The consequences of the MTA layoffs just keep getting better. Whereas turnstiles used to get cleaned every day with alcohol-soaked cards, dirt and dust may start to build up now that many station agents won't be around to do the cleaning. And though an MTA spokeswoman told the Post the cleanings will now be the job of the station chiefs, union leaders upset at the layoffs are telling them it's not their job. But all the dirt could be hitting New Yorkers in the wallet. more ›

Last month, the MTA laid off hundreds of station agents, as part of its cost saving measures, only for a judge to block the decision. Now, a judge has ruled that the agency "violated the law when it closed booths and laid off about 260 agents last month without holding public hearings," according to City Room. more ›

Despite a lawsuit filed by the Transport Workers Union, the MTA went ahead with 266 layoffs yesterday, arguing that they could terminate workers not assigned to revenue booths. Last week, the MTA was hit with a restraining order preventing them from closing toll booths, but not from laying off unassigned workers. This afternoon, the two parties will appear before New York State Supreme Court Justice Saliann Scarpulla to argue their cases, and the fates of the 211 station agents still on the chopping block. more ›

Because of some tricky wording in the restraining order, the MTA is will still lay off 250 station agents next week. The restraining order against the MTA orders them to keep 42 station booths open, but has no language requiring them to keep all 475 potentially unemployed station agents from getting the ax. The MTA announced yesterday that 250 of the station agents "are not required to keep those subway booths open, and those layoffs are now scheduled for next week." The layoffs would save the MTA $21 million, but could mean more crime in unsupervised stations. more ›

Almost 1,000 of the city's transit workers, and Reverend Jesse Jackson, rallied at Penn Station yesterday against the MTA's layoff of nearly 500 employees. Protesters argued that the lack of security in subway stations will lead to more crime, fare evasion and confused tourists. more ›

As part of its cuts, the MTA recently mailed out nearly 500 layoff letters to station agents across the city, calling for agents to turn in their badges and uniforms and to attend an "exit session" before the layoffs become official. The layoffs will go into effect on Friday, causing about 70 station booths to close but it will save the MTA $21 million a year. Booth clerk Jhesky Vega, who worked his last shift on Wednesday, told the Daily News, "I'm feeling lost and dazed. I'm walking around like a zombie." more ›

The latest plea to save hundreds of subway station agents from the MTA's budget cuts is now coming from House of Representatives. Three Democrats sent a letter to MTA chairman Jay Walder, "We strongly urge you to re-evaluate the current plans" and not, potentially, "compromise" subway security. more ›

All of those station agents removed from the subway system have been replaced by... arrows and intercoms. The NY Post notes that "billboards posted on newly vacated station-agent booths at 86 subway stations display an arrow that's supposed to point to an intercom for riders to use in an emergency." But the arrows are allegedly pointing every which way but right. Gene Russianoff from the Straphangers campaign says, "They replaced a live human being with an Easter egg hunt." If you spot any of the confusing arrows send us your photos! more ›

When one Upper East Side subway station was not prepared for the final transition over to the newly-priced unlimited Metrocards post-fare hike, straphangers freaked the fudge out. The Post describes the scene at the 86th Street station for the 4, 5, 6 where commuters were "banging the station agent booth window, crying, and forming lines that were 30-people deep at the card vending machines — until one broke down." Since yesterday was the end of the grace period for monthly cards purchased at the pre-fare hike rates, many were forced to exchange their $81 cards when they wouldn't swipe. The station had a mere 50 pre-paid envelopes to give to riders to mail their not fully-used MetroCards back to the MTA for a pro-rated reimbursement that were quickly snatched up, adding to the chaos. The Post says there wasn't even a sign up letting riders know that their old cards wouldn't work. While a NYCT spokesman has already apologized to riders, one commuter told the paper, "I'm hot, frustrated, and they should have honored the old cards. This is bull." No word on if he was crying while quoted. more ›

The MTA may be getting a bailout, but that also comes with some cutbacks in other areas. As in, say goodbye to your station agent (200 will be eliminated). The NYC Comptroller's office declares, "Station agents are the eyes and ears of the subway system. By their very presence, they reduce the likelihood of fare-beating, vandalism, assaults and more serious crime. They help riders and make the subways easier to navigate." So when you see something, will you be able to say something? See how many positions were eliminated at your local stop, with this website from the Comptroller's office. Will you feel less safe without one on duty? more ›

This morning, the MTA board met and passed Albany's proposed fare hikes and toll increases. Commuter rail fares will begin to increase on June 17; fares on subways and buses will change on June 28; bridge and tunnel tolls will increase on July 12. Fares are rising an average of 10%. more ›