Hypothetical Question & Answer
December 7, 2007 – 10:27 am
Question for the MTA: Let’s just say, hypothetically, that two subway trains pull into the station at the same time, on the same platform - one on the express track, one on the local track. Let’s also assume that just beyond this station, the express trains have to switch to the local track to continue travel. Wouldn’t it make sense, hypothetically, to announce which train will be leaving the station first? That way, passengers could cross the platform to board the train that will get them to their destination more quickly, rather than sitting on a train that will be stuck in that station for 10 minutes because of track congestion up ahead.
Answer from the MTA: Hypothetically? No. Our priority isn’t getting passengers to their destinations more quickly. Our priority is getting people stuck under the East River for two hours during rush hour, and adding 24 new levels of bureaucracy to our organization. But thanks for asking!
2 Responses
Sometimes they wait AND announce. At least the 1/2/3 does.
I LOVE THE 1/2/3! But especially the 1.
By irina on Dec 7, 2007
yeah, that sounds about right. It took me an hour and a 1/2 to get from midtown to the upper east side because one train was delayed and the 3 trains behind it were too full to take any new riders on it. Oh- and then one came by where the car in front of me was empty but the doors wouldn’t open. What is that? Oh, right: the 6 train.
By Jayne on Dec 11, 2007