Riders of the New Haven line on Metro North: relief is on the way. Those grimy trains that were cool when mustaches weren't ironic are being steadily replaced by these beauties, the M-8. MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan says the "top of the line" cars are "roomier, have higher-backed seats, bigger bathrooms, and outlets at every seat." Your move, Richard Branson. more ›

A new study on poverty rates in the city [PDF] reveals some information that every New Yorker already knows: taking a cab to work is the most expensive way to get there. Just 1% of the 4.3 million New Yorkers who commute take a cab to work, while most opt for the subway, and about 10% are able to walk. Traffic consultant Samuel I. Schwartz told the Times, “This reminds me of the traffic engineer’s joke about New York City. ‘Shall we walk or do we have time to take a taxi?’ Those who can afford to commute by taxi probably have the luxury of time on their side.” Hilarious. So what else does the study say about the city's commuting patterns? more ›

The MTA is considering rolling out bus-only lanes on First and Second avenues that the agency says might shorten commutes between Houston Street and 125th Street. The "East Side speedway" could be laid down by September 2010, and the agency is planning to stock up on "dozens of super-stretch buses for the new service," the Daily News reports. more ›

If you thought your commute was rigorous, check this out: NYC school teacher Sean Patch commutes from NJ to Manhattan via kayak. Patch explained to WCBS880 that taking the ferry was expensive, so now he kayaks across the Hudson, radioing ferries to let them know he's there and navigating around other vessels, like oil tankers. The algebra teacher incorporates his unconventional commute into his class: "Mr. Patch kayaks to work. He bought the kayak for $850. He no longer has to pay for the ferry $7.75 each way. How much has he saved?" And FYI, the Downtown Boathouse offers winter kayaking classes in the Riverbank State Park swimming pool. more ›

With the approval of its budget yesterday, the MTA officially raised the rates on subways and buses, MTA bridges and tunnels, and commuter rails. While the increase in fare was inevitable after both Governor Spitzer and Mayor Bloomberg approved of them, the big news today is how the MTA is actually going to bring in extra money with the bonus scheme on the pay-per-ride Metrocard for subways and buses. The base fare for a ride remains at $2, but starting March 2nd, 2008 bonuses will be 15% instead of the current 20%. more ›