Subway Fare Is Fair Vs. Foreign Comparisons

When transit prices are compared on a global scale, New York commuters don’t seem like they’re being taken for too much of a ride. For example, a comparable distance ride in London costs $8.00, Toronto $2.23, Paris $2.33, Berlin $2.66 and Montreal $2.23. In Chicago, a ride goes for $2.25 whereas tripping in Los Angeles costs only $1.25. In general New Yorkers may be unhappy about rising transit fares but we know it’s unavoidable… to an extent. Let’s be assured and then reassured, that the MTA is doing all it can to eliminate financial waste, first! Officials must make prudent economic decisions for the future before going into the rider’s pockets again. Doubting that will happen, expect the next fare hike by 2011.

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Pedal Pushing Forward

A new report claims that thousands more New Yorkers are cycling to work instead of using mass transit. Cyclists account for less than 1% of total NYC commuters now, but that number is expected to grow. In tough financial times, biking helps many make ends meet. Despite the obvious monetary and health benefits, many potential bike riders remain concerned about dangerous vehicle traffic and the shortage of safe bicycle parking places. The city is responding by painting new bike lanes on many thoroughfares. Much more must be done though to encourage home-to-work bike riding.

[This is a copyrighted editorial, originally published on http://www.NEWYORKCITYonline.com/NYC-Online/blog.php. We invite you to post your comments! Note: This piece may be duplicated or printed with permission.]

MTA Busing In Digital Ad Future

Commercials for commuters and communities. That’s what the MTA is testing in Manhattan with huge digital screens on the sides of buses on the M23 route. If they're pleased with the results, screens will be installed on at least 200 buses early next year. Titan Worldwide has a 10-year contract with NYC for this advertising. Using GPS technology, they transmit different ads based on each bus' location. In this way, they target ads to a specific market which should deliver better results for the advertiser. The screens may also be used to broadcast news bulletins or "missing child" alerts. Outdoor advertising is undergoing a digital transformation. The MTA is looking to boost passenger fares with more advertising. This year, their advertising revenue is expected to hit $125 million. In an effort to make more and more money, expect to see ads in more and more places. In our "captive consumer society," sellers will always look for innovative ways to bring ads to us, rather than wait for us to stumble across those ads. If money can be made working for the seller, expect the seller to have a vehicle (in this case a New York City bus) to get their message out to the public.

MTA Ride Is Up For Commuters

A new pilot project from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority brings an old idea back to New York City. The double-decker bus is making its return debut in Manhattan, running up and down First and Second Avenues between South Ferry and Harlem. Aside from sight-seeing buses for tourists, NYC residents haven’t seen a two-deck city bus in service here since 1976. To many on the streets, they’re a welcome and compelling sight. These buses fit more people and cost less to run and maintain. 81 commuters can find seats on this new bus compared to 64 on the "accordion" buses. They run on super- low-sulphur diesel fuel. With a price tag of $650,000, they’re also $250,000 cheaper than accordion buses. It’s time to trim the trees around NYC and "put the accordions on eBay." If the tests go well, the MTA has a winner here.

MTA Perv Posters To Be Posted

New York City's female commuters have been under attack, underground. 10% claim sexual abuse when using mass transit while an astounding 63% report being sexually harassed. Ever responsive to the immediate needs of transit riders, NYC Transit will put up signs to combat this indecency! These signs state that “sexual harassment” is a crime. Victims will be encouraged to report incidents whenever they occur. That's the MTA's response. Our subways shouldn’t be a Coney Island amusement park, "tunnel of love" for low-lives. I think more undercover cops and stiffer court sentences might reduce the problem. How about "lifetime bans" for convicted touchers from taking trains or buses with mandatory jail time if they're ever found on board? The MTA’s solution is a sad sign of our times. The poster-writing is on the wall.