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Kenneally also pointed out how outdated the system is, and he said, “The overall infrastructure obviously needs updating.”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