On Track for A Safer Subway System
Good morning, I’m Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, PCAC. The times they are a changin’. Phil, we’ll miss you at the helm of the LIRR. You’ve driven the train from worst to first – OTP, that is – and commuters and weekend warriors alike thank you for all your efforts. Did you know there is even a song entitled, The Long Island Rail Road Song? I’ll spare you. Cathy, welcome aboard in your new, dual capacity. We know that riders come first to you as well, and your passengers from Wassaic to Montauk will benefit from your experience at both railroads.
Changes are coming underground too. This week’s roll-out of the collaborative Subway Safety Plan will go a long way toward solving the safety concerns straphangers have; real fears that are the result of increases in crime – highlighted by the horrific murder of Michelle Go – and a sense of disorder in the system.
While we’re glad platform doors are being tested, we don’t believe they’re the answer system-wide, as they come with their own set of issues: with so many different kinds of rolling stock, alignment with cars would be very difficult; there would be accessibility issues on some platforms and not enough clearance on others; they tend to be heavy and could require major station renovations; if they go out of service, so does the entire platform – and we know that some New Yorkers like to “hold” doors for other people. But platform doors could be part of a solution to a problem that has many sides, and the MTA needs to use every tool available to keep riders safe – and help them feel safer – so they return. Without riders, the fiscal cliff will only become steeper, and the red ink, deeper.
We’re looking forward to hearing more about the Track Intrusion Detection task force findings and next steps for improving the safety of the system itself, as well as the people who get on the tracks. These will be costly projects and point again to the importance of congestion pricing to fund the capital program. With the Subway Safety Plan’s holistic approach and every avenue being explored, we have faith that a safer transit system is within reach. Thank you.