Results tagged “stationagents”

When one Upper East Side subway station was not prepared for the final transition over to the newly-priced unlimited Metrocards post-fare hike, straphangers freaked the fudge out. The Post describes the scene at the 86th Street station for the 4, 5, 6 where commuters were "banging the station agent booth window, crying, and forming lines that were 30-people deep at the card vending machines — until one broke down." Since yesterday was the end of the grace period for monthly cards purchased at the pre-fare hike rates, many were forced to exchange their $81 cards when they wouldn't swipe. The station had a mere 50 pre-paid envelopes to give to riders to mail their not fully-used MetroCards back to the MTA for a pro-rated reimbursement that were quickly snatched up, adding to the chaos. The Post says there wasn't even a sign up letting riders know that their old cards wouldn't work. While a NYCT spokesman has already apologized to riders, one commuter told the paper, "I'm hot, frustrated, and they should have honored the old cards. This is bull." No word on if he was crying while quoted.

The MTA may be getting a bailout, but that also comes with some cutbacks in other areas. As in, say goodbye to your station agent (200 will be eliminated). The NYC Comptroller's office declares, "Station agents are the eyes and ears of the subway system. By their very presence, they reduce the likelihood of fare-beating, vandalism, assaults and more serious crime. They help riders and make the subways easier to navigate." So when you see something, will you be able to say something? See how many positions were eliminated at your local stop, with this website from the Comptroller's office. Will you feel less safe without one on duty?

This morning, the MTA board met and passed Albany's proposed fare hikes and toll increases. Commuter rail fares will begin to increase on June 17; fares on subways and buses will change on June 28; bridge and tunnel tolls will increase on July 12. Fares are rising an average of 10%.