They could afford it, but the MTA is also extremely incompetent. Really more of an administration issue.

I'd like to see most of the current stock replaced with the R188 series. I believe Kawasaki makes them. Bombardier is also suppose to supply many new cars that will replace an older stock.

This is much more involved, if you're interested in the subject.

It's honestly the most important thing the MTA needs to accomplish, and their timeframe for completing this is entirely too slow. More than rolling stock, track replacement and signaling/communications upgrades will go a long way in making the system more efficient and reliable.

Then again, I'm kind of impressed that they've reach the [semi] state of good repair that they have, given how little funding they receive from Albany/the City; it's clear they won't be able to finance much more of these improvements....

Dude, so much currency moving through NYC and so little of it being put into repairing and updating the transit system. Sad.

They should probably focus on making it safer while they're at it. Installing more camera systems, having more cops out on patrol and just making it an altogether more transparent system. I feel somewhat secure on the subway because it is crowded often and I take MMA (mixed martial arts) but there are doubtless possibilities of situations where weapons are involved. And not everyone is me, there are lots of old helpless folk out there who need a safer system.

And while we're on this subject I noticed a lot of the old Buses are still in use. You'd think they would try to increase the use of the more fuel efficient/less pollutant ones! But I am noticing buses that look like they are from the 80s on certain lines. pathetic.

Jackson: N.J. lawmakers present a united front for new rail tunnel

================================
http://www.northjersey.com/news/jack...86037?page=all

I guess this could go here since I don't think we have a thread dedicated to JFK.
=============================================

==================================
http://www.wsj.com/articles/whats-th...est-1421028098

finally an airlink train to laguardia? per nytimes:


Cuomo Wants Elevated Train Link Built to Ill-Served La Guardia Airport


Travelers to La Guardia Airport in Queens must go by car or bus. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo described the situation as “inexcusable.”

KARSTEN MORAN FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES
By MICHAEL M. GRYNBAUM
JANUARY 20, 2015

It is a struggle known to generations of weary air travelers: the traffic-choked, anxiety-laden trip to La Guardia Airport, heartbeats and taxi meters rising in unison.

That bumper-to-bumper experience could soon be coming to an end. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York on Tuesday proposed the construction of an elevated AirTrain to La Guardia. It would be the first rail link to an airfield long lamented for its transit-starved location in Queens.

The proposed train would curve along the Grand Central Parkway for one and a half miles before connecting with the No. 7 subway line and the Long Island Rail Road at an expanded terminal in Queens, alongside Citi Field and the National Tennis Center.

This is the most stupid proposal from the governor yet. AirTrain going west to Willets point? Who is gonna use it? Unless you're in Flushing it will take longer to get to LaGuardia on this AirTrain then using existing bus route...

Going East* to Willets Pt.

I agree that it makes little sense. Sure it connects to the 7 and the LIRR, but both of those lines are branches by that point. In order for anyone else to get there, they'll have to change somewhere like Woodside, plus the LIRR doesn't run regular trains to Willets Pt nor is the old station properly suited for anything more than summer baseball crowds (that isn't to say it can't be... it has a second unused platform).

They really should if anything consider the oft discussed N train extension. That's the only route that makes a lick of sense.

Why can't the MTA at least paint the walls of the most high-profile subway stops? Is it that hard to paint a wall in the city with the developed world's wealthiest residents? Levy a surtax or something.

Seriously 1940s-era peeling paint, falling off into the tracks at 23rd street, 34th street etc etc.

What, and diminish that 'old world' New York character?…;)

^^ maybe they should start graffiti-tagging the cars again to make it more authentic. That's the only thing missing.

Baltimore's subway is literally nicer that the MTA. Philadelphia's clean, efficient system is not even comparable.

Also, spending more time in NYC after being away for quite a while, it's shocking to ride the F/M/D/B trains again and note the orange/beige, wood-panelled glory...no updates, no new cars in 14 years. Meanwhile $100 MM apartments are being sold on 57th street. What gives?

At least the A/C/E and 4/5/6 are new...

The capital budget must be nonexistent, everything going to maintenance/O&M.

Albany + MTA administrative incompetence = suck

At least they nailed that rat Sheldon Silver.

thats has always been the ideal, but even if they are stuck on the airtrain due to funding/territorial pissing/etc. than an airtrain to the astoria ditmas subway stub would probably still be better. however, remember that N/Q route would tend to favor city dweller ridership over l.i. suburbanites, which clashes with the port authority's suburban base constituency, if they even have one at all.

Rather run AirTrain over the GCP from a new transfer station at Astoria Blvd N/Q stop, to LGA terminals, and onward to Jamaica for connection to existing JFK AirTrain. Both the city and suburbs would get what they want.

If we're talking fantasy, why not extend the N along the same alignment.

^Yep. The required ramps and grade change would be dramatic, but possible.

^ it was always going to be an airtrain. territoriality aside, the pa has the $ and can pretty much do what it wants and the mta does not have the $ and its not a priority. or so they would say.