One of the most iconic transport systems in the world is the NY City subway system. It has been a staple for centuries, but its age its starting to show and not in a good way. The system is antiquated and has not had a proper overhaul in decades, making it have frequent delays, a general sense of decay and uncleanliness and an overall sense of insecurity.
And it is not just outsiders that can see the effect age has had on the system, daily commuters are the ones that have to deal with the majority of the problems that the subway presents and they are unhappy. Although the price is not exactly cheap, it is competitive, and for those who use it, it most certainly makes travelling around the city cheaper and faster than any other option, for now. But this comes at a cost, there is little surplus left over to make the vast improvements that it needs.
How to fix the NY City subway
Governor Kathy Hochul is up to the task. Knowing how important the subway system is not just for the city, but to the state, coalitions in the state are urging both her and other state legislators to include in the next budget a $68 billion earmarked amount in order to revamp the system.
The plan is comprehensive and has been drafted by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); it has been called 2025-2029 Capital Plan. It is a comprehensive plan to solve all the issues that plague the subway system, but for now, it only exists in theory as there is no funding to make it a reality.
According to the plan, the bulk of the funding, more than $11 billion, is expected to go toward financing 1,500 new subway cars and 500 new train cars, replacing those that have been in operation since the 1980s. The plan also includes investing $5.4 billion in signal improvements for Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC), which allows trains to run faster and closer together.
Some of the other priorities include installing at least 120 kilometers of modern signals on the Broadway Line (NRQW), the Liberty Avenue and Rockaway Lines (AS), and the Nassau Street Line (JZ) to improve service reliability and frequency as well as modernizing shops and rail yards, including the 100-year-old Livonia Shop, to accommodate the new rolling stock and speed up repair times.
State Senator Andrew Gounardes is one of the many loud voices advocating for subway reform, with a statement released at the beginning of the year explaining his take on the much needed overhaul.
“It really cannot be overstated: the subway is the lifeblood of New York City. Even though traveling by transit is still the safest, best way to get around, recent high-profile incidents understandably have many New Yorkers feeling uneasy. Everyone deserves to feel safe while they travel. It’s time for us to have a renewed focus on subway safety, including by ensuring New Yorkers suffering from homelessness and mental illness get the support they need.
Three years ago, I called for improved lighting in subway stations, as well as the opening of crisis intervention centers directly in key stations, with appropriate staff to offer direct assistance to those in need right away. These important proposals were echoed by the governor in her speech today. We also need to invest in modern fare gates to stop fare evasion, platform barriers to prevent people from being pushed onto the tracks, and long-term compassionate care for those suffering from mental illness.
The start of congestion pricing represents a unique opportunity. If we want New Yorkers to shift away from private cars, we owe it to them to offer a world-class public transit system that’s reliable, accessible, and most importantly: safe. But this opportunity won’t last forever. The time to act is now.”