Kahlia Marshall

“MTA going your way,” is the catchy phrase used by the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority to describe the services they offer to the many commuters throughout the tri-state area. They have spent millions of dollars to develop newly designed trains with more space, technological advancements, but what happened to better service? There were numerous cuts in the bus services, routes, and the number of trains that run throughout the day and on off peak hours. How are they going your way if the service is constantly being reduced while the fares get higher and higher? Where is all of our money going?

In the last three years the MTA has raised the fares twice. Despite the increase commuters still continue to use the services because they have no alternative way to get around. The MTA has loyal customers. The MTA offers 24hr train and bus service throughout the tri-state seven days a week. As the services operate all day long and the commuters take advantage of that, the MTA should be earning enough money to make more improvements than what they have. Many of the train stations are filthy, garbage lines the tracks, rats run on and off the platforms, and yet we are paying more and more. Where is the money actually going? The new trains were the only big improvement since the fare increases.

The MTA tries to conduct all of their maintenance at off peak hours and on the weekends. The last two weekends there was construction on every single train line except 2, which meant serious delays. MTA knows that there service is in high demand and can fluctuate the cost and service and retain the same consumer base. They should reconsider their catchy phrase and change it to “MTA sometimes delayed, you might over pay, but we will get you there any time of the day!”

How do the ad campaigns for public transit match up with the reality of service in your area?

Graphic Credit:
Animationfactory.com