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MTA Vows To Improve Storm Performance

Posted by
on September 20th, 2007 at 10:22 pm

Today the MTA put out a press release in relation to its performance during the August 8th storm that crippled mass transit throughout NYC. The report which was submitted to Gov. Spitzer today focuses on how the storm caught them off guard & the changes they plan on implementing. Here are a few sections of the report:

To directly address these issues, the MTA will pursue a series of improvements in operations, engineering and communications. Operationally, Doppler radar is being installed in each agency’s operations center, an MTA-wide Emergency Response Center has been created, and new storm protocols will be put in place to guide alternative service.

To begin implementing these solutions, the MTA has committed $30 million to fund initiatives that can be put into place quickly. Just as importantly, the MTA will quantify the costs of the longer-term capital fixes needed to permanently prepare the system for operating in future storms and communicating with customers in all types of emergencies. These initiatives will be considered for inclusion in the MTA’s expedited Capital Program, due to be presented to the State Legislature early next year.

Create Early Warning and Response Capability – The MTA agencies will collaborate on a common and redundant weather forecasting system/capability and install Doppler radar monitoring in all agency operations centers. This will allow pre-deployment of operating personnel when potentially threatening weather is indicated. (30 days)

To see the full release, click here.

I have a bone to pick with the MTA. Why did it take a major storm to implement such changes? How many times has the MTA performed poorly during rainstorms? The number is so high, I have lost count. One would think that the MTA would learn to be more proactive instead of reactive with this issue. I understand that the MTA is not fully to blame as far as floods go. We all know that a good percentage of straphangers are also to blame with the littering of our system. However this does not change the fact that the MTA should have severely fixed this issue years ago!

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0

J, M, & Z Service Alert

Posted by
on September 20th, 2007 at 5:49 pm

The MTA has posted a service alert regarding the J, M, & Z trains. The service alert reads:

Due to a police investigation at the Bowery Station, Jamaica-bound , and Metropolitan Avenue-bound trains are running express between the Chambers Street Station and the Essex Street Station.

Stations being bypassed are: Canal Street and Bowery.

As an alternate, customers are advised to take the Broad Street-bound , or trains from the Essex Street Station to bypassed stations.

Please expect delays in service on the , and trains at this time.

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2

Subways Catching Up With The Times…

Posted by
on September 20th, 2007 at 7:02 am

I was browsing AMNY’s website & saw a headline about the subway system & cell phones. It seems that plans to enable working cell phone service in every station is moving forward. Here is the article courtesy of AMNY:

After two years of talk, plans for cell phone and WiFi-accessible subways stations are rolling forward, an encouraging message for some straphangers but a troubling one for others who wonder if platforms will become one loud phone booth.

New York City Transit announced Wednesday an agreement with a consortium, Transit Wireless, to wire six stations in the next two years, pending MTA board approval next week. If the company’s work rings true with transit, the firm will fit the remaining 271 underground stations over four years. The tunnels, however, will not be wired.

“I think it’ll be very useful. I’ve had so many problems when I’ve been stuck on a train and have 20 minutes to get somewhere, and I can’t call to say I’m late,” said high schooler Parul Aggarwal, 17.

The consortium will pay $46 million to wire the system, and transit will pay nothing. The consortium must strike a deal with a carrier, which has not been selected.

Keeping in touch underground is one reason for wired-up platforms, but the initiative could help in a transit meltdown like last month’s.

The agency was widely criticized for poor communication with passengers about the system-wide, storm-related service outage. A recommendation in an MTA report the governor ordered afterward calls for the agency to better communicate with straphangers about service problems. That report will be released by the agency today.

A spokesman would not say if text messaged service alerts will be among the recommendations.

“Obviously, communications is an area where we underperformed on August 8, and providing cell service on platforms will allow customers access to phones and PDAs so they can let people know they’re stuck or find information from other sources, such as the MTA Web site,” spokesman Jeremy Soffin said. “In emergencies, cell phones could also be used to communicate with first responders.”

That’s what pay phones are for, said some straphangers waiting for the No. 7 train yesterday. Others said transit has a phone-free solution to better communication — clear and helpful announcements over PA systems.

Riders on the elevated No. 7 line know what chatty platforms and trains are like. Some say cell phone talkers are mere background noise, but others said conversations get too loud, hampering the commute.

“I think it’s going to be more stressful, especially in the morning when you’re just trying to get with it,” said Ellie Rodriguez, a teacher who commutes to Manhattan from Flushing. “People don’t have a concept of manners or rudeness when it comes to cell phones.”

The Straphangers Campaign has polled its members, who mostly support wiring stations but are mixed on offering service in tunnels.

“In a station you’re not a captive like you are in a subway car,” Straphangers spokesman Gene Russianoff said. “You can walk away.”

All I can is about time! Now only if they could work in subway tunnels as well! I admit that is asking for too much & is not exactly necessary.

I am hoping that Sprint gets the contract to handle this project!

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0

7 Train Service Alert

Posted by
on September 19th, 2007 at 8:07 am

The MTA has just posted a service alert regarding the 7 train. The service alert reads:

Due to a train with mechanical problems at the 5th Avenue Station, there is no train service in both directions between the Hunters Point Avenue Station and the Times Square-42nd Street Station.

Please expect delays in service on the train at this time.

The good news is the service alert contains no errors! The bad news, well you know…..

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0

Question Of The Week 09-17-07 – 09/23/07

Posted by
on September 18th, 2007 at 9:18 pm

I have updated the “Question Of The Week” section on Eye On Transit. The update includes last week’s poll results, update of the archives page, & most importantly this week’s question. This week’s question focuses on a topic I recently blogged about here.

As usual the voting ends on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. EST so get your vote in now! To cast your vote go here!

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