Support Subway Rescue Plan So Commuters Can Get To Work: Rockland Legislature Chairman

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – County Legislature Chairman Toney L. Earl is calling for action when it comes to addressing the ongoing MTA subway delays and service interruptions in New York City.

“It is past time for these problems to be dealt with so that hardworking commuters can get back and forth to their jobs without experiencing this ridiculous level of misery,” Earl said in a press release. “This situation is affecting many Rockland County commuters and it’s unacceptable.

“A modern and effective subway system is critical to the strength and growth of our economy. The current state of the subway is not satisfactory and needs immediate action to be repaired and modernized. Joe Lhota’s plan for the subway will ensure that our communities receive the quality of service they need and deserve. I look forward to working with leaders across the downstate region and the entire state to provide a high-quality, modern, and efficient system.”

Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Joseph J. Lhota has announced an action plan for the problem-plagued subway system. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has pledged $1 billion in additional funding for the MTA's capital plan. Lhota has asked New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to cover the other half, and Earl is concerned that the mayor appears to be balking.

SEE ALSO:

• The MTA Will Rip Out Subway Seats To Pack More Passengers Into Overcrowded Cars
• 'I’m Afraid To Ride The Subway': Commuters Slam Service At MTA Board Meeting
• Mayor Demands New York State Return $450M Taken From MTA
• Cuomo Declares State Of Emergency For MTA

Earl said the subway issues – overcrowding, signal problems and other issues that have now led to routine delays for riders – requires leadership and action and he encouraged support for the rescue plan.

More than 6,400 Rockland County residents use public transportation to commute into New York City daily, including nearly 6,000 into Manhattan, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2009-2013 American Community Survey. Once they arrive in the city, many take the subway to their offices, said Earl, a former Health & Safety Director for the NYC Transport Workers Union.

“This cannot wait,” Earl said. “The longer we delay implementing solutions, the worse the problems are going to grow. Among other actions, the rescue plan puts more workers on the job, steps up maintenance of subway cars, and repairs signals that aren’t working as they should be. It is a positive – and necessary – step. I urge full support of the plan.”

We can’t fix Penn Station or update the subway’s signal systems. But we can give voice to your frustration, hold those in charge accountable and find creative ways to make commuting more pleasant: #WeTheCommuters. Patch is partnering with WNYC and Gothamist to do just that. Join "We the Commuters" and you’ll receive tips, inspiration and a megaphone for your voice this summer.

Lead photo by Jenna Uliano/Twitter