Now, I understand that the MTA may be experiencing the same negative effects of the crippled economy that most other businesses are feeling, but the MTA isn't like most other businesses. They have a monopoly on the service they provide; I don't see any private companies drilling holes in the ground to create their own subway network. Because of this, I can't help but feel like they are bullying their customers into paying higher prices, simply because they can, and they can especially justify these fare hikes during an economic crisis.
But why the hell should service be reduced? Shouldn't the point of these fare hikes be that the quality, or lack thereof, of service remain the same, or--heaven forbid--improve? Are we to believe that, with 8.5 million riders a day, a 50 cent increase in single ride fares and a $22 increase in Unlimited MetroCards will not be enough to maintain services, and to help save the jobs of most transit workers? No. We are not. Therefore, the MTA blows.
Naturally, I have suggestions for the MTA to not blow. Especially since our wallets are going to be eviscerated by them:
1. When a train is delayed, please do not address the customers as if it is their fault.
"DUE TO NECESSARY TRACK WORK, THIS MANHATTAN-BOUND F TRAIN IS NOW RUNNING ON THE METRO NORTH LINE. PLEASE BE PATIENT!!!!!!!"
2. Please do not waste any funding on any gimmicks that nobody gives a fuck about, such as "The MTA Cares About Art!!!" Nobody cares that someone has reproduced a Monet painting on a subway station wall. At least, a well-adjusted person wouldn't care. People DO care that your station smells like shit. There is no need to "culture-ize" a subway station; there is plenty of culture above ground in New York. I just want to get from Point A to Point B, and on weekends, possibly point C. (I know, I know, not my line)
3. The sick passenger. Find a way to deal with him faster. You know that collective groan when the conductor announces that there is a sick passenger on board? That's because the other passengers know it will be at least 40 minutes until the train moves again. If the passenger was truly sick enough for the train to be stopped, then he or she should be dead in the time the MTA takes to get that person help. Just ALERT the next station, MOVE there, have EMTs get him off the train as quickly as possible, and move on!
Seriously, that's a big one, especially during rush hour. Employers are naturally skeptical, and the "sick passenger on the train" will always sound like a lie, no matter how truthful it is, because it's an airtight excuse. We have to much to worry about once we are at work; the MTA doesn't need to give us reasons to worry about the ride to work.
4. I hope they have increased their fares for sponsors in the same way they have for their customers. If you have to boot the "Learn English - Make Friends!!!" ads, then so be it...the logic of that statement is flawed, anyway. And Dr. Jonathan Zizmor will just have to be like other doctors and NOT ADVERTISE ON A FUCKING TRAIN!!!"
That is all for now. So, MTA President Elliot Sander, when you read this, please strongly consider the above four suggestions...let's just call them the "Fantastic Four."
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