| Releases & Statements
November
2, 2005
The MTA
has once again blundered in its systematic mismanagement of the
subway system. By putting off many station rehabilitation projects,
it has decided to put safety and stations conditions on the backburner.
It is transferring maintenance staff
from repair duties to cleaning assignments at some of the most
dilapidated subway stations.
Employees skilled in carpentry and
other specialized skills are being handed brooms and wash buckets
while the stations are left to crumble around them.
The MTA claims in documents that it
has “excess” employees in the maintenance division.
I think that by looking at any of the dilapidated stations in
the system, it is evident that the MTA needs guidance in how it
assigns its staff.
This station is in desperate need
of repair as we can see -- just look at the condition of the platform.
Yet the MTA has left this station out of its repair plan for 2005.
There are many other stations in poor
shape all across the city. They need help too.
The MTA claims a budget surplus, so
how come it is neglecting to fund maintenance at stations such
as these?
Delaying needed repair work is doing
an extreme disservice to its customers. Weather conditions this
coming winter will undoubtedly further damage station’s
platforms and stairways, making the stations even more dangerous.
Many stations are filthy and need
increased cleaning, but by no means should structural maintenance
to the system be sacrificed. In fact, oftentimes the dirtiest
stations are often in the worst states of repair, so the MTA should
address these issues together.
Hosing down a station will not solve
the problem alone.
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