Please find an article that I just wrote for the most recent edition of my school's (for the next weeks that is) newspaper the Manhattan College Quadrangle. This article was in response to one written claiming the MTA is one most corrupt organizations out there whose service is despicable.
The reason I put it in here is because I throw in a reference at the end to public transportation in Hartford. I have been been proven wrong though by a recent blog post though that discusses how it is in fact possible to live car free in Hartford. And I have come to agree, BUT it should be so much more easier. There needs to be much better bus service and tons of new routes. This is something I must save for after I graduate in 2 weeks, when I will have plenty of time to discuss. Please read though! I have bolded the Hartford part.
Opinion Article in Response to “Fix the MTA”
After reading the recent article “Fix the MTA” I felt the need to respond to and clear up some myths as well as shed some light on the MTA and more importantly the future of public transportation in this city. Before I begin I must clarify that the price of a single bus or subway ride is $2.25 not $2.50 as stated in a previous article, a price that still pales in comparison to driving, taking cabs, or using the tube in London for that matter.
Before bad mouthing the MTA you must consider that they operate one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world. According to the MTA the city has grown from having 28 subway stations in 1904 to 468, which means it has only 35 fewer stations than the combined total of all the other subway systems in this country. In addition to subways and buses in the five boroughs the MTA is also responsible for operating the Long Island Rail Road, Long Island Bus, Metro North Railroad, and the regions tunnels and bridges. In total the MTA claims they serve 14.6 million people “in the 5,000 square-mile area fanning out from New York City through Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut”, a task that is by no means an easy feat.
Now nothing is perfect and I admit the MTA does have its faults. It has suffered from mismanagement and a budget deficit due to the economy. The MTA saw significant drops in revenue from real estate taxes, fares and tolls, and state dedicated taxes all due to the economy. The MTA had no control over the recession and the impacts it would have on the state of New York and the agency. The agency was left with no choice but to raise fares for subways, buses, and trains and tolls on tunnels and bridges. A major revenue booster that I was a personal supporter of was congestion pricing that would have automatically charged drivers a fee to enter into the most congested parts of Manhattan. This would have produced much needed revenue, increased air quality citywide, reduced congestion, and promoted the use of public transit. London has already successfully implemented congested pricing. The proposal unfortunately died in the New York State Assembly in August, 2008.
Despite these issues the MTA, its new head Jay H. Walter, and Mayor Bloomberg are forging ahead with massive projects and ambitious proposals that will change the face of public transportation in the city forever. The Second Avenue subway line is under construction which when complete will run along 2nd Avenue from 125th Street down to the Financial District. This will significantly decrease overcrowding on the Lexington Avenue lines. The MTA’s other current projects include constructing a new Fulton Street Transit Center, creating access for LIRR trains at Grand Central, and a new terminal at South Ferry. The agency is also implementing timers at key bus and subway stops that will let riders know when the subway or bus is arriving. These timers already exist throughout London and on the city’s L line. Future plans include extending the 7 line to the west side and creating access for Metro North trains at Penn Station
By now I’m assuming I may not have convinced all of you that the the MTA is perfect. For all I know some of you may be waiting at 238th street in train traffic as you read this article. I urge those of you who did not grow up in New York City to compare whatever system of public transportation, if any, your hometown has to that of New York City. I grew up in a small town about 30 minutes east of Hartford, Connecticut. Public transportation was and still is essentially nonexistent. There are only commuter buses that run during rush hour that you have to drive to in the first place to get into Hartford. A car is essential, even for those who live within Hartford itself.
As a major supporter of urban living, smart growth, and the use of public transportation it was essential for me to go to school in New York City. Despite the MTA’s flaws I guarantee you that the subways and buses here are an improvement over the public transportation your home town offers. If you are still not convinced I urge you to contact your elected officials on the local or state level to further discuss this issue.
SOURCES:
http://mta.info/nyct/facts/ffsubway.htm
http://mta.info/mta/network.htm
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