News Archive
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Prepping for Earl
As Earl bears down on the metropolitan area with the potential to bring heavy rain and high winds, the MTA is preparing for any service-related issues that may arise from the storm. Providing safe, reliable service during inclement weather is priority one. The MTA is closely monitoring the storm and will work even harder to ensure riders get to where they need to go. .. read more
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Preparing for Hurricane Earl
LIRR is working closely with emergency officials in New York City, Nassau and Suffolk Counties on hurricane contingency plans. In developing those plans, a consensus was reached among MTA, LIRR and area emergency officials that at some point during a storm's approach, safety concerns dictate that in order to protect our customers, employees and Railroad assets it may be necessary to suspend railroad service and "hunker down" for the brunt of the storm. This so-called "zero hour" would come when storm winds reach a sustained speed of 39 MPH. .. read more
Thursday, August 26, 2010
New Ridgewood Intermodal Terminal
With the opening of the new Ridgewood Intermodal Terminal, MTA New York City Transit has created an improved bus to subway transfer facility which now allows the centralization of area bus stops, making for a seamless transfer to the Myrtle/Wyckoff subway station complex. .. read more
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Trendy Shops in the Subway
Last year, the MTA earned more than $70 million in rent and licensing fees across the system. Now, the MTA is taking a new approach to increase revenue by attracting a new wave of edgy, stylish, yet economical vendors to occupy store fronts throughout the transit system. The subways alone are home to 345 retail spaces. .. read more
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge Celebrates 40 Years
When New York City Parks Commissioner Robert Moses and New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller cut the ribbon to open the new Cross Bay Parkway Bridge on May 28, 1970, they were commemorating nearly 100 years of connections across Jamaica Bay to the Rockaways.
But it was by no means the first structure in the area. .. read more
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
New Milestone For The Fulton Street Transit Center
Underpinning for the Corbin Building and the foundation for the Fulton Street Transit Center are complete. This marks a major milestone in the $1.4 billion project that will connect five subway stations and ten subway lines, improving access for over 300,000 daily customers that pass through this major transit hub in lower Manhattan. The overall project, funded primarily with federal funds, remains on schedule and will be completed in 2014. .. read more
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tracking the Capital Program
The MTA unveiled a new on-line Dashboard that will enable the public to track the progress of the MTA's various capital projects. This new web tool will feature a user-friendly interactive system that will provide information on project scopes, budgets, and schedules, all easily accessible by clicking here. .. read more
Friday, July 30, 2010
Ramping Up Accessibility While Lowering Costs
Last summer, MTA Long Island Bus's Able-Ride service added four-door sedans to its paratransit fleet as part of a pilot program to diversify its mix of vehicles. Now it's getting ready to take the next step by looking at "purpose-built wheelchair accessible vehicles." These ADA compliant vehicles cost approximately $40,000 each while a paratransit bus costs about $100,000. .. read more
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
MTA Unveils 2011 – 2014 Financial Plan
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has released its 2011 Preliminary Budget and proposed Four-Year Financial Plan for 2011-2014. The proposed plan reflects unprecedented internal cost cutting initiatives undertaken in response to a $900 million shortfall for 2010. As a result of its cost-cutting actions, the MTA was able to limit the fare revenue increase to 7.5% in 2011. The Plan faces many risks, however, including the need for labor participation to control wage and benefit costs. The July Plan is preliminary; the MTA Board will consider a final Plan in December. .. read more
Thursday, July 22, 2010
MTA NYC Transit Takes Delivery of Final Set of New Subway Cars
The final units of the 1,662-car order of brand new R160 subway cars have been delivered to MTA New York City Transit and are in service. Like the preceding orders of new technology cars, the R160s have brightly-lit interiors, crystal-clear digitized voice announcements, advanced heating-ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) and a smooth air-cushioned ride. .. read more
Thursday, July 15, 2010
New "Gap Rap" Video Targets Gap Safety; Rappin' LIRR Doc & School Kids Take It to the Streets (and Trains)
Safety Message Aims at Wide Audience .. read more
Thursday, July 15, 2010
New Milestone for No. 7 Subway Extension Project
The second of two 1,000 ton tunnel boring machines has reached the chamber adjacent to the current terminus for the No. 7 train underneath 42nd Street. This marks a major milestone in the $2.1 billion project that will extend the No. 7 line to 34th Street and will support the growth of an emerging community on the West Side. The project is funded by the City of New York and managed by the MTA. .. read more
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Changes to Rockaway Resident Toll Rebate Program Begin Friday, July 23 at 12:01 AM
Rockaway and Broad Channel residents enrolled in the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge toll rebate program are reminded that changes will go into effect just after midnight on Friday, July 23rd. .. read more
Monday, July 12, 2010
Public Hearings This Week on Subway Station Changes
The MTA concluded hearings this week to allow public comment on the proposed permanent closing or reduction in hours of 42 subway station booths and the proposed permanent elimination of 44 subway station customer assistance (SCA) locations and associated subway station kiosks. .. read more
Friday, July 09, 2010
Beating the Heat
With temperatures topping 100 degrees earlier this week, the entire metropolitan area was feeling the heat, and the transit system was no exception. Reduced energy consumption affected commutes for some riders and impacted a few elevators and escalators in the subway system. But for the most part, the hard work of the MTA's operating agencies kept New York moving despite the temperature. MTA.info is the place for updated information throughout the summer. .. read more
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Consolidation to Save MTA $10 Million
The MTA will consolidate a number of redundant communications-related functions, saving the agency more than $10 million annually. The consolidation will address longstanding inefficiencies that exist because the formerly independent operations that comprise the MTA were never truly integrated into a single company. .. read more
Monday, June 28, 2010
Three Construction Projects Completed In Time for Summer Driving
Summer driving just got easier thanks to the completion of three MTA Bridges and Tunnels construction projects at the Throgs Neck Bridge, Henry Hudson Bridge and Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. .. read more
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Step Into the Past—with the Press of a Brass Button
What is the most used public transportation in Grand Central Terminal—OTHER than trains? Would you guess elevators? Well, that's the right guess and Grand Central Terminal's 10 historic passenger elevators are getting a much-needed upgrade. .. read more
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
New Subway Map is Here
For the first time in over a decade, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is unveiling a new edition of the one map every New Yorker and tourist should possess. The new simplified version of the NYC Subway map, rescaled and with new colors, will make its debut to coincide with subway service changes that take effect June 27.
Click here for details of subway and bus changes
Click here to view the new map. .. read more
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
"Countdown Clocks" Continue to Pop Up on Subway Platforms
Subway customers at 40 stations are now able to take advantage of next train information as MTA New York City Transit continues to turn on customer information screens in the ongoing effort to provide riders with real-time train arrival information. The system is being activated incrementally, now more than halfway toward the 75 station goal for 2010. NYC Transit hopes to have 152 numbered line stations on line in 2011. .. read more
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Life's a Beach on Long Island; The MTA LIRR is the "Greenest Way" to a Summer in Blue Ocean and White Sand Luxury
Although commuting to work may not be some rail riders idea of "a day at the beach," we bet they would have a radical change in attitude if they take the LIRR to Long Island's glorious beaches. If your summer destination is one of the great Long Island beaches from Long Beach to the East End, or one in between, the LIRR is the best way to get there and the "greenest." Save energy, time and avoid traffic by taking one or all of the Long Island Rail Road's summer beach packages and extra service to the Hamptons and Montauk. After all, you've got the entire summer to enjoy. .. read more
Friday, June 11, 2010
New Milestone for No. 7 Subway Extension Project
The first of two 1,000 ton tunnel boring machines has completed its 4,661 foot run and has reached the chamber adjacent to the current terminus for the No. 7 train underneath 42nd Street. This marks a major milestone in the $2.1 billion project that will extend the No. 7 line to 34th Street and will support the growth of an emerging community on the West Side. The project is funded by the City of New York and managed by the MTA. .. read more
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Select Bus Service Coming to Manhattan's East Side
Bus riders will soon have faster and more reliable bus service along the east side of Manhattan with this week's announcement that new Select Bus Service is coming to First and Second Avenues. MTA Chairman and CEO Jay H. Walder joined Mayor Bloomberg, and Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan to announce the start of construction on dedicated bus-only lanes that will benefit 54,000 daily riders of the M15 bus line. .. read more
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Sun, Surf and Clean Energy at Coney Island
Coney Island, known for its beach, boardwalk, and sunny skies, is now home to an advanced solar thermal array that provides clean, green energy to New York City Transit's Coney Island Maintenance Facility, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering the MTA's energy bill. .. read more
Friday, May 28, 2010
Major Deck Reconstruction Completed As Cross Bay Bridge Marks 40th Birthday
The Cross Bay Veterans Bridge turned 40-years-old on May 28th but doesn't look a day over 39 thanks to a brand new roadway deck, deck joints and improved and rehabilitated ramps and pedestrian walkway. .. read more
Friday, May 28, 2010
MTA Launches Smart Card Pilot Program
It's time to tap into the future! For the next six months, MTA customers will be able to use a contactless smart card to board selected trains and buses in New York City and New Jersey. In partnership with the Port Authority, NJ TRANSIT and MasterCard, this new pilot program will test technology that will make it easier and more convenient to travel around the region on public transportation.
Sign up today .. read more
Friday, May 28, 2010
Just in Time for Memorial Day: Departure Signs at Coney Island
Beach goers and visitors to the new Luna Park will find getting home by subway at the Coney Island – Stillwell Ave Terminal a bit easier this weekend, courtesy of newly installed "Next Train Departure" screens on all four platforms of the busy terminal. The screens will take the guess work out of catching the right train on the right platform, especially for those riders who are unfamiliar or don't use the busy terminal on a regular basis. .. read more
Friday, May 28, 2010
The LIRR's Best Friend
A dog is not only man's best friend but also the Long Island Rail Road's. That is definitely the case when it comes to Roxey, the LIRR's mascot and good will ambassador. Roxey was known and celebrated by railroad employees and customers alike during the early part of the 20th century. The medium sized canine was even recognized by President Teddy Roosevelt, himself a frequent LIRR traveler when he visited his Sagamore Hill home. .. read more
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
MTA Finalizes Hudson Yards Deal
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has signed a contract with Related Companies and new partner Oxford Properties Group to develop the MTA's Hudson Yards into a mixed-use community that will include 12 million square feet of commercial and residential development. The deal calls for the MTA to lease the site to the joint venture for 99 years, with purchase options, and will provide $1 billion for vital MTA capital projects. .. read more
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel: Vital NYC Link for 60 Years
The Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel is celebrating a birthday! On May 25, 1950, a parade of dignitaries, led by Mayor William O'Dwyer and Robert Moses, head of the newly created Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, traveled by motorcade through the brand new Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel and were welcomed on the Manhattan side by a throng of cheering well-wishers. .. read more
Friday, May 21, 2010
LI Bus Helps the Census Count
MTA Long Island Bus has partnered with the 2010 Census providing use of the Rosa Parks Hempstead Transit Center to support an outreach campaign designed to increase the number of people who mail back 2010 Census forms. The Transit Center was selected because of its central location in Nassau County and the volume of people who use the facility. Twenty-five thousand to 30,000 passengers file through its doors daily. .. read more
Friday, May 21, 2010
MTA Targets Overtime for Cost Savings
The MTA's efforts to overhaul how we do business continued this week with the announcement of plans to reduce overtime costs by $22 million in 2010 and $60 million annually starting in 2011. While some overtime is critical to service, the MTA has committed to reducing the unnecessary portion of its $560 million annual overtime expense. .. read more
Friday, May 14, 2010
Reducing Costs at MTA Bridges &Tunnels
The MTA's business transformation continued this week with a top to bottom overhaul of MTA Bridges and Tunnels to reduce costs and improve efficiency. When combined with previously announced administrative reductions and project deferrals, savings at the nation's largest tolling authority will exceed $20 million in 2010. .. read more
Friday, May 14, 2010
Tunneling Begins Under Second Avenue
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has launched the tunnel boring machine that will dig the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway. Phase I of the Second Avenue Subway will serve more than 200,000 people per day, reducing overcrowding on the Lexington Avenue Line and restoring a transit link to a neighborhood that lost the Second Avenue Elevated in 1940. .. read more
Friday, May 14, 2010
We're Fixing Up Our Front Door(s)
That's how Metro-North likes to think about each of our stations-as a front door to our train service, and to the communities we serve. .. read more
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Now, Text 'CooCoo' for LIRR Fare Info
MTA Long Island Rail Road customers can now obtain train fare information via cell phone text message from CooCoo, the Long Island-based text engine company that has been providing train schedules and service updates via cell phone at no extra cost beyond your phone company's standard texting fee. .. read more
Friday, May 07, 2010
MTA Cost Cutting Continues
The MTA continued working to overhaul how it does business- and close a nearly $800 million budget shortfall in 2010 – by announcing an additional $115 million in agency budget reductions Thursday. These cuts were designed to limit impact on customers, but some changes to cleaning, maintenance and customer service may be noticeable. .. read more
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Looking for the Next Great App
Hoping to generate the next great iPhone, Android or web application that will improve – or potentially revolutionize – the way that New Yorkers commute, the MTA held a conference for tech developers on Wednesday at Google's New York City office. .. read more
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Weather Sensors Keep B&T Customers Safe
Ever wonder how officials determine when weather-related advisories are necessary to notify motorists? In the old days, it involved sending an employee out onto the deck of a bridge in the middle of a storm with a rudimentary hand-held device. But thanks to modern technology, above-ground atmospheric sensors are now used to measure wind velocity, direction, humidity and precipitation -- all via wireless communication. .. read more
Monday, May 03, 2010
MTA LIRR Now Making Street &Highway Crossings A "Grade" Above
The next time you happen to travel over a Long Island Rail Road grade crossing in your car and don't notice any difference (boy, was that smooth!) you probably have the LIRR Engineering Department to thank. Special attention is being paid to those intersections of road and rail that all too often have caused some teeth rattling bounces for motorists and even sometimes slowed down trains. .. read more
Monday, May 03, 2010
If You See Something, Say Something
Over the past eight years, the MTA's "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign has been an integral part of keeping our transit system safe. It is now a key piece of the region's security infrastructure and a simple reminder that we are all the first line of defense. This weekend's events in Times Square underscored the campaign's success in raising public awareness and the importance of remaining vigilant. .. read more
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Sweeping Subway Reorganization
Faced with the responsibility of guiding the largest subway system in North America to even higher standards of service, MTA New York City Transit officials have put into place a reorganization plan for the Department of Subways that ensures all critical maintenance functions are performed effectively while outlining clear lines of responsibilities and accountability for the delivery of service. .. read more
Monday, April 26, 2010
Construction of New Bridges Over Powell Creek and Hog Island Channel Heads Toward Spring Completion
More than 8,000 customers commute on the MTA Long Island Rail Road's Long Beach branch every weekday. During the summer, ridership on the branch swells, as the little island city becomes a destination for thousands of day-trippers heading to its popular beaches and restaurants. .. read more
Friday, April 23, 2010
MTA Capital Program 2010-2014
The MTA's capital program has earned a critical place in the story of New York's revitalization and growth over the past 30 years. While the more than $64 billion spent in that time helped turn around our regional economy, the reality is that maintaining and improving our 100-year-old system is an ongoing need and we cannot afford to disinvest. .. read more
Thursday, April 22, 2010
200-Ton Cutter Head for Second Avenue Subway's Tunnel Boring Machine Arrives
The main components of the Second Avenue Subway Tunnel Boring Machine, including the 200-ton cutter head, have arrived and were lowered into the Launch Box for the final stage of assembly. Once assembled, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) will begin mining the western tunnel for the new two-track line. Mining is scheduled to commence in May. .. read more
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
LIRR: EARTH DAY "GREEN" YEAR-ROUND
As a Long Island Rail Road customer you're doing one of the best "green" things that you can do on Earth Day (and on every other day) to make the metropolitan area more sustainable (visit Sustainability and the MTA to learn more). Public transportation reduces energy consumption as well as harmful carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to greenhouse gases. .. read more
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The MTA and New York's Low Carbon Footprint
Many people know that taking public transportation is the environmentally friendly way to travel. Now the MTA has verified climate numbers to prove it. .. read more
Monday, April 19, 2010
"We Make Trash an Asset" MTA New York City Transit Goes Green
What do 45 year-old subway cars and day-old newspapers have in common at MTA New York City Transit? When they reach the end of their respective lives, they're not just tossed aside, they both take on new roles that help benefit the environment. .. read more
Monday, April 19, 2010
Bidding Farewell to the Verrazano-Narrows Defunct Toll Booths
MTA and local officials recently gathered at the Verrazano-Narrows toll plaza for a final goodbye. The Brooklyn-bound toll booths, dormant since one-way tolling began on the bridge in 1986, will be torn down after 24 years. .. read more
Monday, April 19, 2010
Earth Day 2010
Earth Day turns 40 this year, and the MTA has participated in Earth Day events for nearly 25 years now. Grand Central Terminal will host Earth Week events from April 19-24. .. read more
Friday, April 16, 2010
Bus Operator Pulls Man from Burning Car
The last thing veteran Bus Operator Andrew Camputaro expected when he started his run Wednesday night on the S53 was to pull a man from a burning car. When congratulated by his co-workers for his heroic effort, the father of two simply shrugged and said it was no more than any other MTA New York City Transit employee would have done. .. read more
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
MTA Continues to Reduce Costs
The MTA's business transformation continued this week with the announcement that it had successfully renegotiated contracts with 43 vendors and suppliers, saving $18 million in 2010 and more than $70 million over the life of the contracts. The latest savings comes one week after the MTA said it was saving more than $40 million, without impacting service, by removing more than 50 percent of projects from its 2010 operating budget. .. read more
Friday, April 09, 2010
Overhauling How the MTA Does Business
Faced with a nearly $800 million budget shortfall in 2010 due to state budget cuts and deteriorating tax revenues, the MTA is taking aggressive action to drive out costs and operate more efficiently. This week, the agency completed a top-to-bottom review of its 2010 operating budget, removing more than 50 percent of all projects, saving more than $40 million without impacting service. .. read more
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Here's How Yankee Fans ALWAYS Come out a Winner
Metro-North can always keep you ahead of the game-both going to it or coming from it. And 450,000 customers will attest to that. All these Yankees-E. 153rd Street Station game-goers have told us that no matter what the score-they came out winners. .. read more
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Major Track Surfacing Work Weekend of April 17-18 Means Buses Replace Trains on Hempstead Branch &Reduced Port Jefferson Branch Train Service
In order to keep North America's busiest railroad operating smoothly and on schedule one of the most important state of good repair projects done on a regular basis is track surfacing work, especially on heavily utilized areas of the Long Island Rail Road system. Resurfacing the track bed not only provides LIRR customers with a smoother ride but adds useful life to track components in the area. .. read more
Monday, April 05, 2010
Sneak Peek at 96th Street
While the full rehabilitation of the 96th Street station won't be complete until September, 
riders can now enter the station through the new station building located in the Broadway median between 95th and 96th Streets. Achieving the perfect blend of aesthetics and utility, the new station building is the most visible portion of a station rehabilitation project that will bring numerous benefits to customers when it's complete this fall. .. read more
Monday, April 05, 2010
New RFK Bridge Ramp Eases Travel from Bronx to Randall's Island
A spanking new ramp leading from the RFK Bridge onto Randall's Island has opened, just in time for the busy recreational and cultural season. The ramp, which opened April 5th after several years of construction, makes life easier for drivers from the Bronx and points north who previously had to navigate a multi-lane crossover at the Manhattan toll plaza. .. read more
Friday, April 02, 2010
Get Your Piece Of Transit History
NYC Transit offers not only a large inventory of surplus and used materials to the public, but also nostalgic memorabilia items that are a collector's dream. The Memorabilia & Collectible program started in 2003 with only a few items and has grown significantly over the years. .. read more
Thursday, April 01, 2010
MTA LIRR Hits a Homer with Frequent Service to Mets Home Games
Mets fans can conserve their energy for cheering on their team to victory by taking the Long Island Rail Road to home games this season with frequent train service to Mets-Willets Point Station. The LIRR is the easy relaxing way to Citi Field all season long. .. read more
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
LI Bus' Battery Energy Storage System
Sodium and sulfur may not sound like a combination that can store energy and cut electricity costs, but that's exactly what a high-tech bank of batteries is doing for Long Island Bus. .. read more
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Where Too Much Information is Never Too Much
In January, Metro-North Railroad launched Metro-North Train Time, ™ a free service that provides real-time train status about a customer's home station-or wherever they may be traveling-including up-to-the-minute information as they travel during the day. On smart phones and computers, our customers have been receiving information regarding trains that are on-time, late, cancelled, delayed-and even the number of minutes their train will be late. .. read more
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Chairman Walder Meets with Students
On Wednesday, MTA Chairman and CEO Jay H. Walder met with New York City students and representatives from the Urban Youth Collaborative to discuss the MTA's $800 million budget shortfall and inability to continue funding the free and discounted student MetroCard program in light of State funding cuts. Walder reiterated the MTA's position that students should not have to pay to get to school, and committed that the MTA Board would not vote on the proposal until absolutely necessary for implementation, allowing more time for the State and City to address funding for the program. .. read more
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Continued Progress on the Fulton Street Transit Center as the Rehabilitation of the 4/5 Station Commences
Work to rehabilitate the historic 4/5 Fulton Street Station began early in the year as part of the MTA's Fulton Street Transit Center Project. The 31-month contract, which was awarded to WDF, Inc., also includes construction of a new entrance at Dey Street and completion of the 4/5 underpass to the new Dey Street underground concourse. .. read more
Monday, March 15, 2010
Repair Crews and the Self-Contained RoadPatcher Pothole Repair Truck Trying to Keep Up With Mother Nature
MTA Bridges &Tunnels maintenance crews and the agency's self-contained RoadPatcher pothole repair truck are busy trying to stay on top of this season's bumper crop of potholes that are the result of this year's rainy and snowy winter season. Since January, crews have fixed more than 2,500 potholes, including 1,000 in the first full week of March. .. read more
Monday, March 15, 2010
MTA Looks to Bring Wi-Fi to Railroads
Riding on a Metro-North or Long Island Rail Road train could soon be a more enjoyable and productive experience. The MTA wants network developers to bring Wi-Fi service to the hundreds of thousands who ride the rails on the nation's two busiest commuter railroads. The MTA has requested proposals on how the service would be designed, installed, managed and financed. MTA would pay none of the costs. Riders would be able to use WiFi technology to connect to the internet, providing access to their email accounts, "You Tube," and their favorite newspaper. .. read more
Friday, March 12, 2010
Weekend Work on the Flushing Line Completed Ahead of Schedule
Facing a short window of opportunity, several teams of NYC Transit workers tackled a series of heavy construction jobs along sections of the Flushing Line in the Long Island City area. The work required five weekends of service suspensions between Queensboro Plaza and Times Square and due to the line's heavy use, work could only be done after the busy holiday season and prior to the beginning of the baseball season. .. read more
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Grand Central's Respect for History Is From The Ground Up
At Grand Central Terminal, as in any beloved, well-used old house, renovation and restoration work is continuous. .. read more
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
MTA LIRR Sets On-Time Performance Record for 3rd Consecutive Year
95.21% of Trains On Time in 2009 .. read more
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
2,500 Attend Region-Wide Hearings
Last week, the MTA concluded a series of nine public hearings to solicit input on cuts needed to help address a nearly $800 million budget gap. More than 2,500 people attended the hearings across the metropolitan region, and MTA Board members and officials heard from more than 500 speakers. The public input is being reviewed and some changes are expected in the package of service cuts the Board will consider on March 24. .. read more
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Snowstorm Preparations
The ongoing snowstorm, which is expected to end sometime on Friday with an accumulation of 4-8 inches, may impact bus and subway service. .. read more
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Construction of New Bridges Over Powell Creek and Hog Island Channel Heads Toward Spring Completion
More than 8,000 customers commute on the MTA Long Island Rail Road's Long Beach branch every weekday. During the summer, ridership on the branch swells, as the little island city becomes a destination for thousands of day-trippers heading to its popular beaches and restaurants. .. read more
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Service Change Details
Earlier this year, the MTA board approved a package of service changes needed to help fill a nearly $800 million budget shortfall for 2010. They included modifications based on public feedback from more than 500 speakers at the MTA's nine public hearings, in addition to 7,100 emails, and 110,000 letters and signed petitions. .. read more
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Busy Winter Days at Marine Parkway Bridge
The lift section of the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge has been getting a daily workout to accommodate crossings of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ship en route to a marshland restoration project in Jamaica Bay. As the vessel travels to and fro carting mountains of sand and other materials, the bridge's vertical lift span must be raised for safe clearance as required by the U.S. Coast Guard, which regulates the waterways. .. read more
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Signs of our Digital Times
Even during the coldest days of winter, LI Bus's digital signs at the Mineola Intermodal Center offer customers comfort. .. read more
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Crew Sets Record For Number of Railroad Ties Put Down in a Day
It's like a mechanical conga line inching down the track in Speonk – eleven pieces of heavy-duty equipment used to pull out old railroad ties and replace them with new ones. .. read more
Thursday, February 11, 2010
MTA Service Remains Nearly Normal Throughout Storm
The snowstorm of Wednesday, February 10, dumped up to 10 inches of snow around the region and threatened to curtail MTA service. But MTA employees prevented the storm from having major impacts on service by who plowing, salting, sanding, shoveling, and de-icing the MTA's network of rails, stations, bridges and tunnels, as well as the roadways used by the MTA's buses. .. read more
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Keeping Service Moving During the Snowstorm
As another snowstorm bears down on the metropolitan area, the MTA's agencies will continue to work diligently to provide safe, reliable service throughout the entire transportation network. During inclement weather, especially snow storms, NYC Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, MTA Bus, Long Island Bus and MTA Bridges &Tunnels will work even harder to ensure riders get to where they need to go. .. read more
MTA New York City Transit Keeps Trains Rolling During Winter Weather
Providing safe, reliable service has always been MTA New York City Transit's top priority. During inclement weather, especially snow storms, NYC Transit works even harder to ensure riders get to where they need to go safely and quickly. .. read more
Snow Removal Goes High Tech
When winter storms hit and snow operations go into effect, MTA Bridges and Tunnels' fleet rolls out to get the job done. But make no mistake; these are not your father's snow plows. Snow removal has definitely gone high-tech. .. read more
LIRR Partners with CooCoo to Provide Timely Travel Information Via Text Messaging
MTA Long Island Rail Road customers can now get train schedules and specific travel plans sent to their cell phones as part of a pilot partnership with CooCoo, the Long Island-based text engine company that provides data via text message for standard text fees. .. read more
Newest Rail Cars Arrive in New Haven
The first pair of these sleek, modern, bright, comfortable and vibrant red M-8s arrived in New Haven just in time for Christmas. .. read more
MTA NYC Transit Introduces New Articulated Bus into SBS service; Three Doors – Less Waiting
An MTA New York City Transit bus with three doors, low floor and a clean running engine sounds like something from the future, doesn't it? Well, the future has arrived on the Bx12 Select Bus Service route with the introduction of the first of 90 new easy-entry articulated buses. .. read more
Building the New LIRR Terminal Beneath Grand Central Terminal
Unbeknownst to most New Yorkers, construction of a new landmark commuter rail terminal is underway far below Park Avenue and the historic Grand Central Terminal. .. read more
Contract Awarded to Remove Brooklyn-bound Toll Booths at Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
MTA Bridges and Tunnels has chosen Paul J. Scariano, Inc. of Brooklyn as the contractor for the first phase of a major toll plaza improvement project at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge that includes demolition of eight unused Brooklyn-bound toll booths. The $2.5 million project also involves removing various components such as concrete islands, utilities, canopy structures, electronic signs as well as other electrical, concrete and asphalt restoration work. .. read more
Proposed Changes in Levels of Service, Student Fares, and Crossing Charges
In December, the MTA was forced to set out a series of service changes and changes to fares and crossing charges to close a nearly $400 million budget shortfall due to State cuts and loss of revenue. Over the past month, MTA Chairman Jay Walder has reviewed these changes to find ways to limit their impact on customers. An unprecedented level of detail is now available here on how the changes were chosen and the impacts they will have, well in advance of public hearings to be held around the region in early March. .. read more
Long Island Bus's Four-door Fleet
Sometimes bigger isn't always better and a simple solution can solve a complex problem. That's what MTA Long Island Bus found when its Able-Ride paratransit service began looking at ways to deliver more efficient and cost effective transportation. .. read more
All-Electronic Tolling Coming to the Henry Hudson Bridge
In "Making Every Dollar Count," a recently released report that includes an assessment of the MTA and plans for improvement, two major initiatives for Bridges and Tunnels were unveiled: a pilot of all-electronic tolling (AET) within the existing toll plaza at the Henry Hudson Bridge, and a pilot for a new payment method for customers who prefer to use cash to refill their E-ZPass accounts. .. read more
MTA NYC Transit Bus Arrival Info Here Now on 34th Street Crosstown
There are few things in life more frustrating than not knowing exactly when the next bus is scheduled to arrive at your bus stop. Recognizing that fact, the MTA has commenced a pilot program some have already dubbed "The Miracle on 34th Street" -- the installation of a new Customer Information System that provides both exact arrival time information at select bus stops along the M34/16 bus corridor and crystal clear audio announcements onboard the buses. .. read more
LI Bus Introduces the Eco-friendly Orion VII
The "Next Generation" of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses have hit the road in Nassau County with the introduction of the Orion VII. In 2009, MTA Long Island Bus replaced 100 buses in its aging fleet with these new high-tech buses. .. read more
More Countdown Clocks Coming to Subway Stations
Subway riders at five stations along the Pelham 6 Line in the Bronx no longer need to lean over the platform to see if their train is coming. Though still in the initial testing phase, real-time train arrival messages mark an important milestone in the effort to provide MTA New York City Transit's subway customers with up-to-date travel information employing 21st Century technology. This is a major component of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's effort to substantially upgrade customer communications across its entire network. These stations join the 24 L line stations which already have these signs in place. .. read more
EasyPayXpress Takes Fare Payment Online
NYC Transit riders are starting to take notice and utilizing the EasyPayXpress MetroCard. It's the latest payment option introduced by NYC Transit and it's the easiest and most convenient way to navigate the city's subways and buses. .. read more
Efficiency is in High Gear at MTA Bus Company
The MTA Bus Company is well along the road to greening its operation through the incorporation of sustainable technology. Aside from the vital fact that MTA buses remove tens of thousands of cars from area streets and highways, the agency has been at the developmental forefront of technologies and practices intended to make municipal bus transportation as ecologically benign as possible. .. read more
Metro-North Train Time ™ Puts Train Schedules and Status in the Palm of Your Hand!
Out to dinner and want to know when the next train to your home station leaves Grand Central? Now you can use your smart phone or laptop to find out. .. read more
LIRR Has a New Home in Brooklyn
Brooklyn's historic transit hub at Atlantic and Flatbush Avenues has a new home with the opening of the Atlantic Terminal Pavilion on January 5.
The new facility serves approximately 25,500 MTA Long Island Rail Road customers each day as well as approximately 32,000 NYC Transit subway customers. LIRR customers can transfer to ten subway lines as well as five bus routes. .. read more
First Phase of 7 Line Subway Extension Construction Complete
In partnership with New York City, the MTA is extending the 7 line to support the growth of an emerging community on the Far West Side. The $2.1 billion project, funded by the City and managed by the MTA, will help transform the Hudson Yards vicinity into a vibrant 24-hour neighborhood. .. read more
Weather Sensors Keep Bridges and Tunnels Safe
When Mother Nature kicks up her heels with high winds as she did recently, MTA Bridges and Tunnels uses a system of technologically-advanced weather sensors to help keep motorists safe. .. read more