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I'd like to think such a scenario would effectivley force the powers that be within NYCT and the City to clean up their act and operate a far less wasteful and corrupt operation. As Fred said, muncipial corruption and waste in NY runs deep and only when it becomes a crisis of survival (1975 near bankruptcy) does genuine progress proceed in pairing it back.
My absolute dream situation. Unfortunately for the MTA to be fixed, we will have to accept the situation of transit revolution, a period of an unknown time where none will exist- the city seems to believe that would be it's own undoing, and the Gov and Mayor have worked very hard to placate both the MTA and TWU in the past in the event this became an issue.
I don't feel the system will ever fix itself, however my thoughts are not that the Subway system is by any means lacking. A cleaner image would be -really nice- and probably not ridiculously costly. My issue is that at the heart of it, the MTA controls both the public transit and private bridges.
If a subway ride cost $5 each way, and no unlimited was available, and a Bridge Crossing was only $2.25 you'd be disheartened too.
... and in reality, that's still undercutting how much MTA would need to break even on NYCT, and would still create a surplus with Bridges and Tunnels.
Second, we've got the only system in the world with four-track layouts. Translation: it's possible to run northbound and southbound locals and expresses, simultaneously. Why none of the other 150+ cities ever built systems with express and local tracks is a mystery, but c'est la vie.
It isn't actually necessary to have four tracks to run expresses.
For instance the Tokyo Fukutoshin line runs expresses by using passing tracks in stations; this requires some precision in scheduling of course, but works quite well.
[There are above-ground lines in Tokyo which are quadruple-tracked (though I'd say using passing tracks instead is more common), but of course it's much more expensive to do that underground.]
We should privatize the MTA into several different companies (with companies running different lines competing each other). the fare will skyrocket but if that means a safer, cleaner, and more on time performance im all for it.
Other ways that could raise money include:
shut down the subway from 1am-5am for repair work. run some overnight-only cross borough bus instead
use a zonal system
charge people for a new metrocard.
One thing I have noticed is general etiquette and common courtesy is hard to find on Subways. I was riding the subway from NE Bronx to Manhattan, an old lady 80+ walked onto the car, standing room only I was on the other side of the car, not one person gave up their sear until she came over towards my direction, I let her have my seat, and didnt evenget a thank you, or a nod or anything, also we were the two only white persons both very irish looking on the car, so I defenetily expected a thank you at the least. This is why I prefer upstate in the metro to the city. People hold doors, say hello to strangers walking down the street, etc. Stuff you do not find much in the city.
Even in the worst part of a third world city like San Paula Brazil this type of service and facility will not be acceptable. Walking inside a New York Subway station is similar to walking to a tunnel into a prison. Dilapidated walls, black gum on the ground, unhearable voices in the speakers, water dripping. When I walk the stairs to take the uptown 6 train, it smells like human feces have spoiled over one century. The trains pass like there's an earthquake, standing inside the subway station for too long will reduce your lifespan for sure. Every weekend, every train is re-route, ridiculous.
This is a environmental hazard place, should be shutdown by in inspectors.
Why does New York City have such disrepaired subway system? Don't tell me it is because it is old. London and Tokyo's system are only slighly younger, but in much much better and modern condition. Where did the money for the subway being used on? To put more smell into the platforms?
Do not understand, totally do not understand. Please give me an explanation.
I have an explanation, but I am afraid I am not allowed to say it here.
We have a mayor who doesn't give a s-it about people.
Anyone notice any differences since Fastrack has been in effect? Fastrack has the potential to dramatically improve the subway system.
The subway system, has definitely improved versus it's low points but I have my gripes:
-Slowest average speeds in the USA. A lot of those speed regulators need another survey.
-WTF was the MTA waiting for in terms of possible stormwater damage.
-City needs quite a bit of new lines. I support els in certain areas, too bad the MTA doesn't feel the same, right now anyway.
-Second Ave Subway construction is crawling...it's critical.
-I am no MTA engineer, but the different sized cars seem silly. I believe it has to do with the size of the tunnels but man oh man do I wish the tunnels and equipment were standardized across the system.
-Wrap the cars and stations in ads if it brings revenue. If you don't like it, look away.
Otherwise I love the coverage, the 24/7 accessibility (way cheaper then a cab, it adds up/also think of people with irregular hours), and the usual characters you find on the day to day.
People need to remember, you only spend so long in a station, the actual cars are fine (well those pushed out in the last decade).
Everybody, everywhere in the world thinks their public transportation is the worst in the world. In Santiago, Chlie the Transantiago bus system can get you from one end of the city to the other in no more than an hour and for a little more than a dollar. Plus, your return trip is free and you can also transfer to any other subway or bus line free.
Yet the people complain about it and say it's the worst in the world and "My cousin went to NY last year and NYC's public transit is so much better and why can't we be like them..."
Public transit is one of those "grass is always greener" things. When I was in Boston stuck on that overcrowded B trolley for hours every night going out to Allston I would have given anything to be on the NY subway. Then when you're in New York, you're thinking the Boston system is so much better.
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