Here’s a bit of disturbing news about riding NYC subways that’s being passed on by Stay Free magazine. Apparently, the MTA is planning to close a number of token booths through out the city to cut back on costs, with a long-term goal of eliminating even more and relying Metrocard access in most stations. Frankly, for a number of reasons summed up nicely in that link, that idea is completely crackers. The shadiest things I have ever seen or experienced in my 20 or so years riding the subways have almost alwats taken place around unmanned exits and entrances, especially with those floor-to-ceiling turnstiles that are so troublesome. I shudder at the thought of those kinds of weird, dangerous spaces increasing in number around the city.
There are going to be a number of public hearings addressing the propsed fare hikes, closures, and other cost-saving measures, but it also wouldn’t be such a bad idea to lodge a complaint or two while there’s still time.