- ...this news is less great in light of 600 token booth clerks losing their jobs, as the MTA continues to find ways to cut costs. The Daily News reports that 49 round-the-clock and 115 part-time booths will be closed. The MTA says that stations where booths have been closed have not seen any jumps in crime, but the NYC Transit Rider Council says, "People feel less safe when they don't see a token person there. Whether it is perception or reality, that's the way they feel."
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Results tagged “ericchung”
MTA Dollar Matters: Hikes, Raises, Job Elimination
MTA Admits To New Fare Hikes
Gothamist thought the Daily News' breakdown of what's happening with fare increases and service cutbacks was excellent - here it is below:
The Demise of MTA Fare Discounts?
Yet another disappointing idea from the MTA: The MTA is considering taking away the fare discounts for its unlimited Metrocards as well as cards over $10 in value. Why? Its looming $840 million deficit. Citizens' transit advocacy groups argue that the customer loyalty formed after the MTA's push for the use of Metrocards, especially in bulk-ride, discounted form (about 6 million of the 7.1 million MTA riders use discounted Metrocards) will be compromised if discounts take effect. The agency is still weathering ill will after raising transit fares from $1.50 to $2 this past year; even though discounting fares does impact the MTA's bottom line, lost revenue from discounts is small relative to "soaring pensions and capital costs and dwindling government subsidies." While riders will complain, we don't have many other options beyond on the MTA to take us to work or play.
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Bending Your Metrocard
The Times looks at how Metrocards aren't safe from thieves trying to steal fares, specifically with techniques like "bending the card" which is a far cry from ancient techniques of stealing tokens. The MTA estimates they lose $260,000 a year on card-benders, versus $5 million on turnstile jumpers. The Morning News coined a brilliant Metrocard phrase: Metrotard - Maybe they were simply fare swiping. Oh, and the Times piece answers what's done with the discarded Metrocards that litter stations: Absolutely nothing.
Breaking News: TRANSIT HIKES UPHELD BY COURT
State appeals court upheld the transit and toll hikes the MTA made earlier this year. City Comptroller William Thompson is pissed, "What in fact the court has said here is that it's fine to lie. You don't have to tell the public the truth," and the Straphangers and Automobile Club of New York may both appeal.
MTA Pretends Not to Cheap Out
While New Yorkers waited for news about whether the MTA's fare hike will be rolled back to $1.50, the MTA (it may seem like MTA day at Gothamist, but let's face it, in this city, everyday is MTA day) steeled for the possibility that the fare would be rolled back to $1.50 in the interim while the fare issue was debated in court: The MTA could offer one day of free rides for commuters, as an alternative to going back to the $1.50 fare. Hmm, one day of free rides, versus many days at $1.50...Gothamist feel it's one of those "great PR, lame in actuality" ideas, one that we won't be able to make fun of as the fare will remain $2 until the next round of court decisions.
Awkward Motion
My brother Eric has updated his website, awkward motion, with a new image, "Enlightenment." It's pretty cool, he uses 3D Studio Max and Photoshop. Eric is also working on a website for the Exeter Culinary Society, which he expects willl be an improvement over the main school site. Eric has other backgrounds for download, so take a look. It'll make you wish you were back in high school. Just a little. Or just write and ask him about weather in New Hampshire.
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