Transit

Amtrak and NJ Transit service in NYC disrupted again

NJ Transit hall in Penn Station. Photo by Chris Rycroft on Flickr.

June 21, 2024

Amtrak and NJ Transit service in NYC disrupted again

By Aaron Ginsburg

It's been a rough week for Northeast Corridor commuters. New Jersey Transit and Amtrak service in and out of New York City was disrupted this morning for a third time this week. On Friday, a disabled train at Penn Station caused NJ Transit to suspend service and led to delays in Amtrak service. The delays came just hours after Amtrak suspended service on Thursday evening for over three hours due to power outages. Rail service on both lines was halted earlier in the week because of overhead wire issues and a disabled train on the tracks. As of this morning, Amtrak service is expected to resume by 1 p.m., with delays. Some NJ Transit trains were diverted to Hoboken.
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MTA stops work on Second Avenue Subway extension after congestion pricing delay

125th Street entrance. Rendering courtesy of the MTA

June 19, 2024

MTA stops work on Second Avenue Subway extension after congestion pricing delay

By Aaron Ginsburg

Work to extend the Second Avenue subway has stopped following Gov. Kathy Hochul's delay of New York City's congestion pricing program. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Tuesday announced that work on the transformative transit project, which would extend the Q line from its current endpoint at 96th Street to East Harlem at 125th Street, is now paused. The extension was one of the projects that would have been funded in part from congestion pricing revenue.
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Mosaics reflecting intimacy of NYC public life installed at Williamsburg subway station

Personal Choice #5 (2023) © Chloë Bass, NYCT Lorimer St Station. Commissioned by MTA Arts & Design. Photo: Nicholas Knight.

June 17, 2024

Mosaics reflecting intimacy of NYC public life installed at Williamsburg subway station

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority unveiled two new mosaics in a Williamsburg subway station that reflect on the human connections of language and touch experienced throughout New York City's diverse communities. Fabricated by Miotto Mosaic Art Studios, Jackie Chang's "Signs of Life" and Chloë Bass' "Personal Choice #5" were installed throughout the Metropolitan Avenue/ Lorimer Street station in conjunction with new accessibility upgrades, including new stairs and elevators.
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NYC transit advocates, officials consider legal action to resume congestion pricing

Pro-congestion pricing rally held outside of 1 Centre Street on June 12. Photo courtesy of New York City Comptroller on Flickr

June 13, 2024

NYC transit advocates, officials consider legal action to resume congestion pricing

By Devin Gannon

A coalition of legal experts and transit advocates is considering legal action to resume congestion pricing. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander on Wednesday announced plans to explore "all legal avenues" to restart the program, which Gov. Kathy Hochul shut down last week less than a month before it was scheduled to start. The coalition is made up of legal professionals and potential plaintiffs, including residents and business owners within the central business district, MTA board members, and New Yorkers with disabilities.
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MTA to ‘shrink’ capital budget after congestion pricing halted

Views of Kings Highway on the Culver F line. Photo courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

June 11, 2024

MTA to ‘shrink’ capital budget after congestion pricing halted

By Devin Gannon

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will "shrink" and "reprioritize" its capital budget after Gov. Kathy Hochul paused the congestion pricing program last week that would have brought in $1 billion annually for infrastructure projects. On Monday, MTA Chief Executive Janno Lieber said the agency will reorganize the 2020-2024 Capital Program to prioritize basic repair work to ensure the "system doesn't fall apart." The MTA will also work on preserving federal grants that helped fund projects like extending the Second Avenue subway into Harlem and examine how the gap in the capital program will impact the operating budget.
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Christopher Street subway station renamed in honor of Stonewall

Photo courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

June 6, 2024

Christopher Street subway station renamed in honor of Stonewall

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Christopher Street-Sheridan Square subway station in Greenwich Village was renamed in honor of the Stonewall National Monument. A bill sponsored by Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assembly Member Deborah Glick passed the New York State Senate earlier this month, directing the MTA to rename the station to "Christopher Street-Stonewall National Monument Station" to memorialize the site's crucial role in launching the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement. The unveiling on Friday marks the 55th anniversary of the historic uprising.
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The NYC transit projects affected by congestion pricing delay

Photo via Wikimedia

June 6, 2024

The NYC transit projects affected by congestion pricing delay

By Devin Gannon

With Gov. Kathy Hochul's last-minute decision to "indefinitely" pause the congestion pricing program, the MTA will lose out on an anticipated $15 billion in revenue. The governor's decision puts a huge gap in the agency's capital program, which planned to use proceeds from congestion pricing to make critical repairs and improvements to New York City's public transportation network. From making subway stations accessible and updating antiquated signaling to extending the Second Avenue Subway to East Harlem, several projects promised to improve the lives of millions of New Yorkers will now be delayed without dedicated funding.
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Hochul pauses congestion pricing plan ‘indefinitely’

Photo by Pranay Pareek on Unsplash

June 5, 2024

Hochul pauses congestion pricing plan ‘indefinitely’

By Aaron Ginsburg

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday officially paused New York City's congestion pricing program, just weeks before it was set to begin. According to Politico, the governor voiced concerns about how the program, which would have charged drivers $15 for entering Manhattan south of 60th Street starting June 30, might hurt Democrats in upcoming House races later this year. In a pre-taped video, Hochul said "circumstances have changed" since the program was approved in 2019 and cited the effects of the pandemic and high inflation on New Yorkers as reasoning behind halting congestion pricing "indefinitely."
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NYC will sell commemorative street signs every month

Photo (cropped) by DVSROSS on Flickr.

June 4, 2024

NYC will sell commemorative street signs every month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Here's a chance to hang an authentic piece of New York City on your wall. On Monday, the city's Department of Transportation launched the first monthly "sign drops," selling limited-edition, hand-made street signs from iconic corridors across the five boroughs. To celebrate the start of Pride Month, the first batch of signs featured Christopher Street/Stonewall Place and hit the NYC CityStore for $75 each. The signs sold out in under three hours, according to Gothamist.
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Transit

MTA rolls out 60 electric buses for Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island

Image courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

May 15, 2024

MTA rolls out 60 electric buses for Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island

By Aaron Ginsburg

Dozens of new all-electric buses will soon hit the road in Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday introduced a fleet of 60 electric buses that will operate on routes in neighborhoods most vulnerable to poor air quality, according to a press release. The buses are part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's goal of operating a 100 percent zero-emission bus fleet by 2040.
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Popular Articles

MTA releases Ice Spice MetroCards to celebrate Bronx rapper’s debut album

Image courtesy of the MTA on Flickr

May 13, 2024

MTA releases Ice Spice MetroCards to celebrate Bronx rapper’s debut album

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has released a limited-edition MetroCard featuring rapper, and Bronx-native, Ice Spice to celebrate her debut album "Y2K." In collaboration with Capital Records, the MTA has loaded MetroCard machines at four select stations in the Bronx and Manhattan with 50,000 limited edition cards featuring the "Munch" artist.
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NYC looks to install 500 secure bike parking facilities

All images courtesy of NYC DOT

May 10, 2024

NYC looks to install 500 secure bike parking facilities

By Aaron Ginsburg

The city is looking to build hundreds of free, secure bike parking locations across the five boroughs to prevent theft and encourage more New Yorkers to bike. The Department of Transportation on Thursday issued a request for proposals seeking operators for a network of 500 secure biking parking facilities to be built starting next year. The new storage spaces would accommodate the continued growth in bike ridership across the city, which is seeing more than 600,000 trips daily.
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NYC to expand car-free access in Manhattan ahead of congestion pricing

Image courtesy of Pranay Pareek on Unsplash

May 2, 2024

NYC to expand car-free access in Manhattan ahead of congestion pricing

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is stepping up its effort to improve car-free access to Midtown and Lower Manhattan to prepare for the start of congestion pricing, scheduled in just a few weeks. The city's Department of Transportation (DOT) on Thursday released a report detailing 37 new projects and 47 existing projects that enhance car-free access to and around Manhattan's Central Business District (CBD) as the city's congestion pricing program goes into effect on June 30.
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MTA launches pilot program allowing Fair Fares discount on OMNY cards

Image courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit on Flickr

May 2, 2024

MTA launches pilot program allowing Fair Fares discount on OMNY cards

By Aaron Ginsburg

After a long delay, transit riders who are part of New York City's half-priced fare program will soon be able to tap-and-go. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Wednesday officially launched a Fair Fares pilot program on OMNY, allowing commuters who are part of the city's half-priced fare program to use the contactless payment system. The 90-day pilot program starts with 50 Fair Fares riders and will allow the MTA to collect feedback and finalize a rollout for all qualifying customers later.
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MTA to offer 10% discount on LIRR and Metro-North trips in NYC

Metro-North station in Fordham. Photo via Wikimedia

April 29, 2024

MTA to offer 10% discount on LIRR and Metro-North trips in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

To promote public transit use when congestion pricing begins, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority plans to offer a 10 percent discount on monthly tickets for Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road trips that start and end within the five boroughs. The board is expected to approve a pilot program on Tuesday that would cut fares by up to $22 per month depending on the zone, as laid out by the MTA. The program, which would start July 1 and run for one year, is designed to incentivize drivers to switch to public transit as New York City's congestion pricing program kicks off on June 30.
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NYC’s congestion pricing program to start June 30

Image courtesy of Kyler Boone on Unsplash

April 26, 2024

NYC’s congestion pricing program to start June 30

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's congestion pricing program finally has an official start date. In an interview with ABC 7 on Friday, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair and CEO Janno Lieber announced the first-in-the-nation program will go into effect on Sunday, June 30 at 12 a.m. The MTA has also opened an online application portal for those qualified to apply for the program's discounts and exemptions. The plan still faces legal challenges from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and several other opponents, which must be resolved before the program can go into effect.
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Open Streets 2024 season kicks off across NYC

Photo courtesy of NYC DOT on Flickr

April 23, 2024

Open Streets 2024 season kicks off across NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's open streets season is in full swing. The car-free Earth Day celebration on Saturday marked the start of 2024's Open Streets program in the five boroughs, closing over 100 streets to vehicles and transforming them into safe public spaces for educational programs, recreation, and more. A list of participating locations can be found here, with additional ones to be announced throughout the summer.
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Landmarks approves rest hub for NYC delivery workers next to City Hall Park

Renderings courtesy of Fantastica Brooklyn

April 17, 2024

Landmarks approves rest hub for NYC delivery workers next to City Hall Park

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City delivery workers will soon seek respite at a new "deliverista hub" in City Hall Park. The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on Tuesday voted to approve designs for a new hub that will give workers a place to rest during bad weather, charge their phones and e-bikes, and learn about e-bike and battery safety. Central to many delivery routes, the new structure replaces a vacant newsstand on the western edge of the park.
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NYC reveals design for esplanade and new 107th Street pier in East Harlem

Aerial rendering of proposed 107th Street Pier. Courtesy of NYCEDC

April 16, 2024

NYC reveals design for esplanade and new 107th Street pier in East Harlem

By Aaron Ginsburg

Plans to rehabilitate a 20-block section of bike and pedestrian paths and reconstruct a decrepit pier in East Harlem are moving forward. In a presentation to Manhattan Community Board 11 this month, the city unveiled its preliminary design to rebuild and rehabilitate the East River Esplanade between East 94th and East 107th Streets and East 117th and East 124th Streets, as well as construct a new pier at 107th Street, as Streetsblog first reported. Construction is expected to begin on the $294 million project in the later part of next year and wrap up in 2027.
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NYC unveils secure sidewalk locker program to prevent package theft

Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

April 11, 2024

NYC unveils secure sidewalk locker program to prevent package theft

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is installing secure package lockers across the five boroughs to prevent theft and reduce delivery truck traffic. Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday announced "LockerNYC," a pilot program to install seven package lockers with 25 safe compartments and security cameras to combat theft. The lockers will be installed on sidewalks at select locations and available for free through a variety of delivery carriers. New Yorkers can sign up and manage orders here.
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MTA wants NYC Marathon to pay $750K for Verrazzano Bridge tolls

The TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

April 3, 2024

MTA wants NYC Marathon to pay $750K for Verrazzano Bridge tolls

By Aaron Ginsburg

The New York City Marathon's spectacular starting point on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge may have a spectacular price tag. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority wants the New York Road Runners, the organizers of the race, to cough up $750,000 a year to make up for lost toll revenue when the bridge closes to traffic for the marathon, as the New York Times first reported. The MTA threatened to restrict the race to just one level of the bridge if the organization refused to agree to some form of payment.
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50+ streets in NYC to go car-free for Earth Day

Image courtesy of NYC DOT on Flickr

April 3, 2024

50+ streets in NYC to go car-free for Earth Day

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's car-free Earth Day event is back and better than ever. On Saturday, April 20, 53 streets and plazas across the five boroughs will be closed to cars and open for pedestrians and cyclists, nearly doubling the number of locations from last year. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the annual Open Streets: Car-Free Earth Day includes seven signature event locations and 46 partner-produced open street locations, featuring public art, community programming, live performances, and more.
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NYC to test gun detectors in the subway system

Photo courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

March 28, 2024

NYC to test gun detectors in the subway system

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City will test weapon-detecting scanners in the subway system to make commuters feel safer after a string of violent incidents. Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday unveiled a portable scanner designed to detect guns carried by riders. The pilot program can begin following a 90-day waiting period during which the public can share their thoughts on the technology. The mayor also said the city will hire more clinicians to connect people with severe mental illness in the transit system to treatment and care.
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NYC congestion pricing program gains final approval, with June start date

Photo by Jesús Mirón García on Pexels

March 27, 2024

NYC congestion pricing program gains final approval, with June start date

By Aaron Ginsburg

The plan to charge drivers entering certain parts of Manhattan received final approval on Wednesday, signaling the imminent start of the country's first congestion pricing program. The Board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted 11-to-1 to approve the toll rates for the program, which includes a fee of $15 for passenger and small commercial vehicles entering below 60th Street from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Unless held up by the several legal challenges the program currently faces, congestion pricing is expected to start in June.
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Penn Station’s Tracks Bar to open in Grand Central Madison

Renderings courtesy of the MTA

March 25, 2024

Penn Station’s Tracks Bar to open in Grand Central Madison

By Aaron Ginsburg

A former Penn Station mainstay and favorite of Long Island Rail Road commuters will be the first restaurant to open in Grand Central Madison. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Friday revealed plans to make Tracks Raw Bar & Grill its first major commercial tenant at the new LIRR terminal--which opened in Grand Central last January--as first reported by the New York Post.
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