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Mad_Nick Jan 13, 2010 1:59 AM

^ It's large, but it's by no means the largest in the world.

Busy Bee Jan 13, 2010 3:49 PM

Unless I'm wrong doesn't it have the most miles of track?

Mad_Nick Jan 13, 2010 5:16 PM

If by "largest and most extensive mass transit system in the world", he is referring only to the subway, then yes, the NYC Subway has more track-miles than any other subway in the world, largely due to the widespread use of express tracks in the subway.
But "mass transit system" generally refers to the entire system of public transportation in a city, so in New York, this would include the LIRR, MNRR, NJT, PATH, SIR, and the various bus systems in the area. Here, Tokyo is probably the largest by far with extensive subway as well as a very extensive above ground rail network. And London's is probably larger, with its extensive Tube network as well as its South East rail network, and perhaps even Paris with its Metro, RER as well as Transilien commuter trains.

NYC4Life Jan 23, 2010 5:12 AM

NY1

Updated 11:56 PM
MTA To Restore Three Bus Lines, Subway Line

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/5122/76155354.jpg

Some subway and bus commuters in Manhattan and Queens are being saved from service cuts, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced Friday via its website.

The agency says it now plans to keep the Z line.

In addition, the M10, which runs on Eighth Avenue, will no longer be eliminated, and overnight service will continue on the crosstown M79 and M96buses through Central Park.

Other service changes, including the elimination of the W line, are still planned, as the MTA looks to make up a $400 million shortfall.

Straphangers will be able to weigh in on the cuts at public hearings in March.

Online registration will begin next month.

For more information, visit mta.info.

philvia Jan 24, 2010 1:20 AM

i wish they would get rid of all of the redundant lines.
E, V, W, Z, 3, 5, etc

Busy Bee Jan 24, 2010 1:35 AM

^Hmmmmmm

NYC4Life Jan 28, 2010 1:43 AM

NY1

01/27/2010 09:06 AM
Report: MTA Cannot Afford High-Tech Security Measures
By: NY1 News

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3221/13513344.jpg

The state comptroller says the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's post-September 11th security plan for the city's transit system is behind schedule and millions of dollars overbudget.

Thomas DiNapoli's report says the MTA's costs to install a high-tech security system ballooned from $591 million to $833 million.

That leaves just $59 million in capital spending to finish the project.

DiNapoli says that is not enough to install the state-of-the-art network of digital cameras and motion detectors throughout the subway system.

Yet MTA officials vow they will finish the project as planned.

Lockheed Martin, the contractor in charge of the system, sued the MTA last year, blaming the agency for delays.

The MTA filed a countersuit.




Copyright © 2010 NY1 News. All rights reserved.

NYC4Life Jan 28, 2010 1:48 AM

NY1

01/25/2010 05:40 PM
MTA Unveils Text Alerts For LIRR
By: Bobby Cuza

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/3972/77984737.jpg

Even as it moves forward with major service cuts, the MTA says it's following through on a promise to communicate better with its riders -- including a new program that delivers information via text message. NY1's Bobby Cuza filed the following report.

It's as simple as sending a text message. Long Island Rail Road riders can now text a station-to-station request, like "Penn to Huntington," to 266266. That spells CooCoo -- the text engine company that operates the new service. Within seconds, CooCoo will text you back with the next five trains, including any delays.

"What’s beautiful about this is it’s right there. All five are listed and stored. The customer can look at it as many times as they want and make a decision about their commute," said Long Island Rail Road President Helena Williams.

The service works on any phone. No Internet access is needed, and the only cost is your phone carrier's standard texting fee. The pilot program also comes at no cost to the MTA.

"You don’t have to subscribe. You don’t have to sign up. It’s just a free service available to our customers," Williams said.

"We’re reducing our cost, but actually providing a greater level of customer service than we were able to do before," said MTA Chairman & CEO Jay Walder.

Currently, there are no plans to provide this particular service to subway riders, who of course rely less on posted schedules anyway.
In any case, transit riders are likely more concerned with the fact that they will soon have less service thanks to major planned cuts to subways and buses.

MTA officials, however, say the revised list of service changes released Friday results in less pain for riders.

"What you've seen us do is to mitigate impacts," Walder said. "We’ve tried to restructure routes. We’ve tried to do things to be able to continue to provide services to communities so that we're not cutting communities off."

The plan will still cut subway service and eliminate or reroute dozens of bus routes. In addition, Access-a-Ride vans will now, in some cases, no longer take riders to their destination, but instead drop them off at a subway or bus stop.

The MTA also plans to move ahead with the elimination of student MetroCard discounts. Walder said the information posted on the MTA website sets a new standard for transparency.

"This is not a black box anymore," Walder said. "I think in December, you know, people saw a package of cuts, and it was largely pulled out of somewhere else. All of the data's out there, in a way that I think it's never been out there before."

The service cuts must still be approved by the MTA board following public hearings scheduled to take place in March.



Copyright © 2010 NY1 News. All rights reserved.

Mad_Nick Jan 28, 2010 1:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philvia (Post 4663958)
i wish they would get rid of all of the redundant lines.
E, V, W, Z, 3, 5, etc

They are only redundant in (parts of) Manhattan, so unless you propose disbanding service to parts of the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, that's probably not a good idea.

volguus zildrohar Jan 28, 2010 3:54 AM

Correct - the W & Z are about the only services remaining on the system that don't serve their own exclusive routes at some point, philvia. Especially getting rid of the E - good luck trying to get in from Queens with that one.

NYC4Life Jan 30, 2010 6:25 AM

NY1

01/29/2010 09:56 AM
Man On 6 Train Wrestles Chicken
By: NY1 News

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/9140/32218051.jpg

Riders on the Number 6 train had an odd commute Tuesday night as they ran into a man rolling around on the floor with a live chicken.

A passenger managed to capture the scene and the video has since been posted on YouTube.

In true New York City fashion, most passengers simply ignored him, while others laughed and took pictures.

New York City Transit Authority rules prohibit passengers from bringing animals onto trains or buses – unless they are in enclosed containers. Service animals are exempt.

The TA says it is investigating the incident.




Copyright © 2010 NY1 News. All rights reserved.

NYC4Life Jan 30, 2010 6:28 AM

NY1

Updated 01/29/2010 12:54 PM
LIRR Sees Drop In Ridership
By: NY1 News

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/3746/87738999.jpg

The weak economy is being blamed for a big drop in ridership on the Long Island Rail Road.

Ridership dropped to about 83 million in 2009 from 87 million the year before. It's the biggest decrease in four decades, and comes on the heels of a year when ridership was at its highest since 1949.

Railroad officials say the loss of 84,000 jobs in the city last year could be to blame for some of the drop off.

The drop in ridership is costing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority millions in revenue.



Copyright © 2010 NY1 News. All rights reserved.

NYC4Life Jan 30, 2010 6:32 AM

NY1

Updated 01/29/2010 02:57 PM
Cab Drivers Face Cell Phone Crackdown
By: Vivian Lee

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/7057/44561504.jpg

A series of new penalties take effect today to crackdown on taxi drivers who talk on cell phones.

The Taxi and Limousine Commission’s new rules prohibit taxi and livery cab drivers from using phones or any electronic devices while driving – even if they are using a hands-free device.

Even just wearing a Bluetooth device, in or near a driver's ear, is now be a violation.

Some cab drivers are furious, saying their long shifts require mobile communication, sometimes even to get the job done.

“Lots of new drivers, they don't know how to get to a place, so they need to get directions,” said one driver.

“That's crazy,” said another. “We spend 12 hours in here.”

Many passengers, meanwhile, say they are thrilled.

“You're on the job. We don't pick up our phone in the office, and just chat with people,” said a passenger.

“It's very dangerous, especially in Manhattan,” concurred another. “They don't seem to pay attention at all on that Bluetooth. It makes me a little nervous, too.”

Still others say they're fine with a chatty cabbie.

“I think a Bluetooth is okay, because you can focus while you're driving, and you can maneuver,” said a third.

According to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there has been no significant reduction in the number of car crashes after hand-held bans were introduced in New York, Connecticut, California, and the District of Columbia. The study examined insurance claims involving texting or talking while driving.

Despite the study’s finding, there are taxi drivers who do not mind the new law, which is the first in the country for cab drivers, just so their passengers feel more at ease.

“I agree with the TLC,” said a driver. “So I'm happy.”

"If that's what it takes to save life, it's alright,” said another. “It’s no problem at all."

"If you are talking on the phone, it means you lose your concentration. It happens a lot,” said another.
“People get into accidents."

According to the TLC Commissioner, the regulations are necessary because many drivers ignored the previous rules.

“Fifty percent of the summons that we issue when we go undercover, when you look at all the bill of rights that we are trying to enforce in the cabs, are cell phones,” said Commissioner Matthew Daus. “It's clearly a problem. You don't have to have your head in the sand. You go talk to passengers. It's the number one issue if you talk to passengers.

Daus also cites federal statistics showing that upwards of 500,000 accidents and thousands of fatalities a year across this country are attributed to some kind of mobile device use while driving.

Drivers will face a $200 penalty and three penalty points on their license for each of the first and second violations. After the second strike, they will also be required to take a distracted-driver training course. Those caught three times within 15 months will have their taxi license revoked.



Copyright © 2010 NY1 News. All rights reserved.

NYC4Life Jan 30, 2010 6:35 AM

NY1

01/29/2010 10:03 PM
Transit Advocates Inform Riders About MTA Cuts
By: NY1 News

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8141/87066874.jpg

Transit advocates rallied against the MTA's plan to reduce service Friday.

The Straphangers Campaign handed out leaflets in Times Square, informing riders of the agency's proposals.

If the MTA doomsday budget holds, more than a dozen bus routes will be eliminated and many others will see a reduction in service.

Some subway lines are also being cut, including the entire W and M trains.

The Straphangers Campaign says they hope the leaflets will spur the riders to take action.

"We hope a significant portion of them, when they get to the office, will either call or send an e-mail to Governor Paterson, Mayor Bloomberg, or the MTA, and we'll find out as the day goes on how successful we've been on activating the riding public," said Gene Russianoff of the Straphangers Campaign.

The MTA also proposed eliminating discounts on student MetroCards.

Students are planning a protest outside the MTA headquarters in Manhattan to demand restored funding for those cards.

Public hearings on the proposals will be held in March.



Copyright © 2010 NY1 News. All rights reserved.

NYC4Life Jan 30, 2010 6:38 AM

NY1

01/29/2010 07:15 PM
MTA Alters 7 Train Weekend Service
By: NY1 News

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3212/34504107.jpg

Commuters who use the 7 subway line are in for a rough ride starting this weekend.

Because of construction, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority plans to suspend service from Queensboro Plaza to Times Square for seven weekends.

Riders heading to Manhattan from northwest Queens will have to take a shuttle bus to Queensboro Plaza and then transfer to the N train.

There will be no service at Queensboro Plaza, 45th Road-Court House Square, Hunters Point Avenue and Vernon Boulevard-Jackson Avenue.

The MTA says workers have a short window to finish the necessary system upgrades, and they are doing it now to avoid doing work during the peak summer sports season, when the 7 line is used heavily by Mets fans and U.S. Open spectators.



Copyright © 2010 NY1 News. All rights reserved.

NYC4Life Jan 30, 2010 6:43 AM

NY1

01/29/2010 08:16 PM
Au Bon Pain Opens In St. George Ferry Terminal
By: Amanda Farinacci

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8293/53897785.jpg

After years of struggling to find tenants to move into the recently-renovated Staten Island Ferry Terminal, a new Au Bon Pain restaurant opened on Friday. Borough Reporter Amanda Farinacci filed the following report.

With more than 20,000 square feet and 21 million commuters passing through its doors last year, the Staten Island Ferry Terminal would seem to be an easy place to attract retailers. But tough economic times have kept most of the dozen available retail spaces vacant since the terminal was renovated five years ago.

Yet the logjam broke on Friday, the terminal welcomed its newest tenant, Au Bon Pain.

"This 1,120-square-feet cafe is not only the first new retail tenant at the terminal in years, it's also Au Bon Pain's first outlet on Staten Island," said Seth Pinsky of the Economic Development Corporation.

The rush to open the new terminal meant some infrastructure work was not completed inside the retail space. The city's Economic Development Corporation took over in 2007, promising to finish the job.

But it wasn't until late last year that the storefronts were ready for tenants after the borough president's office paid for the final work. Au Bon Pain brings 35 new jobs to Staten Island, with 31 of them filled by residents.


"Today is a day that we all looked forward to, and it was said by many that it would never happen, but it's happening and it's here and we're moving forward," said Borough President James Molinaro.

The terminal has signed agreements with eight other tenants -- including a deli, pretzel shop, juice and ice cream shop and a Subway Sandwich shop -- to open in the next six months. The EDC is still looking for tenants to fill the last three spaces.

Local leaders had hoped mom-and-pop shops from Staten Island would move in but that has not happened.

"I guess the rents were still a little too high, or the costs for the utilities. However, it didn't work out, so this was the next best step," said Congressman Michael McMahon.

Ferry riders told NY1 that filling the retail space inside the terminal has been a long time coming, and they are happy to finally see some progress.

"There's a lot of business around here to be made, so it's good they got this Au Bon Pain," said resident Mike Parker. "All of this, this is good, I love this. This is good, it looks like Manhattan a little bit over here.

When all of the retail space is fully-rented, the EDC expects they will bring the city about $1.5 million a year.



Copyright © 2010 NY1 News. All rights reserved.

NYC4Life Jan 30, 2010 6:46 AM

NY1

Updated 01/29/2010 09:23 PM
Newark Flight Diverted Over No-Fly Passenger List Scare
By: NY1 News

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/4318/15512253.jpg

Government officials say a Continental Airlines flight originating at Newark Liberty Airport was diverted mid-flight because the name of one of the passengers was a false match with somebody on the terror watch list.

After Flight 881 landed in Jacksonville, Fla., a law enforcement officials said the passenger was not a match to the no-fly list.

The passenger was cleared by the FBI and the flight continued on to Bogota, Colombia, its final destination.

Airlines are not supposed to issue a boarding pass to a person on the no-fly list.



Copyright © 2010 NY1 News. All rights reserved.

KVNBKLYN Feb 2, 2010 6:09 PM

Some updated photos of construction progress on the new LIRR station below Grand Central from the MTA, via Second Avenue Sagas:

http://secondavenuesagas.com/wp-cont...01/Cavern1.jpg

http://secondavenuesagas.com/wp-cont...01/Cavern2.jpg

http://secondavenuesagas.com/wp-cont...01/Cavern3.jpg

http://secondavenuesagas.com/wp-cont.../01/Tunnel.jpg


And here's a video of the tunnel boring machine breaking through the end of the tunnel for the 7 train extension, via gothamist:

Video Link

KVNBKLYN Feb 2, 2010 6:34 PM

New M-8 cars for Metro North will soon begin testing and should be put in service starting this summer.

From the MTA:

Quote:

...

After successful static testing, dynamic testing begins, expected to begin March 1, with the M8s actually in operation on the New Haven Line during nighttime hours, without any passengers on board. Acceleration, braking, clearance, signal and other systems are tested. Each car must operate flawlessly for 4,000 miles.
MTA Metro-North Railroad

When the eight M-8 pilot cars pass all their tests, which is anticipated sometime this fall, they then will be put into revenue service, and the new cars will no longer be a dream, but a reality!

We expect delivery of 292 production cars to begin this summer, at a rate of about 10 a month. These cars also undergo testing before they are put into passenger service.
And some photos that accompany the press release:

http://www.mta.info/news/stories/ima...%20in%20NH.jpg

http://www.mta.info/news/stories/ima...20interior.jpg

A bit aesthetically challenged, IMHO, but better looking than anything NJT puts on the rails.

Busy Bee Feb 2, 2010 6:46 PM

They wouldn't look so bad without those rooftop HVAC protrusions and a little finessing of the front end. At least they tried to go bold with the NH livery.


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