We're back...
So...after nearly five years away, I have decided that Rail Ravings needs to be revived. Maybe it's the new commute on the commuter rail, or maybe just a bunch of pent up frustration. Whatever the reason, stay tuned...there are years of stories to tell. Oh, and the Android app will make it even easier to post so you can hear all about my trip to work. Oh crap, almost missed my stop...
Bad Fiscal Management...Tax the Consumer
Well, since we are in a financial crisis and people are losing their homes and jobs let's raise taxes and make more tolls!!! The MTA is deciding to
put tolls on the East River crossings. Since the MTA has been losing money due to fiscal irresponsibilty for years they figure let's charge the hardworking public ti make up for our ineptitude. I am sure the state and city is going to start to start increasing welfare benefits and increase taxes on the upper middle class, so why not
spread the wealth around some more. We already know Barack is going to do this.
Airline Finds Way to Make Cabin Even More Crowded
Due to rising fuel costs,
American Airlines has decided to start
charging passengers for their checked luggage...even the first piece. What is this going to do?...this is going to encourage even more people to carry-on even more luggage. You already have the idiots who carry-on their huge rollie bag and in addition to their "personal item" thus taking up all the space preventing the people carrying on a small tote from having any room to stow it. That is why I don't fly American...this and the JFK incident.
METRO FARES TO DECREASE!
FROM THE DC/MD/VA METRO...with the conviction of former transit supervisor who stole more than $560,000 and the seizure of over $75,000 METRO has reqalized it no longer needs to raise fares. The money from the seizure and the fact they will no longer lose $12,000 a month from this stealing b**** will be more than enough to lower fares by 2 cents were ride.
Ok, just kidding...but I am struck by the investigative journalism of the
Washington Post...the story reads:
Catoe said the agency has not identified a particular motive in the theft.
"We received no comments from anyone that these monies were needed," he
said.
"This was just a case of an employee who stole money from the public."
Well, if you look up the page you'll see the motive for this woman who makes $48,000 a year:
Prosecutors said today in court that Anderson used the money to make down payments on two homes, one in the District and one in Silver Spring, purchase a Nissan Pathfinder and pay $37,000 for a BMW, laptops and home furnishings.
Ever wonder why...
Ever wondered "why is there carpeting in the Metro?" Well,
Metro officials are wondering the same thing. Most subways have tile of linoneum floors making it easier to sweep, mop, wipe, clean, them. WMATA is
considering changing it's floors accroding to the
dcist.
Don't Forget to Vote
Skateboards are transportation too...while you are enjoying your $9 Metro funpass on April 17, one lucky New York youngster will be enjoying the glory having designed the official
Papal Visit Skateboard. Don't forget to
vote for your favorite. Voting ends at 12:01 am on April 12th, so hurry.
The new "Pope-Mobile"?
FROM THE METRO...it appears
WMATA is at it again, this time with a "
controversial" web ad promoting the $9
Metrocard to
commemorate the Pope's visit to America. Following the rave of the "
Peeps" ad, Metro decided to depict the Pope (by way of
Benedict XVI bobble head) going Mass at National Field via the Metro. Good times.
STRRIIIIIIIKE 1!
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY...I thought I saw it all, but this morning at the Essex Street station I saw a man in full catcher's gear--no it wasn't Jorge Posada or Paul LoDuca (or even Kelly Stignet or Sal Fassano)--it was just some old dude wearing catcher's gear. He was sitting on a bench chilling wearing two black shin guards and a black chest protector. The man was a little disheveled and clearly homeless; but he had on a nice set of gear.
Doesn't that loud piercing sound bother you???
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY...the MTA recently put up
large red signs and red tape on the emergency exit/service doors that are present at every subway entrance. These doors either serve as service entrances when a station agent is on duty (for handicapped persons or mothers pushing baby strollers) or as emergency exits (for unmanned stations). When the MTA put up the red signs they also installed loud piercing sirens on the doors. The siren goes off when a customer pushes the door open instead of a station agent remotely unlocking the door. The stated reason for the alarm is to alert MTA employees when there is an emergency and when someone is exiting--due to an emergent situation. You could also assume the sirens are in place to deter people from using the exits in cases of non-emergency. Well, do you think that stops people? Particularly at the Canal Street station people push through the door (and activate the loud, annoying, piercing alarm) rather than use the force to push through the exit turnstile. People have become so inconsiderate to their fellow riders that some stations have disabled the alarm because it goes off so often. The obvious solution is not to turn off the alarms, but to not use the gates unless it is an emergency or it is opened for you by a police officer or an MTA employee.
Turnstile Turbostyle
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY...get ready for the
Turnstile Turbostyle starring Tiki Barber. Citibank customers can now use their PayPass to "zip" through subway turnstiles. Sounds fun.
THE 100TH POSTING ON RAILRAVINGS
THE 100TH POSTING ON RAILRAVINGS...We would like to thank all of our loyal readers and commentors through the years. We will be hosting a celebration sometime this summer to thank our loyal bloggers and bloggettes.FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY..."starting at fullback, number 44, NYJUSTICE"...when I was preparing to exit the train today at the Delancy/Essex Streets station to transfer for a downtown JMZ train, I noticed the woman sitting in the row of seats next to me preparing to detrain as well. I was about 10-15 feet from the train doors, but there were at least a dozen people standing in between me and the door. As the door opened and I began to move towards the door, I felt this woman's hand grabbing my shirt and pushing me into the crowd towards the open door. She was holding on to me for dear life. I was saying excuse me (should have said "excuse us") to the people in front of me (the O-Line) and they were slowly parting for me and my running back. As we inched towards the door and a stream of people were exiting in front of
us I felt her again grab hold, just like a running back would grab his fullback and push through on a HB dive play. Well, we made it safely through the hole and to the endzone. However, there were no highfives or chest bumps. I walked modestly up the stairs to the JMZ platform knowing I had done by deed as the unsung hero of the backfield. To fullbacks everywhere--your duties do not go unnoticed, we salute you.
A Local Shout-out
FROM NEW YORK CITY...this picture accompanied a
Reuters new story about hurricanes in New York City. The red building is St. Mary's Star of the Sea R.C. Church in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. The F train is travellng between the Carroll Street stop and the Smith-Ninth Streets station (the highest station in the MTA New York City Transit system.
A disappointing turnout...?
From my perch high above the Tombs, it appears that the numbers are kinda low for poor Roger. The march was on the sidewalk...they didn't even have enough people to march in the street. More to come later...
http://www.1010wins.com/pages/28476.php
Jail
FROM THE NYC SUBWAY...
Toussaint goes to jail. Sevres him right. Today they argue that the judge can't fine the TWU 100 because the union can't afford it. Could millions of New Yorkers afford missing three days of work or having to spend 4 hours commuting to/from work back in December?
Subway...tastes great
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY...ever wonder if there were more subway restaurants or subway stations in Manhattan? Wonder no more.
click here to learn the answer.
Port Controversy
SORT OF ABOUT TRANSPORTATION...the entire UAE Port Controversy thing is far too complicated for me, particularly because nobody has all the facts. I not have heard one comprehensive story about it yet. However, I think it is telling that
DP World's vice president's name is
Michael Moore.
Toussaint Needs to Be Jailed
TWU President Roger Tousaaint needs to go to jail. He, and he alone, caused the major shutdown of New York City just days before Christmas. Read the story of
Matthew Long and his mother's attempts to throw this dirtbag in jail. If Matthew had been on duty and her husband wasn't the Conservative Party Chairman, Mrs. Long might have the support of all New Yorkers. Hopefully people will take her efforts seriously and there will be more support to throw this guy in jail.
Christmas in New York 2005
Passed on by a special reader...
'Twas five days before Christmas and all through the town; Not a train wasup running, they'd all been shut down.
The turnstiles were locked and the stations were cleared, in hopes that the MTA would give them their share.
The workers were nestled all snug in their booths; Where oft they're foundsleeping, to tell you the truth.
Toussaint wants their pensions to be like the cops' - you know, 'cause it'sstressful announcing each stop.
Alas, from the public arose such a clatter, Their leader seems not to have thought out the matter.
With shoppers not shopping and travel delayed, public support dwindled, NewYorkers' nerves frayed.
You dumb, lazy morons! The people did cry. Pensions the same as the FDNY?It'll cost us a fortune, illiterate twits!The people weren't happy. In fact, they threw fits.
There's strength in a union, or so they believed but not before Christmas -now everyone's peeved. It's terrible timing for stranding the masses; If Reagan were here he'd havefired your asses.
Separated at Birth?
International TWU urged TWU 100 Not to Strike!!!
STRIKE UPDATE...it seems the International TWU
urged the local union NOT to stirke. Also, a judge is broken is imposing a $1,000,000 a day fine on TWU 100 for vioalting the Taylor Law.
NYJUSTICE'S PREDICTION: Strike ends tonight at 830 PM. The TWU 100 got its point across (and in fact only angered people rather than cause sympathy) and can't oafford the $1 million a day fine. Besides Toussaint is afraid of being held in contempt and spending some time in Rikers.
Why the transit strike is aiding the terrorists.
STRIKE UPDATE...it is nearly impossible to "close down" the New York City subway. It is designed to operate 24 hours a day/365 days a year. Many areas do not contain locked doors (Q: Why does a 24-hour 7-11 have locks on the door? A: In case the slurpie guys go on strike.) The NYPD is concerned that this is a perfect time for terrorists to sabotage the system. If something happens, who is to blame?
Toussaint , where did they find this guy?
Has Roger Toussaint worked a day in his life? Does he have any idea what he is doing? Are you telling me of all the transit workers, past and present, and anyone else cut out to be a union president, this is the guy they found? I think if the TWU had a better president then they would have gained more respect from the public.
Proof that the TWU 100 is broken: apparently their
website crashed during the strike. See the Dec. 2oth post.
MTA YOU HAVE TO PAY, MTA WE WANT IT OUR WAY.
TWU 100 Strikes...the TWU 100 better have enough money to not only pay tjhe fines that the 33,000 transit workers will be paying the state, but also to pay for all of the lost revenue to the city and to businesses, to pay the police overtime, and to pay for the PSAs and press releases the City has put out. But most importantly, to pay the citizens of this city for Metro-North and LIRR tickets, increased cab fares, thera-flu and doctors bills, gasoline, and parking fees. I suggest everyone KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS and send them to TWU 100 president Roger Toussaint and ask him to pay.
STRIKE WATCH
Will TWU 100 go all the way at midnight?...I doubt it. They took the easy way out. These
workers are not covered by the
Taylor Law.
HO HO HO
Photo of the day.
STRIKE WATCH
UPDATE...no strike yet...more to come soon
Guess who has a blog on blogspot???
TWU Local 100 Check out all of the angry comments.
STRIKE WATCH
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY...the MTA has also listed its contingency plan. It also posted the injuctions prohibiting the TWU from striking. Stay tuned to Railravings for up to date info. Follow the news stories on 1010 Wins.
So, how are you going to get to work on Friday?
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY...as most of you know the TWU's contract runs out at midnight on Friday. That may leave over 7 million people without a way to get to work. But, have no fear, the City of New York (which is not a party to the negoiations) has come up with a
contingency plan. Good luck and don't be late on Friday; there is no excuse, we all knew about the possibility of a strike for several weeks. BE
PLANBDEXTRIOUS!
What's up G?
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY...everything you ever wanted to know about the G train courtesy of the
New York Times.
How do YOU feel about the new subway regulations?
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY...our first READERS FORUM...yesterday the MTA announced five new "
shalt nots" for the subway and buses. Some of them make sense, others are just downright crazy. review the new rules and let us know how you feel about the new regs. Are you going to obey them or are you going to say #$%! the new rules.
Free Press!!!
FROM THE WASHINGTON POST EXPRESS...
Rail Ravings got it's first shout out today in the free commuter tabloid
Express published by the
Washington Post. The
Express has a daily feature entitled "The Blog Log." The
October 21, 2005 edition features a quote from Redline's submition "Stu-pid" on page 45 The
Express earned itself a link in our links section.
How to get to the World Series
Congratulations to the Chicago White Sox on becoming the American League Champions. Here is a
quick guide to get you to the
New Comiskey Park (US Cellular Field).
Update--iPod Map Guy in Trouble
An update on a post left a few months ago by
red line. Red line told us about a website that offers FREE subway maps to download onto your iPod photo. It seems that the MTA has filed a
cease and desist order against the
website. It appears that the NYC Transit map is copyrighted. Apparently no one is allowed to find their way around without express written consent of the MTA. Now this seems a little strange since the subway map is FREE and is available just about everywhere and anywhere (including on the
mta.info web page.) The website is attempting to raise the $500 required for a 1-year license, but since it gives the maps away for free it is having a hard time raising the money.
The MTA is very protective of its licenses and copyrights. A neat little bagel shop opened up on Smith and 9th Streets in Brooklyn a few months ago. The shop, F Line Bagels, is located underneath the F train line in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. The
bagel shop is set up like a subway station with tiled walls and old subway station signs. The MTA
threatened to sue them as well. However, after a local campaign in support of the shop, and the fact that the owners alerted the MTA that they had purchased the subway memorabilia from the MTA website and at MTA auctions, the MTA seemed to back down a bit.
Watch out--New Subway Rules
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY...the MTA announced new rules for the subway and also to enforce some old existing rules. These are rules that effect the every day rider, not just perps and skels. Some of them make all the sense in the world; some of them are pretty stupid.
$25 fine--"the non-alcoholic beverage rule." riders cannot have beverages on the subway trains (however, they decided not to extend the ban to the subway platform.)
$75 fine--passengers cannot pass between cars in the train. Law enforcement will have the discretion to not ticket riders who are fleeing threatening passengers.
$50 fine--for putting feet on bus, subway, or platform seats. This includes putting baggage on a seat in a crowded bus or subway.
Discuss.
Some People Just Don't Get It...
FROM O'HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT...on a recent trip from Chicago to New York I saw something that caught my eye. Remember right after 9/11 when the newly formed TSA wouldn't allow old ladies to carry knitting needles and nail clippers into the airport? The TSA and DHS have been able to evaluate their search criteria and have streamlined the list of prohibited items, which is a plus. Cigarette lighters are forbidden but chopsticks are not. We still have to take off our shoes though (???). After I successfully made it through security--and was putting my shoes back on--I noticed a TSA employee (complete with latex gloves) going through a little travel bag inspecting each piece inside of it. The passenger, who looked annoyed, was bringing a 100-piece manicure, pedicure, hairstyling, acupuncture, surgical kit onto the airplane. The TSA employee was inspecting each piece (and I saw him look at at least 9 pairs of scissors) and putting them back into the bag. I am not sure which surprised me more--the fact that this idiot was trying to bring this kit of 100 sharp objects on the plane (enough to distribute to the entire cabin to use to overtake the plane from the crew) or that the TSA was allowing him to bring these ON the plane!!!
Maybe our security has become too lax?
Metro v. Subway
submitted by a very special reader...
click here
"Random" bag searches
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY...I experienced my first two random bag search checkpoints the other day. The first was at my home station during the morning commute. At first I found it odd that the police would be checking bags in my beloved little quiet neighborhood, but then I realized, if I was a terrorist I would go to a nice, quiet, small station to begin my journey of terror. Anyways, I did not get stopped.
Later that evening I was entering the train entrance at the Canal Street station when I realized I was walking into another random bag checkpoint. I was on the way to an inter-bureau softball game and I was chosen to carry the equipment bag. The bag was about 4.5 feet long and two feet wide. It weighed about 40 pounds. It was huge!!! As I walked into the station I knew I was going to be stopped. But, nope, I walked right in. I must not have been the requisite numbered person carrying very large baseball equipment bags into the subway...or I just didn't meet the profile, oops did I say profile.
"Man, if I had known I would have beat his ass."
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY...on my way home from work the other day I witnessed a near incident. When the F train pulled into the Delancy/Essex Streets station it was unusually crowded, even for a PM rushhour. I got in the train at the second set of doors. To my left, near the first set of doors, I could hear some yelling and what appeared to be a small scuffle. Keep in mind the train was packed. "Just someone trying to push their way off of the train," I thought to myself, "just look down and ignore it." But it continued, and I became curious. The shouting was getting louder and it was coming from more than one person now. I looked over to see a tall Asian man in his mid-20s who looked pissed (and annoyed) and was swinging at someone/something. Then I noticed a very perppie looking short guy trying to squirm his way out of the train, get violently pushed, and then walk down the platform, just as the doors closed and the train began to move.
"He was trying to take your wallet."
"That dude was gonna rob you."
"Yes, Yes, I saw him."
"What was he doing? Oh my."
"He had your wallet, I saw him. You stopped him."
I could hear all of this coming from the near end of the train. The victim was silent and still looked annoyed and pissed. And then I heard a middle-aged black woman who was about 8 feet from the victim say, rather loudly, "He was trying to pickpocket you? Man, I wish I saw him. I wish he was still here. Man, if I had known I would have beat his ass."
Sometimes civilian mobs may be the best form of crime prevention.
The 6 Wins Again
The
Straphangers Campaign, a subway-consumer activist group, released its annual "State of the Subway" report. The group compiles statistics given to it by the MTA and ranks the subways lines on a number of different categories, such as regularity of service, breakdowns, getting a seat, cleanliness, etc. Check out the New York Post's coverage of the report and the MTA's reactions
here.
And yes, the staff attorney for the Straphangers Campaign is always in a hurry to get off to work.
"Highways just don't happen."
President Bush signed the Highway's Bill today. The bill also gives money to train and bus systems.
If I were in charge...
One of the reasons for this blog is the authors' respect for the smooth operation of the very complicated transit systems in
NY and
DC. The over 106 miles of track and 86 station in the DC area and the 840 miles of track and 468 stations in New York City are truly a remarkable feat and usually run very efficiently. However, there are always those little things that make me wonder..."What are these idiots thinking." That is when I am full of ideas for the MTA.
Last Saturday night I was trying to get from downtown Brooklyn to the Upper East Side. I decided to walk to the Borough Hall Station. One of the two central hubs in Brooklyn (8 trains stop there). I wanted to take one of the two Lexington Avenue express trains that stop at the station. As I approached the turnstile a hand-written sign read : No 4 or 5 Service. I had to walk about 50 feet to a big wall with a bunch of red and white paper signs marked: Service Advisories on it. I found the one that said "No 4 service between Brooklyn Bridge and Franklin Ave" and looked to see my alternative to getting to the UES. It said to take the J to Chambers Street. Now, I don't frequent the Borough Hall station that often, but I know that the J train does NOT go into Brooklyn. But, I followed the red and white paper signs pointing me to the J train. I walked past the 4, 5 platform--no trains running; the 2,3 platform--no trains running and eventually entered the Court Street station (which is connected underground to the Borough Hall station) and waited for the J train. When it finally came I got on and exited at Chambers Street like the paper signs instructed and went to the 4,5,6 platform. And to my surprise a 4 train came rolling down the
local track. Do I take it, do I wait for an express 4? I quickly looked for a red and white paper sign to instruct me. None. I got on. I least I would be going in the right direction and could always transfer to an express train if we met one. Well, that never happened. The 4 trains were running local. I found out when my 4 train passed 14th Street-Union Square. There were red and white paper signs stating there was no 4 express service.
Now, what would I have done if I were in charge for the day? First, I wouldn't have been doing construction on every single train line on the same day. Second, why was the "J train" the alternative to the 4 when it could have been the M train--since it runs there anyway. Why confuse people. Third, why not call the 4 local train the 6 train? If it looks like a 6, stops like a 6 and runs on the 6 track, it must be a duck, I mean 6.
Now, I am sure there is a good reason for all of that, but it is just not apparent to me.
And the winner is...
Caroline from Morningide Heights. The 2004
Ms. Subway. Read all about her and what she is doing for YOU.
Random bag searches
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY...for the past few weeks the New York City Police Department has been randomly searching passengers entering the subway system. These searches take place inside the station, but outside of the turnstiles. The police allow any one who doesn't want to be searched to not be searched, but they are also not allowed to enter the subway system. The New York Civil Liberties Union has filed a federal
lawsuit against the NYPD saying that the searches violate people's civil rights. The suit says that "the bag searches were almost useless in stopping would-be bombers, and therefore violated the Fourth and 14th Amendments allowing innocent people to move around the public streets without police searches." There are a few things wrong with that statement. First, the usefulness of the searches should not determine whether or not one's civil rights are being violated. Second, the subway system is not exactly a "public street." Have these people been in an airport in the last 30 years? We can save the constitutional rights arguments for a later date (like in the comments) but I heard an interesting alternative solution to the problem. If you do not want to be searched, fine, but you have to sit in the last two train cars. The last two train cars on each train would be designated as the cars in which "NYCLU Security techniques" have been used tp protect against terrorism. Let's see how many people decide to use those cars. I bet they will be empty.
You know you are on the New York City subway when...(#2)
you have just finished playing a soccer game in 95 degree heat and you reak to high heaven, but you are not the most foul-smelling person on the train.
You know you are on the New York City subway when...(#1)
...you are reading an advertisement in the train that appears in 14 languages, none of which are in your native tongue--English.
The time is now 8:37, Twenty-three minutes to Nine...
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY: Every rider of public transportation has had one time or another when they are not sure where to get off the train, bus, etc. Usually, (hopefully) this occurs when you are taking a different train line than usual, when you are going beyond your regular route, or you are not sure if the express train makes a certain stop. It is these times when you hope that you are in a car with a working PA system and more importantly, that you are in a train with a conductor who speaks clearly, speaks English, and announces the upcoming stops efficiently.
Well, it is unusual to get all four of those at one time (unless you are riding on one of the IRT's new "automated PA" cars.) But when you do get all of those at one time it is especially enlightening when you also get a charismatic conductor. You know the type. The one who wishes you a good morning or good weekend. The one who lists some of the attractions at the upcoming stop. Well, my favorite New York City conductor is the young man who conducts the Brooklyn to Queens F train weekday mornings that arrives at Jay Street/Borough Hall at 8:37 AM. Let's just say he takes great pride on getting commuters to their destinations on time and on helping them on their way after they have departed his train.
Every morning as the Manhattan bound F train approaches the Jay Street/Borough Hall station (a popular junction where the 6th Ave. F train connects to the 8th. Ave A and C trains) this hard-working conductor ensures his passengers know what time it is and lets them know if they need to pick it up a notch in order to get to work on time.
In a clear voice he says: THE NEXT STOP IS JAY STREET/BOROUGH HALL. TRANSFER POINT TO YOUR A AND C 8TH AVENUE TRAINS...LADIES AND GENTLEMAN THE TIME IS NOW 8:37. TWENTY-THREE MINUTES UNTIL NINE. TWENTY-THREE MINUTES UNTIL THE HOUR. ..8:37...THIS IS JAY STREET/BOROUGH HALL. THANK YOU FOR RIDING MTA NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT.
The first time I heard it I had to chuckle to myself and think, "wow, this man loves his job." If only every conductor took his or her duty to the train's passengers as seriously as the conductor on this F train, maybe the subway would be a brighter place.
FROM THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY...everything you ever wanted to know about the G train courtesy of the New York Times.
