but it’s a good thing: without the sour mix of feelings there’s no way he could have achieved these perfect renditions of our city’s scarf-huddled masses along with the forlorn objects that surround them. more ›

Even though every subway car is equipped with an emergency brake, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority says the brakes shouldn't be used during most emergencies. If there's a crime, fire, or medical emergency, straphangers shouldn't yank on the emergency brake cord. In fact, the first instruction on the "Emergency Instructions" placard tells commuters: "Do not pull the emergency cord." So, what's it good for? more ›

No matter the time of day — nor the number of empty seats in the subway car — transit cops can issue tickets to straphangers who take up more than one seat. And according to two commuters who were hit with $50 summonses on nearly empty trains passing through the 96th Street station after midnight, the city is undergoing a ticketing blitz (again). more ›

Are the NYPD stepping on the toes of MTA officers? The NY Post reports that the NYPD has started sending some of their officers to police commuter trains as part of their anti-terror efforts — a move that has upset the MTA. more ›

As noted in our newsletter this morning, on this day in 1953, the first commuter passenger service by helicopter began. New York Airways provided a lift for busy folks who wanted to avoid traffic. more ›

Every year Transportation Alternatives holds a commuter race to Manhattan between a cyclist, a subway rider, and a motorist to promote the efficacy of cycling. And every year the cyclist wins. When will the gaming commission investigate T.A.? The only difference today between the outcome of last year's race was that this year the car commuter came in dead last, taking 47 minutes, 11 seconds to get from Sunnyside to Columbus Circle in a taxi. Coming in second was NYC transit rider Dan Hendrick, who crossed the finish line in 35 minutes, 16 seconds. more ›

New Yorkers still trying to swallow the fare hike that's been approved by the MTA board can at least take heart that entire swaths of services aren't being eliminated. New York Water Taxi commuters are facing the elimination of large parts of that company's East River service from the beginning of 2008 at least until May of next year.

New York Water Taxi regretfully announces the suspension of commuter service on the East River from 1/1/08 to 5/1/08. As you may know, NYWT took over the service in 2003, on short notice, when it was abandoned by another operator. We have added new stops and worked tirelessly to make the run economically viable.