Michelle Smileyface

The MTA is at an all-time low, services have been inefficient and the MTA’s negligence is being paid at the commuter’s time expense. Recent MTA’s statistics showed that delays on the train could be up to 70,000 per month.

David Li, 30, who works at a bank, claimed that the train system is far behind other countries’ major cities. He said, “In Hong Kong, the trains come consistently and frequently. In New York City, it is random.” He expressed that he expects some delays in the morning so he would leave a little earlier for work.

Li’s main problem is not his commute to work. He said, “Most of my issues happen on my way home. The platform is so congested and the train doesn’t come.”

Xin Yi Chen, a senior at Hunter College, has been having issues since the MTA decided to fix the Brooklyn platforms on the N line. Chen said, “First they fix the Manhattan-bound platforms, and now they fix the Brooklyn-bound. Either way, I am unable to get to my destination and come back.”

The MTA has been repairing some N train stations in Brooklyn for three years. They stop services in the stations they fix, resulting in many commuters taking the bus to the next closest train station.

When asked how services could be improved, she said, “Maybe instead of closing off the whole station for repairs, the MTA should open a separate temporary platform that can provide services.”

Mary McMahon, 25, an office manager, pointed out that she often faces delays with the MTA traveling between Bushwick and Manhattan. When asked if she was aware why her trains were late, she said, “I never find out the reasons for why my trains are delayed.” The MTA doesn’t often disclose the cause of train delays. McMahon said that the MTA should “work better at informing riders of sudden changes or accidents.”

MTA delays also affect event planning for commuters. Ivan Kenneally, 42, an editor, said when he has social outings, he’d have to plan earlier in case the MTA doesn’t run on schedule. This often leads to Kenneally looking for alternative travel options. He said, “I also take more cabs, in particular Uber. So that means travel overall for me has become more expensive.”

Kenneally also pointed out how outdated the system is, and he said, “The overall infrastructure obviously needs updating.” He also described the MTA system “dysfunctional”.

Another commuter agreed that the system is old therefore repairs are constantly being made. Jeff Kang, an accountant, said, “it is understandable when there are delays resulting from repairs. The trains run 24 hours and I don’t expect it to be perfect.”

Kang dislikes how inconvenient the MTA system can be for foreigners. He said, “One thing I find frustrating is that it is complicated for people who come to New York.” Kang expresses that when services are normal, traveling is straightforward. But when there are service changes, the directions become confusing and the MTA is not helpful. Kang said, “The messages on the loud speaker aren’t clear and nobody can understand that.”

MTA is New York City’s major form of public transportation. But services are not kept up to the expectations and needs of commuters. In response to how the MTA should fix its problems, Kenneally said, “The City probably needs to hire a private firm to completely overhaul the agency itself.”

Michelle Wong

MEDP 201

Word Count: 403

When mid September arrives, summer swings away while fall rapidly rolls in. Around this time, the 91^st annual Feast of San Gennaro came to help bid farewell to summer.

The Feast of San Gennaro takes place every year in September, during the last days of summer in Little Italy. It brings together many local businesses and restaurants to celebrate Italian food and culture.

The tradition of this festival is to honor the Patron Saint of Naples. Before the festivities kicked off, a celebratory Mass was held on September 19^th. After the mass, the Statue of San Gennaro was carried throughout Italy and the celebration began.

In the presence of the storm on Tuesday night, small crowds still came out to grab small bites and to have an eventful evening. There were many finger-food stands as well as boutiques to shop at. These local boutiques sold jewelry, phone accessories, refrigerator magnets, and many random things that gave consumers more options. Live performances, game stands, and the ferris wheel add to the list of activities at the feast.

The food choices at San Gennaro were endless. Many stands served traditional Italian recipes while some served more modern fusion dishes. There were sausages, pizzas, zeppoles, cannoli and gelato. Some modernized restaurants served spaghetti and calamari in a paper cone.

Other than endless food options, there were many drink stands that served Pina Coladas in cups that were different shapes. These stands offered free refills throughout the night as well. There were also many lemonade flavors to satisfy thirsty fair attenders.

As a result of the gloomy weather, there was less foot traffic, but made more room for people who attended. On a sunny day, the fair would be hard to travel through. It is usually impossible to find parking. Swarms of tourists gather in big clutters and stop to take photos, which slows down the smooth flow.

Confection stand owners seemed more at ease this night. Without feeling overwhelmed and unable to juggle with all the customers’ orders, they appeared to be enjoying the festival while they were serving and conducting business.

The ambiance of the fair at night was vibrant. Many colorful lights were added to increase the warm tone of Little Italy. The additional lights from the ferris wheel attracted people from all around to The Feast of San Gennaro.

Michelle Wong

Reporting & Writing I

 

Hunter College Students Experience Problems With Library Printing

It was only last year that Hunter College gave all students access to free printing in the library. The purpose was to ease the crowds at the Thomas Hunter Resource Center, but it backfired.

Lines at the library have extended massively and the demand on printing is not satisfied by the available supply of printers. The printers are constantly working, but many students are unable to print their assignments on time.

Students are asking for more machines on each and every floor, given that they exist only on the second, third, and fourth floors. Bianca Taranova, a senior, said, “… it should be on every floor not just the third and forth floor. It should be more accessible.”

Because there is a limited amount of printers, students face long waiting times. Thandi Williams, a senior, said, “Usually, the lines are pretty long, especially towards the end of the semester. I have been late to class because of printing.”

The lack of resources also frustrates Williams. She said, “Not just the lines, the actual equipment made me late to class.” She claims that the printer is constantly out of paper and ink, and library staff cannot respond fast enough to resolve the issue.

Besides accessibility, the technology needs improvement. According to sophomore Jackie Chan, the printing system “needs to work better.” One time when Chan was printing a 50-page manual, the pages came out in letter size. The pages he printed were already obsolete, so he had to print again.

Not only does the limited number of printers cause inconveniences for students, the changed closing time also affects students with night classes. Last semester, the library closed at 8 p.m. on Fridays and this semester it changed to 6 p.m. For a student like Taranova, who has a class that ends at 10 p.m. on Fridays, it puts a time burden on her. She said, “I have to make sure I print out all the things I need for my class by 6, because the library closes early.”

Other inconveniences are caused by the fact that students can only print at the library desktops. Taranova complains that the process is so tedious and long to receive her documents. Taranova said, “I would have to email my documents to myself, and go to the school computers to open it there. Then, I’d have to get in line and wait to scan my ID to print my documents.”

Some students weren’t even aware that there was free printing in the library. When asked if she uses printing at the library, Vivian So, a junior, said, “I usually use the Student Resource Center’s printing, I wasn’t even sure that we can even print for free in the library until a few days ago.” She also stresses the fact that there should be printing on every floor.

According to some students, although the option for free printing is opened, it has room for improvement.