New Funding Supplements Existing Cameras in Train Cars and Stations
Additional Installation of Cameras Results in Entire Subway Fleet Outfitted with Two Cameras in Each Train Car
Latest Measure by Governor Hochul to Deter Crime and Enhance Subway Safety
View Photos from Today’s News Conference
View Subway Camera Video
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit has received a $2 million award, through the Urban Area Security Initiative federal grant program, which will provide funding for the installation of cameras across the entire fleet of subway cars, enhancing security coverage, and, most importantly, increasing passenger confidence in mass transit safety. The Urban Area Security Initiative is a program under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Preparedness Grants. The funding will enable the purchase of 5,400 cameras to be installed on 2,700 New York City Transit subway cars, two per car. Additionally, the program will fund approximately 3,800 cameras expanding coverage in approximately 130 subway stations.
"My number one priority as Governor is keeping New Yorkers safe," Governor Hochul said. "I am proud that we will be installing cameras on all Subway cars - expanding our security capabilities, deterring crime, and providing our law enforcement with support. As we continue welcoming riders back to the transit system, we will continue doing everything in our power to keep riders safe."
The funding will further strengthen NYC Transit's existing security network of more than 10,000 cameras across all 472 subway stations. The new funding covers the cost of camera installation on 6,355 cars, allowing the MTA to fully outfit every subway car with cameras -- supplementing an existing camera pilot program that includes 200 cameras in 100 subway cars. Additionally, funding from the Subway Action Plan totaling $3.5 million will enable the purchase of 7,310 cameras on 3,655 cars, two per car. The total funding to complete the installations equals $5.5 million. When installation begins an additional 200 train cars per month will have cameras installed until the entire subway car fleet is camera-equipped, which is anticipated to occur sometime in 2025. In addition, when new R211 subway cars are delivered starting in early 2023 they will already be camera-equipped.
This is the latest measure Governor Hochul has taken to deter crime and enhance the safety of New York City Subways. In June, Governor Hochul signed legislation to protect roughly 11,000 more transit workers against assault and harassment. The legislation extended criminal charges to individuals who assault station customer assistants, ticket or revenue collectors, maintenance workers, repairers, cleaners, and their supervisors, who were not protected under previous laws.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, "As I've said many times before, those who commit crimes in the transit system will be identified and brought to justice. Riders should know we've got their back for their entire journey and this significant upgrade - made possible by new dollars from Governor Hochul - is a great step towards reinforcing New Yorkers' confidence in mass transit safety."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, "Public safety is my top priority and this new security initiative will further work to ensure that all New Yorkers can get to where they need to go safely. Public transportation is the backbone of New York City, and when commuters feel protected the entire system stands upright. I look forward to the inevitable and positive changes this new program will bring, as well as continuing to work with Governor Hochul to keep our subways safe for all riders."
NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said, "The NYPD will never cede an inch in its ongoing work to ensure the safety and security of the millions of riders who, each day, depend on us throughout the nation's largest subway system. This is our most basic promise as we remain dedicated to preventing crime, terrorism, and disorder. The NYPD already uses existing MTA cameras, with great success, to solve crimes. Now, with ridership increasing and overall serious crime in the transit system back below pre-pandemic levels - a consequence of the NYPD's increased, concentrated deployment in stations and on trains - the installation of additional MTA cameras covering the entire fleet of subway cars will further our investigatory capabilities and enhance our ability to provide effective, efficient public safety both below and above ground."
New York City Transit President Richard Davey said, "It's been proven time and time again that cameras in the transit system help fight crime throughout the whole city, not just on the subway. Expanding the camera network will serve to deter those who are intent on committing a crime from entering the transit system."
MTA Chief Safety & Security Officer Patrick Warren said, "Cameras are an extremely effective tool in solving investigations and in deterring crime. Public and employee security and safety are priorities at the MTA and we consistently work towards implementing and improving measures that support these priorities. This grant is an important step forward supporting our safety and security efforts."
All Metro-North trains are equipped with cameras, and more than 90 percent of Long Island Rail Road trains are equipped with security cameras. Last year, camera installation across every subway station was accelerated and completed ahead of schedule. Two thousand cameras were installed in 2021 alone.
The MTA is committed to providing safe and reliable public transit and the Urban Area Security Initiative Award marks the latest step forward in the Authority's mission to be a fully monitored transit system by better deterring crime and increasing passenger security.
Metro-North Carried 180,200 Riders on Tuesday, September 13, Topping Previous Record Set Wednesday, September 7
New York City Subway and Long Island Rail Road Yesterday Reached Second Highest Ridership Since Pandemic Began
See Day-by-Day Ridership Data for MTA Agencies Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Metro-North Railroad carried record pandemic-era ridership yesterday with 180,200 riders, or 68.6 percent of the pre-pandemic average, topping Metro-North's previous record, set on Wednesday, September 7, of 179,600. Metro-North ridership on the four weekdays after Labor Day was the highest four-day streak since COVID began, with an average weekday ridership of 171,000 or 65.1 percent of pre-pandemic average.
"Our record-breaking ridership numbers are the latest indicator that New York's post-pandemic comeback is gaining momentum in New York City and the Hudson Valley," Governor Hochul said. "Having more New Yorkers use our public transit is not only good for the economy, but also great for the environment, and this latest milestone is an encouraging sign for what's to come."
Metro-North President and Long Island Rail Road Interim President Catherine Rinaldi said, "We are seeing a healthy return of riders across all railroad travel markets, an indication that more and more riders are finding that the commuter railroads are a fast and easy way to travel in our region - even more so with the launch of our new Train Time app that puts ticketing, hyper-granular real time train information and live interactive customer service in one place."
Additionally, Ridership numbers on New York City Transit and the Long Island Rail Road were also high. Subway ridership reached 3.61 million on Sept. 13, the second highest number since the pandemic began in New York in March 2020. Buses carried approximately 1.42 million riders on the same day. LIRR carried 200,200 riders or 69 percent of pre-pandemic ridership, its second-highest ridership of the pandemic and second only to the record set on Wednesday, Sept. 7, of 204,000.
The MTA continues to encourage ridership with fare discounts rolled out earlier this year. Both the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North rolled out fare offerings including a 10 percent discount for monthly passes, and a new 20-trip ticket tailored for the hybrid work schedule. The new 20-trip ticket saves riders 20 percent on regular peak one-way fares. For commuter rail riders traveling within the five boroughs the MTA also expanded City Ticket, which offers a reduced, flat fare of $5.00 for rail travel within New York City on weekends, to include all weekday off-peak trains.
Editing done. Post readable.
Server won't let me edit the above post this molrning. No idea why. Can do later today.
Planned Subway Service Changes Across Multiple Lines
Three-Day Holiday Weekend Will Allow Critical Track
Maintenance and Repairs to be Completed
View Map of Labor Day Weekend Service Changes Here
View Video: Why Does Construction Happen on 3-Day Weekends
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit today
announced subway service details for the upcoming Labor Day holiday
weekend while crews use the weekend to perform critical track maintenance
and repairs. The planned service changes will begin Friday, Sept. 2. Some
of the service changes are expected to last through Tuesday morning, Sept. 6,
while other service changes will happen only on Saturday and Sunday.
During the Labor Day Weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, the subway will
run on a regular weekend schedule. On Labor Day, the subway will run on a
Sunday schedule. That means there will be no service on the and
trains; no express or trains; and no express trains in Brooklyn.
For more details on how service will be affected across all modes of transit,
customers are encouraged to visit the MTA's Planned Work tool to search for
changes by subway, bus, or rail line. The MTA will soon help customers plan
their weekends better with a weekly newsletter to be sent every Friday and
covering planned weekend service changes on the subways, Long Island
Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad. Customers can sign up for the newsletter
online.
New York City Transit uses three-day weekends to work on infrastructure
projects and upgrades such as accessibility, track maintenance, cable repair,
switch replacement and so much more at stations. Maintaining a state of
good repair on tracks, signals, replacing worn-out parts and upgrading the
system’s infrastructure are critical in making sure trains run reliably.
These service changes are subject to change, so customers are encouraged
to check the MTA homepage before heading out; it's where customers will
find up-to-the-minute information on subway, bus, and rail service.
Subway Service Changes
Train: Manhattan and Brooklyn
train service will be suspended from Harlem-148 St in Manhattan
to New Lots Av station in Brooklyn to make accessibility improvements.
The service suspensions will begin on Friday, Sept. 2 at 11:30 p.m. and
will last until Monday, Sept. 5 at 5:00 a.m.
Train: Bronx
train service will be suspended between 3 Av-149 St in the Bronx and
135 St in Manhattan. The service suspensions begin on Friday, Sept. 2 at
11:45 p.m. and will last until Monday, Sept. 5 at 5:00 a.m. These service
changes are necessary to conduct ongoing ADA accessibility work at the
149 St-Grand Concourse station.
train service in the Bronx will be suspended between E 180 St and 149
St-Grand Concourse. The service suspensions begin on Saturday, Sept. 3
from 5:45 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 4 from 7:45 a.m to
11:15 p.m. These service changes are necessary to conduct ongoing ADA
accessibility upgrades at the 149 St-Grand Concourse station.
West Indian Day Parade Service
Brooklyn-bound service will run local in Manhattan from 125 St to
W 4 St-Washington Sq. The service change begins on Friday, Sept. 2
at 10:00 p.m. and will last until 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6. These service
changes are part of necessary track repairs and maintenance between
Fulton St and High St within the line tunnel.
Additional service changes:
Learn more about changes to service in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Train: Manhattan
Brooklyn-bound service will run local in Manhattan from 145 St to
59 St-Columbus Circle. The service changes will begin on Friday,
Sept. 2 at 10:00 p.m. and will last until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6 for switch maintenance.
Train: Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens
service will run via the line between Roosevelt Av in Queens and
W 4 St-Washington Sq in Manhattan. The service changes begin on
Friday Sept. 2 at 9:45 p.m. and will last until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday,
Sept. 6. trains will provide normal service in Manhattan from
4 St-Washington Sq to World Trade Center.
In addition, Coney Island-bound service runs express from 18 Av to
Kings Hwy to modernize signals along the Culver Line. The express
service will begin on Friday, Sept. 2 at 9:45 p.m. and will last until Sunday,
Sept. 4 at 6:00 p.m. The service changes are due to critical repairs, track
maintenance, signal removals, and Communications-Based Train Control
(CBTC) upgrades.
Train: Brooklyn and Queens
service will be suspended between Crescent St and Jamaica Center-
Parsons/Archer. The service changes begin Saturday, Sept. 3 at 3:45 a.m.
and will last until 10:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5 due to ongoing electrical
repairs, track panel replacement, and fiberoptic cable tray installation.
Bay Ridge-bound trains will run express in Brooklyn from Atlantic Av-
Barclays Ctr to 59 St. The service changes begin Friday, Sept. 2 at 10:45 p.m.
and will last until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6. The service changes are part
of ongoing asbestos abatement and cable work on both the local and
express tracks between Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr and 36 St.
W 4 St – Washington Sq Station Changes
During the Labor Day holiday weekend, there will be several track changes to accommodate necessary maintenance and repair work on the
trains. The following platform changes will begin on Friday, Sept. 2 at 9:45 p.m.
and will end on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 5:00 a.m.
Access-A-Ride (AAR) Paratransit
AAR customers may make reservations 7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to
\5:00 p.m. by calling AAR at (877) 337-2017 or (718) 393-4999 and pressing
prompt #2, online at https://new.mta.info/accessibility/paratransit, or via the MYmta app.
The AAR Command Center operates 24/7 to assist customers on the day of
trip, such as confirming a reservation or ascertaining a vehicle’s estimated
\time of arrival. Customers should call (877) 337-2017 or (718) 393-4999
and press prompt #5.
Service Information Available
MYmta app – Customers who use the comprehensive MYmta smartphone
app will see real-time travel information for all MTA services all in one place. new.mta.info – The “Service Status” box at new.mta.info is always the
definitive source for the latest status for each line. For a map of all the
upcoming service changes this weekend, clickhere. Live Subway Map – The Live Subway Map shows the real-time position of
trains, planned service changes at any given time, highlights accessible
stations, and much more. Email and text message service updates – Customers are urged to sign
up to receive alerts, tailored by specific branch and time of day, by visiting mymtaalerts.com. Twitter – Twitter users can follow @MTA, @NYCTSubway, and @NYCTBus
for service updates and customer service support. WhatsApp – Customers can chat with New York City Transit via WhatsApp.
Riders can receive customer service support in their native language through
the help of Google Translate. For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available \
by dialing 511. Connecticut customers should call 877-690-5114. Those who \
are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the
free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511.
From Metro North:
TrainTime App Combines Most-Used Transit Agency Apps in Country
Developed Completely In-House, the New TrainTime Features Seat Availability Tracker, Real-Time Train Movement and In-App Customer Support
New App Will Ease Transfers Between Metro-North and LIRR When Grand Central Madison Opens This Year
View High Resolution App Screenshots and Photos from Today’s News Conference
View Video from Today’s News Conference
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today launched a totally revamped app – named TrainTime – the new one-stop app for commuter rail customers in the region. The app replaces MTA eTix and adds the functionality of previously separate TrainTime apps for Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, merging ticket purchasing, trip planning, real-time train location data.
Access your tickets purchased in eTix using your existing account information — or create a new account using your Apple ID, Google account, or a text message.
Making the app easier and more inviting to use, TrainTime users can log in using their Apple ID, Google account, or a text message, and purchase tickets using Apple Pay. Thesenew features complement features that are already popular with MTA app users, including a seat availability tracking and in-app chat with customer service.
Nearly 50,000 people had downloaded the new app within the first 15 hours of its launch.
“For years the top request from customers has been to include a mobile ticketing option within TrainTime. We have delivered on that ask, while also providing great features,”said Metro-North President and LIRR Interim President Catherine Rinaldi. “Everything from seat availability tracking, reliable train-tracking and in-app support are all at a riders’ fingertips. I cannot thank our in-house development team enough for delivering on a project that riders from New Haven to Montauk can equally benefit from.”
“If we want more customers to return to the rails, the customer experience needs to be as frictionless as possible,” said Acting MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara. “The new TrainTime accomplishes just that, placing every travel tool a rider needs into one app, regardless of which railroad they are riding. And the debut could not be timelier with LIRR and Metro-North also sharing Grand Central as a terminal in the very near future.”
“TrainTime has a few MTA firsts along with becoming the largest transit agency app in the country: the long-awaited inclusion of ticket purchases, seamless login options and a real-time train movement map,” said MTA Head of Special Projects Will Fisher. “There are no passwords to remember, no card info to enter, and if a rider needs assistance, they can get help within the app. The consolidation also gives us flexibility for cross-rail trips once Grand Central Madison opens.”
Starting today, railroad customers can enjoy the following features:
Mobile Tickets on TrainTime
TrainTime is the first MTA app where ticket purchasing and trip planning live on the same app. Previously customers would have to use two apps to plan their trip—TrainTime to trip plan, and MTA eTix to purchase tickets.
Now, a customer can search for their train and purchase their ticket in seconds. When looking up their train, a “Buy” ticket button will appear on the screen. From there, a customer can log in using Apple, Google or their phone number and purchase their ticket. Once a ticket is purchased, customers will see the button show "Activate" as their departure time approaches, or “Wallet” if their trip is in the future.
Previous eTix users should use their existing account information to access tickets they have already purchased.
Real-Time Train Movement and Seat Availability Tracking
A core feature of the revamped app is the real-time train tracking map. In preparation for the app’s rollout, GPS sensors were installed on the entire LIRR and Metro-North fleet. When looking up a train a customer can get the exact position of their train in real-time. Once a customer gets on the train, they can continue to track their movement.
The real-time train tracking is complemented by the popular seat availability tracker that the LIRR initially debuted in 2020. A customer can check the exact position of their train while on the train, while also knowing their exact car number and monitor that car’s capacity.
In-App Customer Service
In addition to the many social channels, customers can already go to for assistance, TrainTime meets riders where they are, providing in-app chat with customer service representatives for both railroads for the first time. Users can "Chat with us" on the "Status" tab.
Cross-Rail Trip Planning
The debut of TrainTime allows for a future feature of cross-rail trips when Grand Central Madison opens later this year.
A customer that will travel from Long Island to Metro-North region, and vice versa, will be able to plan their full trip and purchase their ticket without having to use multiple apps.
Replacement and Installation of Almost 2.5 Miles of Track at End of and Subway Lines Begins Friday Night, July 1
24/7 Closure on the and Lines Between 121 St and Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer
Normal Line Service at Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer and Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today issued a reminder that crews will begin the final segment of a multi-phase project, replacing approximately 2.4 miles of track on the and lines between the 121 St and Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer stations in Queens. The first part, completed in December 2020, involved the reconstruction of the track between Jamaica-Van Wyck and Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer and replaced 6,300 feet of track, 800 feet more than was originally planned in 10 weeks. The work on the and lines will replace 12,500 feet of track and third rail, about twice the length of track replaced for the E track reconstruction work, all within the same timeframe of 10 weeks. This work will begin Friday, July 1 at 9:45 p.m. and continue through September 2022.
The reminder follows additional customer and community outreach in recent weeks following the initial announcement on June 3. The start date and service changes have been communicated to customers, elected officials, and other community members.
The complete replacement of the 40-year-old-track, with a successfully proven updated design to increase durability, will lead to improved quality of service. It will require full access to the tracks and therefore a temporary suspension of all and train service at the Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport and Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer stations.
During this time, the MTA will provide free substitute shuttle bus service between the 121 St station and the Jamaica-Van Wyck station. MetroCards will be cross honored at Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations between Atlantic Terminal, Jamaica, and eastern Queens. The Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport and Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer stations have multiple connecting bus lines and are served by the line.
“Track replacement work in this area of Queens will bring us closer to our goal – delivering New Yorkers the modern subway system that they deserve,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “We appreciate our customers’ patience as we make the upgrades necessary to improve the reliability and speed of service.”
“Improving the customer experience is the north star,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “The fastest and most effective way to complete this project requires 24/7 access to the tracks. This short-term service change will provide more reliable service for years to come.”
“Track replacement work creates a temporary inconvenience for a lasting purpose: improved quality service,” said State Senator Leroy Comrie. “As the MTA undertakes the final phase of this initiative, let’s keep in mind the long-term benefits to transit users and share the transport alternatives during the replacement work with our families, friends, and neighbors.”
“With Southeast Queens being a transportation desert, I am pleased to see the progress being made by the MTA on this project to ensure our community has upgraded rail lines. This would enable the MTA to provide reliable and efficient service to our community,” said Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman.
“These upgrades ensure most of Southeast Queens's most vital subway lines are modernized for the next generation," said NYC Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "The Lower Archer Direct Fixation Track project will reconstruct portions of our city's aging infrastructure to replace 12,500 feet of the , , and subway tracks to reinforce their durability. The culmination of these projects offers Southeast Queens residents reliable, accessible and safe access to New York City's larger transit network.”
This replacement of direct fixation track requires a full temporary suspension of service to accommodate the work. Unlike conventional tracks, which are most common in the subway and easier to replace in shorter time periods during low ridership, direct fixation track requires the concrete roadbed to be entirely reconstructed. This project will replace 12,500 feet of direct fixation track, with the exception of 3,000 feet, which would be replaced in kind. Once this final phase of track replacement is complete, the total amount of track replaced in this area of Queens will be 18,800 feet, about 3.6 miles.
Detailed Service Information
Beginning Friday, July 1, the following service changes will be in effect:
On weekdays, trains will run express in peak direction between Myrtle Av and Marcy Av, towards Manhattan in the morning and towards Queens in the afternoon.
For ADA accessible options, passengers at Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport and Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer can take the train to reach accessible stations in Manhattan. To reach accessible and stations at Flushing Av and Marcy Av, connect to or trains via the and lines at Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall/Chambers St, via the and lines at Fulton St, or via the line at Queens Plaza.
Additionally, customers needing accessible options can take the Long Island Rail Road from Jamaica Station to Atlantic Terminal, with connections to the subway lines, to reach accessible stations in Manhattan, or the Q54 to Middle Village-Metropolitan Av () or Marcy Av (). Customers may wish to consider the alternative service options:
Alternative connections to the AirTrain to John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport:
LIRR will cross-honor MetroCards between Atlantic Terminal and eastern Queens at the following LIRR stations:
Please be advised MetroCards will not be cross honored for travel at Penn Station, Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills or Woodside LIRR stations.
Information on service changes and other trip planning resources are available on the project’s webpage at Reconstructing the Archer Av J/Z track (mta.info), which is updated as necessary. In addition to digital signage in stations and announcements on trains ahead of the scheduled work, customer service notifications are posted on the MTA website, under Planned Service Changes. Customers can also sign up for text and email alerts at www.myMTAalerts.com.
Weekend ridership is recovering quicker than weekday. Elsewhere as well?
Metro-North and LIRR Combine to Carry Over 365,000 Customers on Tuesday
Records Follow Strong Weekend When LIRR Became First Agency to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Ridership and Metro-North Carried 99% of Pre-Pandemic Ridership on Saturday, June 11
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that both the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad set pandemic-era ridership records on Tuesday, June 14. The LIRR carried 191,197 riders, or 66% of pre-pandemic ridership, surpassing the previous pandemic-era record of 187,800 set on June 10. Metro-North carried 174,340 riders on Tuesday, 67% of pre-pandemic ridership, surpassing its previous record of 163,900 set on May 24.
The weekday record follows a strong weekend for both commuter railroads. On Saturday June 11, the day of the Belmont Stakes, the LIRR became the first MTA public transportation agency to surpass its baseline pre-pandemic levels. That day, the railroad carried approximately 117,900 riders, 105% of its pre-pandemic baseline. Metro-North enjoyed similar success, carrying approximately 95,100 riders, about 99% of its pre-pandemic baseline. Since the Breakneck Ridge station reopened on May 28, Metro-North has carried 90% of its pre-pandemic ridership on back-to-back weekends.
“We’re thrilled to see our weekday riders continue to return in record numbers. This shows that while leisure travel has been very strong throughout the pandemic, the market for office commutation is regaining strength as well,” said Metro-North President and LIRR Interim President Catherine Rinaldi. “With fare discounts, City Ticket expansion, and great weather, the LIRR and Metro-North anticipate setting more records in the near future.”
The MTA continues to encourage riders to return to the rails with fare discounts. On March 1, both LIRR and Metro-North rolled out fare offerings including a 10 percent discount for monthly passes, a new 20-trip ticket that saves 20% on regular peak one-way fares, and City Ticket, which offers a reduced, flat fare of $5.00 for rail travel within New York City on weekends, was extended to include all weekday off-peak trains.
"For Pete's Sake" they are doing better than Amtrak or the airlines. And should full service be restored as long as ridership is noticeably below normal?
But here is part of the answer:
Class Accelerates Front Line Workforce Regrowth Following Pandemic-Induced Hiring Freeze
New Train Operators Join Hundreds of Bus Operators, Train Operators and Conductors Who Completed Training in 2021 and 2022
View Photos from Today’s Graduation
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that 10 new subway train operators graduated following their successful completion of training at the New York City Transit Learning Center in Brooklyn.
These operators will help New York City Transit tackle crew shortages and bolster the frequency of subway service. This marked the end of months of intensive training for operators that began in November 2021. The graduation took place as New York City Transit Subway ridership hovers between 50% and 60% of pre-pandemic levels.
“This class of train operators highlights the MTA’s focus on hiring and training improvements to achieve pre-pandemic staffing levels.” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “I am proud to welcome the newest group of New York City Transit train operators; together we will provide faster and more reliable service for our customers.”
“Riders coming back to the system deserve reliable service, and these operators will help address the staffing challenges we’ve experienced,” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Subways Demetrius Crichlow. “Since the early days of the pandemic, train operators have been part of the group that kept the city moving, and I am excited to see this new group help bring the city back.”
The new employees join the hundreds of bus and train operators and conductors who recently completed their training — part of a deliberate effort by the MTA to rapidly grow the number of bus operators, subway train operators and conductors. A hiring freeze, necessitated by a fiscal crisis that developed during the pandemic, depleted the ranks of train operators with many veteran workers retiring or leaving their frontline posts.
For Pete's sake, how long is it going to take to "restore service"? The pandemic is over and has been for some time!
But a good friend commented:
So now Yonkers and White Plains commuters ca "ditch" Metro North and rise free busses?
Starting Saturday, May 28, 2022, Metro-North is restoring weekend and holiday service to/from Breakneck Ridge. There will be six northbound trains in the morning and five southbound trains in the evening stopping at the station. Thank you for your patience while we made safety enhancements. Happy (hiking) trails to you!
ICYMI: Governor Hochul Announces Q70 Bus to LaGuardia Airport Will Be Free for all Riders Beginning May 1
The Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP) was concieved in 2019. Good thing they waited until now to do the EA (Environmental Assesment). Perhaps with the loss of some office workers in the business district they will find that maybe they don't need it now.
Distillind two very recent NYMTA announcements.
1. One of the 16 NYCTA battery-electric buses is being displayed at the NYCity Auto Shjow.
2. To hear the stoeiws of some of the most recent NYCTA training vclasses, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKNNBT-qfAA.
March 27th
NYC Transit Set Post-Omicron Wave Record March 10, Carrying 4.8 Million Riders on Subways and Buses for First Time Since Dec. 10, 2021
76,000 New Yorkers Hit “Lucky 13” in First Two Weeks of OMNY Fare-Capping Pilot More Than 473,000 Commuter Rail Rides Purchased with New 20-Trip Ticket
View Video of Today’s News Conference
COVID-19 arrived in New York City two years ago, emptying schools and office buildings as New York prepared to shut down for the first time in the city’s history. Since then, every industry has been forced to reimagine the way it does business, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) had to reimagine ways to adjust to a new normal, while keeping New York’s most essential workers moving throughout the pandemic.
Agency-wide, Employee-Driven Food
Drive Initiative to Provide 3,290 Meals
to Families in Need Over the Holidays
MTA Partners with Food Bank for New York
City, Feeding Westchester, Food Bank of
the Hudson Valley, The Food Bank of Lower
Fairfield County and Island Harvest
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) employees, in coordination with officers from the MTA Police Department, delivered 3,947 pounds in donations from its employee-driven food drive campaign which included “Stuff an Electric Bus” to help provide food for those in need during the holiday season. The food drive included donations from New York City Transit subways and buses, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, MTA Bridges and Tunnels and MTA Police. The Authority partnered with five local food banks: Food Bank for New York City, Feeding Westchester, Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County and Island Harvest. Donations were collected at more than 40 employee facilities throughout the MTA’s agencies.
NYC Transit’s electric bus #4961, which was also featured in this summer’s ‘Hometown Heroes Ticker Tape Parade,’ picked up donations from the Michael J. Quill Depot and drove them to Food Bank for New York City’s warehouse in Hunts Point. LIRR and Metro-North donations were picked up by MTA Police officers and delivered to the food banks in those territories.
At a time when food insecurity is increasing, thanks to the generosity of MTA employees, 3,290 meals will be served to families during the holidays.
“The MTA has kept the region moving since the pandemic began, and now our employees are taking it even further by helping their neighbors in need,” said MTA Acting Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “I want to thank our partners at the MTA PD who helped make sure this food can get to those who need it most this holiday season.”
“At a time where so many New Yorkers are struggling, it’s amazing to see MTA employees who are helping ensure their neighbors can have a happy holiday season,” said Acting President at the MTA Bus Company and New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Buses Frank Annicaro. “Our colleagues at all 28 bus depots and central maintenance facilities across the city rose to the challenge, and I could not be prouder to be part of this team.”
“The MTA Police Department stands ready to help its neighbors struggling with hunger, and it is important that everyone knows about food insecurity, especially during the holiday season,” said MTAPD Chief of Operations Joseph McGrann. “I want to thank the officers who spent countless hours delivering food and toys to those who need it most this holiday season.”
“We are incredibly grateful for all of the amazing MTA employees who gathered resources and collected food to support our mission to fight hunger across the five boroughs this holiday season,” said Food Bank For New York City President and CEO Leslie Gordon. “At a time when 1.6 million New Yorkers are currently facing food insecurity, each and every gift makes a difference for our neighbors in need. We owe a debt of gratitude to our friends at the MTA, not only for the donations they made today, but for the work they’ve done on the frontlines to keep our city moving throughout the pandemic.”
MTA employees also donated thousands of toys to the MTA Police Explorer’s annual Sergeant Susan and Harry Atkinson Memorial Toy Drive. Susan Atkinson was a Long Island Rail Road Police Sergeant who started the toy drive in 1991. Atkinson and her husband Harry spent countless hours collecting toys for underprivileged children in the New York metropolitan area. Susan passed away in 1999, and now the MTA Law Enforcement Explorers continue the tradition in her honor.
The MTA’s All Generational Transportation Employee Group also collected 202 coats and 74 children’s coats, hats and sweaters to be donated to the Bowery Mission.
The New York State Senate today confirmed Janno Lieber as the Chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) following his nomination on Jan. 8 by Governor Kathy Hochul. Lieber has been serving as MTA Acting Chair and CEO since July 2021 and becomes the Authority’s 15th Chair since it was founded in 1968. In that time, Lieber has led the MTA’s recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic, spearheading the hiring of transit workers, accelerating capital renewal efforts despite financial uncertainty, and restoring the public’s confidence in the system.
Lieber has worked in public service and on public projects for decades, starting his career in the Ed Koch administration, where he worked with the MTA from a position in City Hall during the agency’s first great revival in the 1980s under Bob Kiley and David Gunn.
Prior to being appointed Acting Chair and CEO of the MTA in July 2021, Lieber served as President of MTA Construction & Development.
At Construction & Development, Lieber oversaw the approval of the groundbreaking $51.5 billion 2020-2024 Capital Program. He successfully managed the on-time and on-budget completion of the Train Tunnel Project, the Long Island Rail Road Double Track, and dramatically improved the pace of accessibility upgrade projects, completing a historic 11 ADA stations in 2020 despite the COVID-19 public health crisis. Lieber also led the rehabilitation effort of the F line Rutgers Tube, the last of the Superstorm Sandy-damaged subway tunnels, in record time.
Other megaprojects Lieber has overseen include East Side Access, LIRR Mainline Expansion-Third Track, Metro-North Penn Station Access, the 42 St Connector project and the reconstruction and expansion of Penn Station.
Lieber also helped spearhead the agency's successful efforts to secure $14.5 billion from the federal government in the face of the pandemic-induced financial crisis.
Prior to his arrival at the MTA, Lieber served as President of World Trade Center Properties for 14 years, where he managed the multibillion dollar development of Silverstein Properties' projects as the World Trade Center was rebuilt following 9/11. Before that, Lieber headed public-private development at Lawrence Ruben Company, and, as a consultant, worked with clients including Chicago Transit Authority, New Jersey Transit, and Penn Station Redevelopment Corp., the agency then responsible for the Moynihan Train Hall project.
During the Clinton Administration, Lieber served as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Earlier in his career, Lieber practiced law at the New York firm of Patterson, Belknap Webb & Tyler and served as a transportation policy advisor in the Office of New York City Mayor Ed Koch.
Lieber is a graduate of Harvard University and New York University Law School. He lives with his wife in Brooklyn.
Elizabeth Velez Confirmed as MTA Board Member
The New York State Senate today also confirmed Elizabeth Velez as a member of the MTA Board following her nomination on Jan. 8 by Governor Kathy Hochul. Velez is Governor Hochul’s first board member appointment to the MTA Board.
“Elizabeth Velez is an excellent addition to the MTA Board,” said MTA Chair and CEO Lieber. “Elizabeth not only has a deep understanding of the value of transportation to New Yorkers, and brings a wealth of experience in large-scale capital projects. That experience will be vital to the execution of the MTA’s historic capital program that will modernize and expand the transit network and provide enhanced equity and accessibility to New Yorkers in the years ahead.”
“The transit system is the critical connector for New Yorkers,” said MTA Board Member Elizabeth Velez. “I am excited join the board at such an important time. Together we will help ensure that the incoming federal funding for infrastructure is put to good use, and as Chair Lieber said, brings the MTA system into the 21st Century. I’d like to again thank Governor Hochul for the nomination and the Senate for confirmation, I cannot wait to get started.”
Velez is currently the President of the Velez Organization, a second-generation construction firm started in 1972 by her father, Andrew Velez. To her credit are hundreds of projects which have come to fruition under her direction, including over 600 units of housing made affordable by State and Federal grants in the Bronx and Harlem, and over ten billion dollars of significant educational, healthcare and large-scale projects throughout New York.
She is a Trustee of Boricua College; an accredited private institution serving primarily Latinas through three campuses in New York. She serves on the advisory boards of numerous New York City and New York State agencies, industry non-profits, and groups supporting mentorship and scholarships for youth.
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