Despite continued rider frustration and complaints, New York City Transit claims that the subway system is getting better.
Major incidents are down 11.7 percent since a subway action plan was introduced in 2017. Trains are breaking down less frequently and subways are on-time 68 percent of the time, which is up from 65 percent. The agency said it’s also inspected more than 11,000 signals and have fixed 1,300 defects.
“We are turning the corner where we need to turn it, but there is no panacea. You don't just click your fingers and undo decades of under investment,” NYC Transit President Andy Byford said.
The MTA continues to push for a $37 billion plan that would significantly improve the subway system and speed up repairs. However, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio remain at odds over how to pay for it.
De Blasio wants to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers to fund the needed repairs. Cuomo has proposed a congestion pricing plan, which would charge drivers traveling through specific areas of Manhattan during peak times. So far, neither plan has gained significant traction.
Photo Credit: Getty Images