2017 Policy Case Competition
Transportation Reform: MTA
General Information:
The New York City subway has been around for more than 100 years, with its first line having
opened in 1904. The city-owned subway system that we know today was once two privatelyowned systems with one city-owned line. It was not until 1940 that the city bought the two
privately-owned systems and connected all three as one.
In 2015, there was a record of 5.7 million rides every weekday, the highest since 1948. The annual
ridership was 1.763 billion, ranking the NYC transit as the seventh highest annual subway
ridership among the world’s subway systems. However, trains were late anywhere from 18 to 30
percent of the time.
Cuomo’s Five-Year Plan
In July 2016, Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled his five-year plan for NYC’s subway car and
station improvements. With the MTA’s core mission to “renew, enhance and expand,” Cuomo
hopes the new vision for the subway cars will increase capacity and reduce overcrowding and
delays. This $27 billion upgrade includes revamping 31 of 469 subway stations and adding 1,025
new subway cars. The 31 stations will have higher visibility entrances integrated with countdown
clocks and service announcements, LED light fixtures throughout, furniture with integrated
charging stations, control area dashboards, and contemporary art. Floor tiles will also be replaced
with ones that are easier to clean. The added subway cars will have wider doors and open gangway
doors to increase capacity and aid in the flow of riders. Other added features include Wi-Fi, USB
chargers, full color digital customer information displays, digital ads, illuminated door opening
alerts, and security cameras to ensure a more entertaining and safer ride. The overhaul will be
managed by a single firm, who will be responsible for the design and construction for the project
in order to expedite the timeline. To further expedite renovations, the MTA will be shutting down
entire stations for an average six to twelve-months per station instead of relying on weekday night
and weekend closures.
Moving Forward
Governor Cuomo and the MTA’s present plan focus on the design overhaul of the stations and
trains. However, there are also other aspects of the subway experience that can be considered:
•
•
Cost: The current cost for one subway ride is $2.75. The price was increased from $2.50 in
2015 and faced opposition from those with lower income who have a high dependency on
the subway. The MTA may look to increase the fare to $3 in 2017 to hopefully raise more
than $300 million annually to cover costs and upgrades. With continuing price increases,
many riders don’t see the price hikes as justifiable due to the condition of the stations and
inefficiency of the trains.
Payment: The MetroCard was introduced in the late 1990s to replace tokens. However,
they are thin, can be easily lost and expire over time. Sometimes multiple attempts are
required to successfully swipe into stations, at times holding up riders from entering
stations and even causing riders to miss their trains.
•
•
•
Stations: Although there are no littering signs and reminders in the stations and on the
trains, the station and railroad tracks are often littered with trash and unidentifiable liquids.
Rats have also become a common sighting. The stations have also been known to be
extremely warm and unbearably stuffy in the summer.
Routes: The first section of the Second Avenue subway opened early January as to lighten
the load of the 4,5,6 lines and hopefully help alleviate some overcrowding. In other parts
of New York City, some boroughs are still underserved. Adjustments to certain routes may
help to alleviate overcrowding and increase efficiency.
Safety: With no barriers between the tracks and the platforms, it is easy for riders to drop
their possessions or throw trash onto the tracks. Safety is also a huge issue as riders may
fall in or may even be pushed in.
What to Cover:
Direct your policy proposal to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York Department of
Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, President of the
MTA New York City Transit Veronique Hakim, and NYC Commissioner of the Department of
Transportation Polly Trottenberg. Consider the following points and be prepared to answer
questions in these particular areas in your presentation:
•
•
•
•
2
Governor Cuomo’s Plan: With Cuomo’s current plan, are there any alterations or
improvements that can be made? Which aspects of the subway experience does Cuomo’s
plan highlight well and which aspects does it lack?
Funding: The state is committed to cover $8 billion of Cuomo’s $27 billion capital plan
while the city has set aside $2.5 billion to cover expenses. How would the MTA ensure it
is able to obtain the funds necessary to cover Cuomo’s plan as well as your team’s
proposal?
Station Closures: Assuming that station closures are necessary for improvements made to
the subway system and stations, how will the MTA schedule station closures to minimize
the impact on riders but maximize the efficiency of constructions? Would there be
transportation alternatives or compensation offered to subway riders?
Long-term Sustainability and Maintenance: How can the MTA ensure that with the
design changes, the subway is able to withstand another hundred years of ridership?