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Steps to full service restoration in the New York City area

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Posted by daveklepper on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 1:30 AM

Thanks for correcting a 91-year-old's memory.

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Posted by Joseph Frank on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 2:15 PM

Hello Dave

" B U "  stands actually for  BROOKLYN UNION RAILWAYS  for their Elevated Lines.   

Brooklyn Union Railway was soon absorbed into the BRT (Brooklyn Rapid Transit) which later became the BMT (Brooklyn Manhattan transit) after the infamous BRT "Malbone Street Wreck" !

 

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Posted by daveklepper on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 9:35 AM

The photos were posted without any editing, simploy the raw scans.  I* took some time to remove dirt and to correct the tilt one, but some may prefer the originals, anyway.  And I found a third.

 

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Posted by daveklepper on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 12:50 AM

Q-types at Willets Point Blvd. Station on the Flushing Line:

 

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Posted by daveklepper on Monday, May 22, 2023 4:00 AM

Q-Types, upper level, northern track, pre-simplification Queensboro Plaza Station, about to leave for Flushing:

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Posted by daveklepper on Monday, May 22, 2023 3:43 AM

The wood 1200s, half that fleet, were rebuilt to the Q-types for BMT service on the Joint-with-IRT Astoria and Flushing Lines, replacing the 1906 composite open-platform gate cars with convertable sides, in time for the NYC 1939-1940 Words Fair.

BMT still had a number not rerbuilt.  Here they are most of the cars southbound south of Metropolitan Avenue in winter 1947-48 on the Myrtle Avenue Line:

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Posted by MidlandMike on Sunday, May 21, 2023 9:51 PM

daveklepper
Extensively rebuilt to Q-Typ;es in 1938, enclosed ends with no vestibules, two sxliding doors ech side, M U door control. 

Were those sliding doors cut toward the middle of the car?  If they were, they sure did a nice job of rebuilding the cars.

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Posted by daveklepper on Sunday, May 21, 2023 2:50 AM

Brooklyn United Railways - then Brooklyn Rapid Transit, then, after reorganization following the Malbone Street disaster, Brooklyn Manhattan Transit.

Cars built around 1897-1899. originally for use behind steam.  Electrified as MUs 1902-1904.  Extensively rebuilt to Q-Typ;es in 1938, enclosed ends with no vestibules, two sxliding doors ech side, M U door control.   1949, rationalization of Queens service, Astoria all BMT with 10-ft.-wide cars, Flushing all-IRT, original trucks removed, and lighter trucks from IRT composite carfs installed for 3rd  Avenue Elevated sdervice.  1955, end of 3rd Av. El., roofs lowere for service on the Myrle Av. El.  this Century redbuilt again as open-platform gate cars for the Museum and for Nostalgia-Train service. 

 

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Posted by MidlandMike on Friday, May 19, 2023 9:49 PM

daveklepper

As a Follolw-up. Jack sends earlier photos from special nostalgia-trip trains that he chased instead of riding.  At Neck Road on the Brighton Line, BU elevated cars, B-types, R!-R9s, and two R10s with an R16:

 

Are these the elevated BU cars?  What does BU stand for?  About what year was this taken?  Did those cars come from the Transit museum, the open platforms really look ancient.

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Posted by daveklepper on Friday, May 19, 2023 8:58 AM

As a Follolw-up. Jack sends earlier photos from special nostalgia-trip trains that he chased instead of riding.  At Neck Road on the Brighton Line, BU elevated cars, B-types, R!-R9s, and two R10s with an R16:

On the Jerome Avenue Line, the Low-V train, first photo southbound seen from Moshulu Parkway station, and then shown laying-over on the Yard Lead seen from Bedford Avenue station and passed by R142 trains.

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Posted by daveklepper on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 8:25 AM

Jack May rode the Low-V train, Grand Central - 161st ST., which was followed by the Train-of-Many-Colors, on the Yankee Stadium Opening day, and sends these photos:

 
 
 I've just gotten the scans for a few rolls of slides back from the processor.  I'm sending these images
first as they are apropos of Saturday evening, when Clare and I went to the movies and saw It Ain't
Over [till it's over], the new Yogi Berra bioptic.  We enjoyed it very much, especially the scenes at
Yankee Stadium (my old neighborhood) where Yogi played baseball, and Montclair (my new--for the
last 53 years--neighborhood/town), where Yogi retired to (specifically at the end of a fork in the road). 
I think it's worth seeing, especially if you're interested in baseball or just for nostalgia. There were
even one or two scenes showing the 161st Street IRT subway station. 

I took these at that station on opening day at the new stadium a little over a month ago. 
I even rode the Lo-Vs up to 161st Street from Grand Central on that day, March 30. 
The train was very crowded and it was followed by the "train of many colors" that took
on the overload.  Anyway, I hope you will enjoy these views. 

Jack

 

 

 

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Posted by daveklepper on Thursday, April 20, 2023 12:17 AM
April 19, 2023
 

Edited and compacted by Dave Klepper

 

Day-by-Day Ridership Data for MTA Agencies Is Available Online  

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced Metro-North Railroad reached record pandemic-era ridership yesterday, April 18, 194,549 riders, 74% of the pre-pandemic average.

Between April 9 - April 15, the LIRR averaged 168,726 daily customers, the best seven-day average since March 2020. 

Metro-North and the LIRR now offers a 10 percent discount for monthly passes, and a 20-trip ticket that saves 20 percent on regular peak one-way fares. The LIRR and MN City Ticket offers a reduced, flat fare of $5.00 for rail travel within New York City during off-peak hours and on weekdays and on weekends. The new Metro-North LIRR Combo Ticket between Metro-North and Long Island stations via Grand Central is only $8 more than the customer’s ticket to New York.

 

DLK editorial comment.  Monday, 17 April, the MTA and LIRR asnnounced thne millionth rider to use LIRR Grand Central Madison.  Lots of spereces, Govenor, etc.  Tool me too much self-congratulations considering the real unhasppiness of most commuters to Dowentown Brooklyn weith the new arrangements.

 

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Posted by daveklepper on Thursday, March 30, 2023 6:33 AM
MTA Announces Station Agents to Begin Assisting Riders Outside of Booths This Week
Authority Also Unveils Three Additional Customer Service Centers in the New York City Subway 

Nine Total Customer Service Centers Now Open in All Five Boroughs
 


Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit today announced that customer service in the transit system will be further enhanced as subway station agents begin to support customers outside of station booths. For the first time in three years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, station agents will begin assisting riders outside of station booths by helping customers wherever they are located answering questions and providing directional support; walking around mezzanines, turnstile areas, and platforms; helping customers at fare machines; monitoring safety and cleanliness on platforms and across station areas, and reporting issues as they arise in a timely manner. 

In December, the MTA and TWU Local 100 announced the future role of station agents to enhance the customer experience, by performing duties outside of booths. In preparation for the enhanced role, station agents are receiving training on enhanced customer service and OMNY equipment. Starting this week, the enhanced station agent role will provide customer support outside of station booths through: 
·  Wayfinding throughout the transit system
·  Assistance for customers with disabilities and seniors
·  Assistance at fare machines
·  Enhanced customer service during service disruptions and major planned changes
·  OMNY guidance and information, including conversion and use
·  Timely reporting of any issues related to customer amenities, including elevators, escalators, digital signage, Help Points, and turnstiles
·  Maintenance of a safe and clean customer environment
·  Reporting of quality-of-life issues
“Today is yet another day of progress as we improve the customer experience and deliver faster, cleaner, and safer service,” said NYC Transit President Richard Davey. “Customer Service Centers are opening across the system, bringing service directly to riders at the stations they use. And in a double win, our station agents will begin their new, enhanced role out of the booth, directly assisting customers. As we continue to see customer satisfaction on subways climb, these two announcements are further momentum towards our North Star goal of 70% satisfaction.” 

“The MTA is committed to enhancing the way customers receive support throughout the transit system,” said MTA Acting Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara. “As we continue to smash OMNY records, with two million taps recorded in one day recently, the enhancements to customer service we are implementing by bringing station agents out of the booths and opening more customer service centers will help more riders make the switch to OMNY and start tapping.” 

“Our new Customer Service Centers were developed in collaboration with TWU Local 100, and we are happy with how they are working out,” said TWU Local 100 Vice President for Stations Robert Kelley. “Today’s three new customer service centers are helping to make the transit system more friendly and convenient. They are staffed by the best customer service representatives in the world. We are showing the world what a world-class transit system looks like.”

Additionally, the Authority announced the opening of three additional Customer Service Centers in the subway. The newly opened centers are located at Fulton St 
        in Manhattan, Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs   in Brooklyn, and 74 St–Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av      in Queens. All three centers are repurposed station booths and feature enhanced lighting, canopy, and wrapped signage to create a more inviting and welcoming customer environment. 

The MTA opened its first Customer Service Centers on Feb. 7 at Stillwell Av-Coney Island, 161 St-Yankee Stadium, and Atlantic Av-Barclays Center. On Feb. 28, the program expanded to all five boroughs with centers opening at 34 St-Penn Station, Flushing-Main St, and St. George. Six additional Customer Service Centers will open in the subway system by the end of 2023 at the following stations:
·  E 180 St:  
·  125 St:   
·  Fordham Rd: 
·  Times Square-42 St:       
·  Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport:   
·  168 St:   
Customer Service Centers feature services historically provided by the MTA exclusively at 3 Stone Street in Lower Manhattan in the neighborhoods where riders live. The centers comprise repurposed booths and new retail outlets and feature enhanced accessibility, OMNY technology, and a dedicated, more welcoming visual presentation for customers through new lighting, branded wrapping, and canopies. 

Station agents working at Customer Service Centers assist customers with switching to OMNY, including helping Reduced-Fare MetroCard customers switch to OMNY and providing applications to first-time Reduced-Fare customers. Additionally, Customer Service Centers will provide customers with information about how to submit complaints and receive updates and information on travel delays. Customer Service Center agents also assist customers with wayfinding through the transit system. 

Agents working at Customer Service Centers receive dedicated training on OMNY equipment and all dedicated customer service functions the centers provide. Customer Service Centers are staffed by station agents 24/7, apart from St George, which is open Monday to Friday from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm. 

“I always welcome new ways to make the MTA more accessible,” said Assembly Member Grace Lee. “After their successful implementation in stations in Brooklyn and the Bronx, I am happy to see that a Customer Service Center will be made available to riders at the Fulton Street station, which as the sixth-most used station in the city, will be able to offer a high number of riders new services that will ease travel across the city.” 

“Navigating our city’s mass transit system can sometimes be confusing, so riders need to have places to go where knowledgeable MTA employees can help them with directions and address their other customer service needs,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “The Customer Service Centers being opened in our subway system are intended to be those places and should do a great deal to help make our transit system more user-friendly. I’m glad three of these centers will be open in Queens before the end of this year, and I encourage riders to take full advantage of the services these centers will be offering.” 
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Posted by daveklepper on Monday, January 9, 2023 12:34 AM
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January 08, 2023
 

MTA Announces 18 Public Bathrooms Will Reopen on Monday, Jan. 9

Male and Female Bathrooms at Nine Stations Will Reopen at 7:00 a.m. Monday

 

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that 18 bathrooms at nine subway stations will reopen to the public on Monday, Jan. 9. The bathrooms, one male and one female at nine stations, will be open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a one-hour closure for cleaning from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Bathrooms in the transit system had been previously closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
“The pandemic created many challenges to providing faster, cleaner, safer service in the transit system,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “But as ridership continues to rebound, we’re pleased to provide relief to customers by reopening some bathrooms across the transit system. When customers have got to go on the go, we’ve now got them covered at select stations.”
 
The MTA took advantage of the closures of bathrooms to perform needed maintenance to these facilities including:
  • New motion activated faucets
  • New fixtures (hand dryers, dispensers)
  • New/painted privacy panels
  • New lighting
  • Tile grouting
  • New door signs reflecting hours of operation
  • Ceiling Painting
  • Deep cleaning
Bathrooms will reopen at the following stations on Monday:
 
161 St–Yankee Stadium b.pngd.png
14 St–Union Sq 4.png5.png6.png
East 180 St 2.png5.png
42 St–Bryant Park b.pngd.pngf.pngm.png
Jay St–MetroTech a.pngc.pngf.png
Kings Highway b.pngq.png
Jackson Hts–Roosevelt Av e.pngf.pngm.pngr.png
Forest Hills–71 Av e.pngf.pngm.pngr.png
Fulton St a.pngc.png

 

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Posted by daveklepper on Thursday, December 22, 2022 2:50 AM

MTA Construction & Development Spotlights Action Taken to Build Better, Faster, and Cheaper; Puts the Cost of Building in National and Global Context

 

Cost of Major Transit Projects Including the Second Avenue Subway Deliver More Value Per Rider Than Comparable Projects

MTA Has Taken Action to Reduce Costs of Capital Projects; LIRR Third Track Project Coming in 
$100 Million Under Budget


Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer today provided an update to the MTA Board on the Authority’s capital construction costs. The presentation focused on the MTA’s historic $55 billion 2020-2024 Capital Plan, which is comprised of 83% core infrastructure and 17% expansion projects. The cost of core infrastructure projects – which includes track replacement, ADA accessibility, and power substations – are in line with peer systems in the United States. And MTA expansion projects such as the Second Avenue Subway deliver more value per rider than many national and global peers.

“Dating back to my time at the helm of MTA Construction & Development, I have been committed to on-time and cost-effective delivery of upgrades and expansions of the transit system,” 
said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Today’s presentation makes clear that investing in mass transit is a greater value proposition in New York than in peer cities, especially when considering the strong ridership demand we’ve seen with projects like the Second Avenue Subway.”

“The creation of MTA Construction & Development was itself a cost containment measure, streamlining capital program functions into one world-class agency and creating the tools to manage projects effectively from start to finish,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “This year, we've seen the results of that effort, like the completion of LIRR Third Track on-time and under-budget. New York is an expensive place to build, but MTA C&D is aggressively attacking cost-drivers. We will continue to deliver both core infrastructure and expansion projects better, faster, and cheaper."

Project Costs in U.S. and International Context

Torres-Springer’s presentation highlighted the cost of transit expansion projects such as the Second Avenue Subway Phase 1 -- completed in 2016 -- providing national and international context on the external factors driving costs, as well as the strong per-rider value presented by these expansion projects. While the $2.95 billion cost per mile of the Second Avenue Subway Phase 1 exceeds that of national and global peers, when factoring in the expansion’s 200,000 daily ridership in the first phase, the $31,000 cost per average daily rider is significantly below projects in San Francisco, London, and Los Angeles. On accessibility upgrades, the MTA’s elevator costs on recent ADA upgrades are in line with peer system benchmarks.

Factors Driving Project Costs

Project costs are driven by the unique constraints of building large capital projects in New York. These include factors where MTA has limited control – such as high costs of property acquisition, logistics, and utilities, high regional labor and materials costs, operating constraints and regulations, and the necessary scope and design to meet the needs of a 24/7 system with high ridership demands. For Second Avenue Subway Phase 1, these factors alone accounted for 60% of the premium in cost per mile above peer system benchmarks. 

Reducing Costs

The MTA is actively working to reduce costs on all fronts. The implementation of design build, the reduction in red tape, and appointing dedicated and empowered project CEOs were all proposals from the MTA Board that have been adopted and will drive cost reduction and efficiencies in future capital projects. Cost reductions are also being achieved by reducing unnecessary project scope where possible; for Second Avenue Subway Phase 2, this principle has resulted in a $1 billion reduction in savings. To control regional labor costs, MTA C&D has reached a historic agreement with union partners on the Park Avenue Viaduct replacement project.

MTA Construction & Development shared success stories on reducing capital costs on major projects completed in recent years. Strategies to reduce costs have proven successful on recent large-scale projects, including the LIRR Third Track, the Penn Station LIRR Concourse modernization project, and the Canarsie Tube l.png Train repair project. In 2021, median awarded contracts came in 8% below MTA estimates. These successful projects represent a roadmap for the future of capital projects at the MTA, with on-time delivery and meaningful cost-containment.

 
 
 
 

Wow!  No editing needed.   Thanks Kalmbach or thanks NY-State MTA!

 

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Posted by BEAUSABRE on Monday, December 12, 2022 10:35 AM

"Full Service Restoration" ain't gonna happen. Ridership is stalled at 67 percent of pre-Covid levels and unless drastic cuts are made in spending, a 3 BILLION dollar hole will be blown in in 2024/25 annual budgets

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Posted by daveklepper on Sunday, December 11, 2022 11:31 AM
December 07, 2022
 

MTA Announces Opening of Staten Island Railway’s Hurricane-Resistant Clifton Maintenance Shop

 
New 93,220 Square-Foot Facility Houses Staten Island Railway Repair Shop and Offices; Built to Withstand Heavy Winds and Water Intrusion 

Previous Space Suffered Severe Water Damage During Hurricane Sandy 

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today unveiled its new, storm-resilient Clifton Car Maintenance Shop on Staten Island. The previous incarnation of the Staten Island Railway facility suffered extensive damage that led to months of disruption following Hurricane Sandy a decade ago, and has been rebuilt to sustain Category 2 hurricane water and wind pressures up to 110 miles per hour sustained winds, plus a three foot water surge.

The facility includes a new shop, administrative offices and support buildings. Inside the shop there are four tracks for car inspections and repairs, interior car cleaning and approved car modification programs, and an overhead lifting system for changing roof-mounted air conditioning units lifting car bodies for car trucks maintenance. 

“This state-of-the-art facility will be the home base of Staten Island Railway operations and is key to delivering more reliable and resilient transit for Staten Islanders,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “We couldn’t have completed this project without our partners at the U.S. DOT's Federal Transit Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation.” 

“A new Clifton Shop means Staten Island Railway cars will be maintained and repaired onsite instead of in Brooklyn,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “I’m excited for riders to see more reliable and efficient service for years to come.” 

“The new Clifton Maintenance Shop is a state-of-the-art, resilient facility that will serve the Staten Island Railway for decades to come,” said MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “Redesigning the shop to prevent water intrusion and withstand a Category 2 hurricane storm represents the forward-thinking approach C&D is bringing to projects across the system.” 

“This shop is designed for the Staten Island Railway of the future,” said Senior Vice President of NYC Transit Department of Subways Demetrius Crichlow. “It will house the new train cars and work equipment that will lead to improved service and a more modernized system. I want to thank the team at SIR who made this possible.” 

“It's been 10 years since Hurricane Sandy struck the New York metropolitan area, significantly damaging the region's transit infrastructure, including this shop, the only maintenance facility for Staten Island Railway,” said Federal Transit Administration Regional Administrator Stephen Goodman. “The culmination of our work demonstrates how we are investing in transit infrastructure and advancing key priorities. This project will reap enormous benefits for the riders of Staten Island and help them get where they need to go.” 

“When Hurricane Sandy tried to knock out Staten Island and New York City, we fought back, and we have the resiliency to stand here today, and say, we're not going to let a storm knock us down again,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “We're very pleased that the MTA and their partners have chosen to invest in Staten Island. This project is essential to keep the system going strong and continue to be vibrant in the decades ahead." 

Funding for the $165 million design-build project was allocated from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA’s) Hurricane Sandy recovery program. Other components of the five-year project include: 

  • Demolition, removal and disposal of structures and systems including underground diesel. 

  • Reconfiguration of tracks and switches and realignment of indoor tracks, including traction power and underground utilities. 

  • Environmental work including asbestos abatement, lead abatement and underground fuel storage tanks removal. 

  • Installing communications systems including clock/timekeeping, fire alarm, public address, CCTV and security systems and sprinkler and standpipe systems. 

 

 

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Posted by daveklepper on Sunday, December 11, 2022 10:25 AM

To read the previous posting, without any problem, jusdt use the Reply button.   Thanks

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Posted by daveklepper on Sunday, December 11, 2022 10:19 AM

Sun, Dec 11 at 6:01 PM
 
 

MTA, TWU Local 100 Announce Future Role of Station Agents to Enhance the Customer Experience

 

Next-Generation of Station Agent Role Will No Longer Be Limited to Assistance from Booths 

Agents Will Now Meet Riders Throughout Stations and Support the Rollout of OMNY 

New Station Agent Role Will Be Phased in Throughout the System Starting in Early 2023 

View Video from Today’s News Conference 

View Photos from Today’s News Conference 

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 today announced a landmark agreement on the future of the station agent role in the subway system which will enable station agents to support customer service needs more effectively in subway stations. In recognition of the changing environment at subway stations, station agents will shift from working exclusively in booths to performing core customer service functions throughout the station, including at turnstiles, MetroCard machines and on platforms.  

The role of the “booth-oriented” station agent dates to the era of tokens, and today’s agreement represents a modernization of the role, bringing agents out of booths to better serve the needs of customers in a 21st Century station environment.  

“Providing the best possible experience for customers is our North Star at New York City Transit,” said NYC Transit President Richard Davey“To customers, station agents often represent the face of the transit system, dating back to the era of token booths. By enhancing the station agent role, the era of customer support being offered only through a glass wall has gone the way of the token itself, and agents will be able to connect directly with the riders they’re serving.” 

The new station agent role follows a commitment by NYC Transit President Davey in November to achieve at least 70% customer satisfaction on subways and buses by June 2024. NYC Transit instituted monthly “pulse” surveys in May 2022 to better gauge customer satisfaction, and in September 2022, customer satisfaction amongst subway riders was 59%, 10 points higher than four months earlier. In November, NYC Transit announced the expansion of its Station ReNEWvation Program to 12 additional stations following work on nine stations in the Bronx completed in 2022. 

“Improving the customer experience is a top priority across the MTA,” said MTA Acting Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara. “Improving the ability of station agents to be where customers are and enhance their experience throughout stations has been a long-standing goal of the MTA, and this unprecedented agreement responds to the changing needs of customers with the rollout of OMNY while maintaining these critical positions in the transit system.” 

“Station Agents play a critical role in assisting customers with access needs,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer and Senior Advisor Quemuel Arroyo“As we seek to further enhance service delivery, the new Station Agent role will transform how we engage with our customers and reimagine the customer experience.” 

“Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. This is about protecting the employment of station agents, so they can continue to take care of their families,” said TWU Local 100 Vice President Robert Kelley.“We can’t sit back and watch our members get phased out along with the MetroCard. We are forging a new path with a new role that makes their presence in stations even more vital.” 

The new station agent role will provide customer support out-of-booth through: 

  • Wayfinding throughout the transit system 
  • Assistance for customers with disabilities and seniors 
  • Assistance at fare machines 
  • Enhanced customer service during service disruptions and major planned changes 
  • OMNY guidance and information, including conversion and use 
  • Timely reporting of any issues related to customer amenities, including elevators, escalators, digital signage, Help Points, and turnstiles 
  • Maintenance of a safe and clean customer environment 
  • Reporting of quality-of-life issues 

The MTA will begin to phase in the new station agent role starting in early 2023, with training currently underway on enhanced customer service and OMNY equipment. As the MTA continues the rollout of OMNY in the transit system and to better serve the needs of customers in stations, NYC Transit began filling vacant station agent positions in November 2021. Thus far, 288 station agents have been hired, and the Authority anticipates filling the remaining 235 station agent vacancies through the first half of 2023 to support its enhanced customer experience goals.

 

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Posted by daveklepper on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 2:06 PM
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October 25, 2022
 

The Holiday Fair Returns to Grand Central After Two Years 

 
New York’s Historic Landmark and Transportation Hub Welcomes Back its Celebrated Holiday Fair With Dozens of Unique Vendors

Holiday Fair Returns from Monday, Nov. 14 to Saturday, Dec. 24

Presented by SL Green Realty Corp and AmericanGreetings.com


The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the return of New York City’s longest-running indoor holiday fair to Grand Central after a two-year pause. The Holiday Fair this year – presented by SL Green Realty Corp and AmericanGreetings.com – will run for six weeks in the Vanderbilt Hall, beginning Monday, Nov. 14. This year’s fair will feature dozens of unique local vendors and small businesses with a focus on quality craftmanship and products made in New York and the United States. Vendors will sell a diverse mix of giftable items, including men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, original artwork, jewelry, holiday keepsakes and distinctive home décor, self-care products, and endless varieties of handcrafted goods. 

The return of the fair reinforces the city’s progress in retail recovery and upswing overall. It coincides with Metro-North’s continuing ridership growth and a returning abundance of foot traffic through Grand Central Terminal. Grand Central continues to usher in locals, commuters, and visitors in growing numbers each month, and expects an increase of visitors with the return of the fair. 

“Just a few months ago we announced new tenants coming to Grand Central, including the well-known City Winery, and today we are happy to announce the return of the Grand Central Holiday Fair,” said President of Metro-North Railroad and Interim President of the Long Island Rail Road Catherine Rinaldi. “We are thrilled to bring back this enjoyable New York holiday tradition, which showcases the skilled craftsmanship of local vendors and is a sign of New York’s continuing retail recovery.”

The Holiday Fair runs Monday, Nov. 14 through Saturday, Dec. 24, and will operate Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Holiday Fair will be closed for Thanksgiving. 

For more information and to stay up to date with the Grand Central Holiday Fair and vendors, please visit https://www.grandcentralterminal.com/holiday-fair/ and follow Grand Central Terminal on FacebookInstagram and Twitter

About Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is one of America’s greatest transportation hubs and one of New York City’s most iconic buildings. Grand Central Terminal is the terminus of Metro-North Railroad, and home to a number of boutique restaurants, cocktail lounges, a gourmet market, and many specialty shops. By the end of the year, Grand Central’s historic footprint will be expanded with the opening of Grand Central Madison, a 700,000-square-foot terminal and concourse designed to service the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). LIRR access into Manhattan’s east side is the most transformative expansion of LIRR service in over a century. For more on Grand Central Madison, visit https://new.mta.info/grandcentralmadison. For the latest Grand Central news, reopenings, and operating updates visit https://www.grandcentralterminal.com/hf.
 
 
 
 
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October 24, 2022
 

MTA Votes to Order Hundreds More Cutting Edge R211 Subway Cars

 

Cars Feature Wider Doors, Security Cameras, LED Lighting and Digital Displays 

New Cars to Be Delivered Starting in Early 2025

View Photos of R211 Subway Cars

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board’s New York City Transit Committee today approved an order for 640 more R211 subway cars, authorizing the full MTA Board to consider the order on Wednesday. 

Qualification testing on the R211s already delivered is underway with passenger service expected by the spring. 

The option, an addition to the base order of 535 cars awarded in 2018, would bring the total number of R211 cars ordered to 1,175, including 75 Staten Island rail cars and 20 cars that feature open gangways. 

These R211 cars, initially planned for the A and C lines and the Staten Island Railway, are a critical part of the MTA's ongoing modernization efforts. They feature 58-inch-wide door openings that are eight inches wider than standard door openings on existing cars. The wider doorways are designed to speed up boarding and reduce the amount of time trains sit in stations. 

The cars also include security cameras, digital displays that will provide information about service and stations, and brighter lighting and signage, slicker bonnet design, among other features. 

"We are thrilled to see customers coming back to the system with increased frequency and our main objective is to provide safe, fast reliable service,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “These modern trains feature wider doorways that will help speed up boarding time, run more reliably and give our riders a more modern passenger experience.” 

"Our commitment to provide the best and most reliable service to our customers is unwavering and this investment is proof of that,” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President for Subways Demetrius Crichlow. “The MTA will deliver on its promise to provide the most efficient, most comfortable, and most modern service in the quickest timeline possible.”

 
 





 

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Posted by daveklepper on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 1:43 PM
 
Logo
September 20, 2022
 

ICYMI: Governor Hochul Announces MTA to Install Security Cameras in Every New York City Subway Car

 

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Posted by daveklepper on Thursday, September 15, 2022 2:48 AM

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. 

 



 

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Posted by daveklepper on Thursday, September 8, 2022 12:40 AM

https://mail.google.com/mail/u
 
Masks No Longer Required on Subways,
Buses and Commuter Railroads
Masks Now Optional Across Transportation Network 
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the mask requirement on public transit is being lifted.
Following guidance from New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett,
effective immediately masks are optional on all forms of public transportation, including subways,
buses, commuter railroad, paratransit services, and in stations. Free masks will continue to be
available at subway station booths upon request as well as on commuter railroad trains. 
 
To eliminate confusion for riders, the Authority is rolling out a new campaign throughout stations
and on subways, buses, and commuter railroad trains. Digital signage will encourage riders who
prefer wearing a mask to continue to do so, while also ensuring awareness that it is now optional for all. 
 
“Since the beginning of the pandemic the MTA has been guided by the health experts,” said MTA 
Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “With revised guidance from the New York State Department of
Health, which was the basis for the mask requirement on public transit, now is the right time for New
Yorkers to make personal choices about what works best for them.” 
 
“Mask usage remains a great defense against COVID-19 and will still be encouraged while riding,” 
said MTA Chief Safety Officer Patrick Warren. “Customers who choose to continue wearing a mask
are free to do so, but now it is not required. Since the onset of the pandemic the MTA has distributed
over 56 million free masks to employees and customers and will continue to monitor CDC and New York
State Department of Health guidance.” 
 
“Customers should continue to do what they are most comfortable with while riding public transit whether
that means wearing a mask or not,” said MTA Acting Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara.
“To inform customers of this change, we are rolling out a variety of updated signage, audio announcements,
and social media posts encouraging customers to do what they prefer. Free masks will continue to be
readily available throughout the system for those who need and still want to wear one.” 
 
Since the onset of the pandemic, the MTA has provided masks to employees and customers by
distributing 56 million free masks. The Authority launched “Safe Travels and Operation Respect
and the MTA Mask Force in June 2020, when volunteers and MTA leaders went to stations and
onboard subways, buses, and commuter railroads, distributing masks and educating riders on mask
usage.
 
 
 
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/AItbvmnbdtvJuLdgpT1QV-tTJkCBkaJxgzNtvlc4r-OU=s40-p-mo
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Posted by daveklepper on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 12:31 AM

Editing done. Post readable.

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Posted by daveklepper on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 1:44 AM

Server won't let me edit the above post this molrning.  No idea why.  Can do later today.

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Posted by daveklepper on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 1:29 AM

NYC Transit Service Changes for Labor Day Weekend 2022 

 

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 bw and z 

trains; no express 6 or 7 trains; and no expressf 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

3 Train: Manhattan and Brooklyn

3 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. 

  • 2 trains make 3 train stops between Franklin Av-Medgar Evers
  • College and 135 St
  • 2 trains will run via the 3 train tracks to/from Harlem-148 St, skipping 
  • 145 St in both directions
  • For service to 145 St, take the M7 or M102 during the day/evening
  • hours, and free shuttle bus service will be provided
  • Customers can also transfer between 2 trains and buses at 135 St
  • In Brooklyn, 4 trains will make 3 train stops between Atlantic Av-
  • Barclays Ctr and New Lots Av
  • Customers can also transfer between 2 and 4 at Atlantic Av-
  • Barclays Ctr or Franklin Av-Medgar Evers College
Learn more about changes to 3 service in Manhattan and Brooklyn.


2 Train: Bronx

2 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. 

  • Shuttle buses will be provided between 3 Av-149 St and 149 St-Grand
  • Concourse
  • Shuttle buses will be provided as well between 149 St-Grand Concourse 
  • and 135 St
Learn more about changes to 2 service in the Bronx and Manhattan 


5 Train: Bronx

5 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.

  • 5 trains will be running split service from Bowling Green in Manhattan \
  • to 149 St-Grand Concourse in the Bronx and between E 180 St and
  • Eastchester-Dyre Av in the Bronx
  • For service between E 180 St and 3 Av-149 St, take the 2 instead
  • For service between 3 Av-149 St and 149 St-Grand Concourse,
  • free shuttle buses will be provided for customers
Learn more about changes to 5 service in the Bronx 

234 West Indian Day Parade Service 

  • 234 service to and from Brooklyn will run normal on Labor Day,
  • Monday, Sept. 5 
  • Note: There will be some station entrance closures along 
  • Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn during the West Indian Day Parade 


ac Train: Manhattan and Brooklyn

Brooklyn-bound a 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 a line tunnel.   

Additional ac service changes:

  • Brooklyn-bound ac will run via the f line from W 4 St-
  • Washington Sq in Manhattan to Jay St-Metro Tech in Brooklyn 
  • starting on Friday, Sept. 2 at 9:45 p.m. until Tuesday, Sept. 6 at
  • 5:00 a.m.

Learn more about changes to ac service in Manhattan and Brooklyn.


d Train: Manhattan

Brooklyn-bound d 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.


ef Train: Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens

e service will run via the f 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. e trains will provide normal service in Manhattan from 

4 St-Washington Sq to World Trade Center

In addition, Coney Island-bound f 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. 

Additional efservice changes:

  • f service from Ditmas Av to Jamaica-179 St will be local both
  • Queens-bound and Brooklyn-bound
  • Jamaica-bound ef service runs local from Roosevelt Av to 
  • Forest Hills-71 Av. The service changes will begin on Friday,
  • \Sept. 2 at 9:45 p.m. and will last until Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 5:00 a.m. 
  • These service changes are for Maintenance of Way switch
  • replacements just north ofForest Hills-71 Av stations between the two express tracks 
Learn more about ef service changes in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens

j Train: Brooklyn and Queens

j 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.

  • Free shuttle buses will be provided for customers for those stations between Jamaica-Van Wyck and Crescent St 
  • Customers can also use the e for alternative service
  • Customers can transfer between j trains and shuttle buses at 
  • Crescent St
  • For Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport and Jamaica Center-
  • Parsons/Archer, take the e
Learn more about j service changes in Brooklyn and Queens

r Train: Manhattan and Brooklyn

Bay Ridge-bound r 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.   

  • Manhattan-bound r service will be local from Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr 
  • to Forest Hills-71 Av 
  • For service to local stations in Brooklyn between Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr 
  • and 59 St in the Bay Ridge-bound direction, take the r to 36 St or 59 St and transfer to a local Manhattan-bound n or r
Learn more about r service changes in Manhattan and Brooklyn


W 4 St – Washington Sq acdef
 Station Changes

During the Labor Day holiday weekend, there will be several track changes to accommodate necessary maintenance and repair work on the acdef 

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. 

  • At W 4 St-Washington Sq def trains will all be on the lower-level \
  • tracks. e trains will run via their normal route in Manhattan between W 4 St and World Trade Center
  • Brooklyn-bound ac trains will be on the upper-level tracks and are
  • running local on 8th Ave. in Manhattan from 59 St-Columbus Circle 
  • to W 4 St-Washington Sq
  • Brooklyn-bound ac trains are running via the f line from W 4 St in
  • Manhattan to Jay St-MetroTech in Brooklyn
  • Signage will be placed throughout the station to notify customers of
  • these service and location changes at the station


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.    

 


 

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Posted by daveklepper on Thursday, August 25, 2022 1:01 AM

From Metro North:


n

 

 

2:54 AM (6 hours ago)
 
 
to
 
 
 
Buses replace trains on the Wassaic Branch from September 12 through November 20, 2022 while we perform trackwork.

Regular service will operate between Grand Central Terminal and Southeast.  
The detailed bus schedule is being finalized and will be available soon. 
We appreciate your patience while we complete these crucial upgrades.
But Southeast - Wassaic  is  not a branch.  It's the northern part of the New York & Harlem that did go all the way to Chatham and connection with the Boston & Albany - and at one time the Rutland.

 

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Posted by daveklepper on Sunday, August 21, 2022 1:09 AM
PPP agreement to fund universal wireless connectivity on New York Subway
USA: Wi-fi and mobile phone connectivity is to be rolled out across the entire New York Subway network over the next 10 years, following the signing of a public-private partnership agreement offering benefits valued at more than $1bn.

 

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Posted by daveklepper on Thursday, August 18, 2022 2:27 AM
August 17, 2022
 

MTA Launches New One-Stop Rail App Combining LIRR and Metro-North Trip Planning and Ticket Purchasing

 

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.

 

 

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