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Metro-North Train Runs Over Mattress

Posted by
on July 5th, 2013 at 4:57 am

In a story that could be classified as somewhat bizarre, a Metro-North train had to be disabled in the Bronx after running over a mattress. Here is the story courtesy of the Associated Press:

An eight-car Metro-North train was disabled in the Bronx after running over a mattress placed on the tracks, sparking a fire that shorted the third rail.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority says the incident occurred at about noon on Thursday. There were no injuries reported.

The MTA says the train’s crew lead about 750 passengers in single file to the first car then onto the platform after the fire caught underneath the sixth car of the train.

Firefighters put out the fire. Full service has since been restored.

The MTA says its police are investigating how the mattress got on the tracks and believe it may have been placed there as an act of vandalism.

I have heard of a lot of things causing delays within the MTA system but this might be a first. My initial thought leans with the agency in thinking that this was some sort of vandalism. Thankfully no idiot is sounding the terrorism alarm as the next thing we know, owning a bed could be a sign that you are a terrorist!

xoxo Transit Blogger

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NYC Transit Bus Driver Slashed In The Bronx

Posted by
on July 5th, 2013 at 4:52 am

I always hate hearing or reading about MTA employees being the victims of heinous crimes. The latest attack occurred in the Bronx on Wednesday when a driver on the Bx5 was slashed by a passenger who was getting off at the last stop at the corner of Southern Blvd & Westchester Ave. This is only 2 days after a bus driver was punched in the face & had her purse stolen in Manhattan.

Hopefully the pathetic individuals who committed these crimes are brought to justice. If anyone knows anything, contact the police immediately!

xoxo Transit Blogger

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MTA Looks To Lease 3 Midtown Buildings

Posted by
on July 5th, 2013 at 4:42 am

About 2 years ago when the MTA finances were looking real bleak, the agency had talked about selling 3 of the buildings they own next to Grand Central. The agency was looking to get approximately $150M for the building at 347 Madison Avenue & the 2 adjoining ones at 341 & 345 respectively.

At the time, I mentioned that I thought it was a terrible idea to sell the properties below market value as the rush to make a deal would not be a wise decision. Thankfully the sale never materialized which brings us to 2013. The agency is now looking to lease out the properties instead. Here is more via Judy Rife of the Times Herald Record:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, following through on a plan announced two years ago, will move from its Madison Avenue headquarters and lease the coveted location adjacent to Grand Central Terminal to a developer.

“This promises to help our bottom line in two ways, by reducing our office expenses and capturing much-needed revenue for our capital program,” said Aaron Donovan, an MTA spokesman.

The MTA has retained Cushman & Wakefield, one of eight commercial real estate companies that bid on the contract, to market the buildings at 341, 345 and 347 Madison Ave. Cushman is working on commission.

The request for proposals was given to developers June 25. Responses are due Aug. 14.

Donovan said the MTA expects the developer who secures the long-term lease will demolish the buildings, which occupy a full block between 44th and 45th streets, and redevelop the site with modern Class A offices or a hotel or residential tower or a mix of uses.

Demolition is anticipated because the three buildings cannot be combined and are replete with inefficiencies that prevent their conversion to modern office space. The oldest of the trio dates to 1917.

The developer will be required to maintain access to Grand Central, now an underground walkway from 347 Madison.

The MTA projects this effort to right-size its real estate portfolio, including the pending sale or lease of other, smaller properties, will generate $600 million in cost savings or new revenue.

Click here for the complete report.

Like I mentioned in 2011, real estate is all about location, location, location, especially in Manhattan. The agency is much better off leasing the properties as they retain ownership while making a lot more versus an outright sell. Hopefully whatever deal they strike will not only infuse the agency with a nice amount of money but lead to future profits as well. Time will tell on all of this.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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Service Diversions 07-03-13

Posted by
on July 3rd, 2013 at 1:23 pm

Get an early start to your July 4th holiday travel plans as I have just updated the Service Diversions.

Make sure to follow @TransitBlogger on Twitter by clicking the button in the sidebar as I am using it more often. Also if you are into indie music make sure to follow @IndMusicReview & @SurgeFM

Have a safe & wonderful weekend!

xoxo Transit Blogger

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NYC Transit July 4th Travel Info

Posted by
on July 2nd, 2013 at 4:45 pm

Here is the planned service information for NYC Transit for the upcoming July 4th holiday:

New York City Subway:

On Thursday, July 4, subways will operate on a Saturday schedule. There will be increased subway service on the 1, 3, A, C, E, L and 42nd Street Shuttle S prior to and following the Macy’s fireworks celebration, which will originate from four barges located on the Hudson River between 24th and 42nd Streets from 9:20 p.m. to 9:55 p.m.

New York City Buses:

Buses operated by MTA New York City Transit and the MTA Bus Company will operate on a Saturday schedule on Thursday, July 4. There are many routes that either do not operate on Saturdays or do not run on part of the route at certain hours. Customers traveling on the Fourth of July should check Saturday schedules, lines and routes.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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