New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today unveiled a new feature on his website that allows transit riders to find out where the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) wants to eliminate or reduce station agents.  

“The MTA said it would maintain service if Albany came through with funding, but now it’s proposing to break its promise by cutting this vital service,” Thompson said.

The site, available at www.comptroller.nyc.gov, allows transit riders to search which subway stations would be affected if the MTA moves forward with the cuts. Altogether, the MTA would eventually close 41 station booths and eliminate or reduce station agent coverage at 158 additional locations – a total of 199 cuts. The information is based on information the MTA released in December 2008.
           
Yesterday, Thompson was joined at the 77th Street station on the 6 line by the NYPIRG Straphangers Campaign, Transport Workers Union Local 100, the New York City Transit Riders Council, Transportation Alternatives and Council members Miguel Martinez and Bill de Blasio in urging the MTA to keep its promise to keep all service in place if funding came through. The 24-hour uptown booth at the station is targeted for closing.

They noted that agents help keep transit riders safe by acting as the system’s official “eyes and ears.” Agents also give directions, assist with MetroCard Vending Machines, and provide information regarding delays or police activity.

“Despite the funding package it just received, the MTA is nonetheless proposing to reduce station agents and close booths – a move that would unnecessarily jeopardize rider safety and significantly reduce rider convenience,” Thompson said. “Keeping station agents where we need them is critical to the public service the MTA provides.”

Several of the groups also sent a letter – available at www.comptroller.nyc.gov  – to MTA Chairman Hemmerdinger, asking that the MTA reconsider the cuts: “Reducing station agents and closing booths would unnecessarily jeopardize rider safety and significantly reduce rider convenience.”

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