Funny - the Daily News reports that subway conductors were told to hype the "Top of the Rock" observation deck when they pull into the 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Plaza station. While motormen and conductors think the "order is unprecedented," MTA spokesman Tom Kelly explains that it's just a free "courtesy" to let people know about attractions.
A spokeswoman for Tishman Speyer, co-owners of Rockefeller Center, was tight lipped. "We are declining to comment," the spokeswoman said.
Riders have been asking conductors what the heck is "Top of the Rock," conductor Ronald Brockington said.
But nobody bothered to explain to train crews what their announcements were about, he added.
We recall hearing a "Top of the Rock" mentioned here or there, but we only remember the super enthusiastic conductor who says "Rockefeller, y'all!" (and then when we pull into Columbus Circle, he says "A, B, C, D" to the Alphabet song tune"). One of our favorite condustors on the 1/2/3 line is the guy who calls Times Square the "crossroads of the world." Oh, and we love anyone who yells at people for holding the train doors open in an exasperated tone.
Other subway news: Track fires are down by 20% and some people have made very elaborate Metrocard costumes for Halloween.
