Under a decorative plaque by Grueby Faience in the 59th Street-Columbus Circle station, you can spot an old tile mosaic if you look carefully enough. Yesterday the NY Times noted the find, but said "it's unclear whether it is a true mosaic, with individual tiles, or a mosaic pattern stamped on to a large surface." We consulted Drew Wrzesniewski, a mosaic artist at Mixed Up Mosaics, and he told us, "From what i can see of it, it looks like a tile mosaic with individually cut pieces. It's difficult to tell from the picture if they are hand cut or not though." more ›

Alongside other cost-cutting moves that will eliminate subway and bus lines, nix free student MetroCards, and reduce service, the MTA has announced that it will fire more than 1,000 workers. In an effort to save a projected $50 million, the agency will lay off more than 600 unionized and non-unionized administrative workers, cutting 15 percent of the MTA's administrative payroll. The agency will also deliver pink slips to up to 500 NYC Transit station agents, who are represented by the Transport Workers Union. more ›

As the MTA faces a crushing financial shortfall that could cause service cuts and fare hikes, the new president of MTA NYC Transit revealed his plans to repaint and refurbish eight recently-renovated subway stations that he says have fallen into disrepair. "I don't want to say that because of our budget issues, we can't make improvements," said Thomas Prendergast. "There's room for improvement, and I honestly think we can do it." more ›

Some of Midtown's most-trafficked subway stations have shaky platform edges that could put riders at risk, according to the Post. Nine months after a study determined that the dangerous conditions caused straphangers to fall onto the tracks, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has not entirely overhauled station rubbing boards — the pieces of wood at the very edge of subway platforms. more ›

The new Atlantic Terminal is here (officially opening yesterday), and here's a look back on the old Flatbush Avenue Terminal, which used to be the LIRR's station in the area — currently where the Atlantic Terminal Mall stands. More photos of the old station, which opened in 1907, can be seen here and here. By the late '70s "the stores and offices were unoccupied, vandals entered and their looting caused water damage so severe that the upper waiting room was closed to the public." more ›

The MTA's $200 million plan to install countdown clocks at all numbered train line stations is moving forward, though it's already running slightly behind schedule, the Times reports. By the end of next month, MTA NYC Transit will start the clocks at the Longwood Avenue, Brook Avenue and East 149th Street 6 train stations in the Bronx, but the installation of the timepieces in the remaining 152 numbered stations won't be completed until April 2011 — despite previous reports of a December 2010 finish. more ›

Earlier this month MoMA started installing vague signs in the Atlantic/Pacific subway stop in Brooklyn, alluding to an exhibit on the way. Today they unveiled their publicity campaign, which saturates every ad space in the two connected stations (including the turnstiles). Their accompanying website explains that they've filled the station "with reproductions of over 50 works of art in the MoMA collection. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, walk through the station to see images of works by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Charles Eames, Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, and many other great artists, filmmakers, and designers." This is their first large-scale campaign aimed at getting locals in to see their permanent collection, and it even comes with audio for a little tour if you're not in a rush (or stuck waiting on a train). Wonder if any Posterboy's out there will mash-up the masterpieces. more ›

The MTA is taking another look at corporate sponsors for their stations, because the fare hikes just aren't mending their financial crisis. amNewYork reports that they are looking (again) to significantly raise their current annual ad revenue, which is around $100 million. What would a station ad sponsorship entail? MTA board member Norman Seabrook describes one possible scene: "Imagine Disney coming in and painting the entire station and painting a yellow brick road...It may sound funny to some people but if I want to get $20,000 or $30,000 a month to keep this station properly maintained, then I think it's appropriate." He also added that this solution is obviously preferred to more job losses and fare hikes, and that they wouldn't go as far as renaming the stations. No other specifics have been released yet, though the MTA mentioned having a dozen or so interested parties. more ›