MTA Releases Their 2011 Agenda
This is a post I meant to write on Friday but I went out to party with 2 of my best friends so I had no time. Anyhow…..
Friday’s are usually a day where you have to pay extra attention to the news as stories seem to slip through the cracks & do not generate the buzz they should. I feel this story fits that bill as the MTA released their 2011 agenda. Let me start it off with the press release I received about it:
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today released a comprehensive agenda for 2011 that carries forward the work begun last year under the agency’s report entitled “Making Every Dollar Count.” The 2011 agenda continues a fundamental re-shaping of the MTA that includes cost-cutting that will result in cumulative savings of $3.8 billion by 2014, customer service improvements begun last year such as countdown clocks and implementation of systemic changes, including all-electronic tolling.
“It’s a new year, but our focus remains unchanged,” said MTA Chairman Jay H. Walder. “We will make every dollar count. We will continue to cut costs to create a more efficient MTA. We will continue to improve service for our customers. We brought change to the MTA in 2010, and we’re going to build on that success in 2011.”
In pursuing the goals of last year’s agenda, the MTA identified $525 million in annual savings through an emergency overhaul of the way the MTA does business – helping to limit the impact of the economic downturn on the MTA’s customers. And despite historic budget austerity, the agency delivered a number of long-promised benefits to customers: activation of countdown clocks at more than 100 subway stations; bringing security cameras online; overhauling the MTA website; and demonstrating the promise of bus service through a series of travel innovations that have significantly increase bus speeds.
Here is a sample of the 24 page report:
Consolidate back office functions
In January 2011, the MTA opened its new Business Service Center—streamlining operations for MTA agencies in Human Resources, Finance, and other back office functions. Savings from the Center will exceed $25 million annually by 2014.
Cut unnecessary overtime:
In 2009, we began a crackdown on unnecessary overtime that will save the MTA $70 million annually—a 13 percent reduction in overtime spending. At the same time, we’ve maintained the overtime that is critically important to deal with snow removal, emergency situations, safety inspections, and other high-priority areas.
Reduce office space costs:
We will finally rationalize the MTA’s use of office space, currently scattered inefficiently across a series of headquarters facilities. We will maximize the benefit of the office space we need and sell off properties we don’t to support investment in our transit network. Overall, we will reduce the space we occupy by 15 percent.
Better Bus Service:
First, you will know when your bus is coming. You will be able to check your cell phone or your computer to see where your bus is, so you can get to the bus stop
when you need to.Next, when your bus arrives, you will board quickly by using a smart card to tap and go in milliseconds. This will speed up the boarding process at each and every stop and make your overall trip much faster.
And finally, your bus-only lane really will be a bus-only lane — cameras positioned along the route will see to it.
Countdown clocks reach more than 200 stations in 2011:
More than 200 stations will have working countdown clocks by the end of the year—in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens— including the very first countdown clocks on the #7 Line. We’ll also be
bringing displays to more stations on the lettered lines, targeting stations on the Queens Boulevard Line.New displays show systemwide status:
In 2010, we introduced electronic signs that display the real-time status of the entire subway system before you pay your fare, so you can make the best travel decisions possible. The new signs are currently active at Grand Central Station, Atlantic Avenue/Pacific Street, QueensBoro Plaza, and Main Street Terminal on the #7 Line.
In 2011, we will be bringing these displays to 34th Street-Penn Station, Willets Point, Woodside-61st Street and other key hubs across the subway system.
Real-time railroad information spreads across the region:
In 2010 we unveiled two new services that allow customers to check the realtime status of their train on a cell phone or computer—Long Island Rail Road’s CooCoo and Metro-North’s TrainTime.
In 2011, the real-time information revolution grows:
Real-time service status for every station is now available on our website, and in 2011 electronic signs at 50 different Metro-North stations will display the same real-time information.
Metro-North will join the LIRR in using CooCoo to provide real-time schedule information to customers via cell phone.
Electronic signs displaying real-time train arrival information will be installed at 14 more LIRR stations, bringing the total number of stations with these signs to 121. We are developing ways
to make the system more effective during major service disruptions.Connect riders with high-tech Help Points:
Help Points—new, 21st century high-tech intercoms—provide riders with a direct connection to service information and emergency services. They are easily visible, connected through Ethernet technology for clear communications, and will dramatically expand the number of places where customers can get help in each subway station.
In 2011, we will test them at two stations on the #6 line, with approximately ten Help Points located all around each station. Systemwide implementation is planned for 2012.
Complete camera activation:
In 2010, we turned around the longdelayed installation of security cameras, with more than 3,700 working by the end of the year. We went even further, connecting cameras at key hubs directly to the
NYPD’s command center, allowing for 24/7 monitoring. In 2011, we will complete a program that introduced interactive cameras to secure key hubs around the region, increasing the total number of cameras to more than 4,200.If It’s Broke, Fix It:
Gaping holes in platform canopies, deteriorating platform edges, or stairs that are literally crumbling … these problems are simply unacceptable. That’s why in 2010 we implemented a new strategy to keep stations in good condition. Instead of waiting for full-station rehabilitations, we are now fixing issues on a component basis and putting an end to battered stations.
Using the results of a system-wide survey of more than 14,500 station components, we are now fixing the components most in need of repair first—making better use of capital dollars through targeted repairs. Last year, we successfully awarded component repairs at dozens of stations, including projects like:
• Stair replacements at 36 sets of stairs at stations on the A, J, and Z lines in Queens;
• Platform edge replacements at 12 platform edges on the M Line and eight platform edges on the #2, 3, 4, 5 lines in Brooklyn; and
• Canopy replacements at 10 canopies on the #1 Line in Manhattan and the Bronx.
It seems simple, and it is. When something is broken, we’re fixing it—delivering improvements to customers on a timeframe New Yorkers demand.
Completing Projects in 2011:
• We will replace 40-year-old cars on Metro-North’s New Haven Line with 21st century M-8 cars, improving reliability and service quality while adding seats.
• A new underground transfer between the 45th Road/Courthouse Square #7 station and the Court Square G station will accommodate rapid growth in Long Island City.
• In an award winning construction effort, we are replacing the last of 189 steel spans on the LIRR Atlantic Viaduct, which serves customers travelling between Brooklyn and Jamaica.
• We will make dozens of investments to keep our trains running safely and reliably, including: $16 million for signal control modifications; $23 million to replace signal stop cables; and nearly $300 million to
replace 11 miles of mainline track and 225 miles of track surfacing.• We will complete the rehabilitation of the Queens approach at the Throgs Neck Bridge, replacing more than 140,000 square feet of roadway deck on the 49-year-old bridge.
$2 billion in savings and counting:
Last year, we found better ways to deliver our investments, saving $2 billion in the process. In 2011, we will continue to closely review our Capital Program to identify further cost savings.
Funding the Capital Program:
Our Capital Program is funded through 2011, but there is a $10 billion gap in the program’s final three years. This year, we will work to fill this gap in two basic ways. First, we will build on past successes with new cost-cutting efficiencies. Second, we will work with our funding partners to find creative ways to fund the remaining gap.
Click here to read the complete .pdf report.
The report was a good read as it shows a continuation of the agenda set out from day 1 by MTA Chairman Jay Walder to run a more cost effective & efficient MTA. The overall question I have is will the agency deliver the goods?
Throughout his tenure, the MTA has taken some positive steps to curb costs all across the board from cutting and/or eliminating redundant service to cutting back on wasteful spending in the management/office level of operations.
However with the positive comes the negative which in my opinion curbs what they are trying to do. Whether it was the addition of 2 bus lines to basically replace 1, or bus maintenance costs being too expensive.
Unfortunately even if the MTA were to clean up their act, they do not control their own destiny. While their Capital Program goals are aimed at helping ease the commuting lives of many, where will the money come from to implement it? The program will be up for review in Albany this year & all the rage coming from there is the massive budget cuts that need to happen to save our state from bankruptcy.
The MTA is promising a lot but if things continue as they are in Albany, don’t count on those promises being delivered. This unfortunately is life for the MTA when it comes to dealing with Albany. We can only hope that Albany understands the importance of our transportation network & does right by it. I for one will not hold my breath considering their track record. We shall see….
xoxo Transit Blogger
You might enjoy reading these related entries:- Countdown Clocks Come To E & G Lines
- Countdown Clocks To Shut Down Tomorrow
- Countdown Clocks Have Reached 100 Stations
- MTA Adds L Line Arrivals To App
- Subway Countdown Clocks Expand To Brooklyn
DiNapoli Takes Issue With Bus Maintenance Costs
A new year has barely begun & New York State ComptrollerThomas DiNapoli is already issuing scathing reports against the MTA. His latest issue revolves around bus inspections & the costs of maintenance being too expensive.
He claims that nearly all of the agency’s hybrid buses have not been properly inspected. Also he claims that 62% of the overall bus fleet failed to meet reliability goals despite maintenance costs which came in near an astounding $780M for 2008. Here is more from his report:
Nearly half of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus fleet—including virtually all of the fleet’s hybrid-engine buses—have not been properly inspected according to an audit released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. In addition, 62 percent of the MTA’s buses failed to meet reliability goals despite maintenance costs that topped $777.7 million in 2008. That amount was double the maintenance costs of other comparable transportation agencies around the nation.
“New Yorkers aren’t getting what they pay for when it comes to bus service,” said DiNapoli. “Other cities across the nation spend much less on maintenance and get better results. The MTA needs to step up bus maintenance performance and bring down maintenance costs.”
Three of the MTA’s seven constituent agencies provide bus service in New York City and Long Island. The MTA’s Regional Bus Operations oversees the authority’s 6,200-bus fleet and maintenance services at 29 depots and two overhaul facilities. DiNapoli’s audit examined records from the MTA’s Regional Bus Operations division between 2007 and 2009.
Auditors found that:
Nearly two-thirds of the 29 bus depots did not meet their performance goals;
Maintenance costs per mile of operation were much higher than other bus fleets around the nation;
584 of the MTA’s 1,255 required maintenance inspections were performed poorly, or not at all; and;
Mechanical failures were more frequent than expected. One depot had a goal of 4,674 miles between failures, but its actual distance traveled between failures was 3,581 miles.
The MTA oversees seven constituent agencies, three of which provide bus service in New York City and Long Island. These bus operations are overseen by the MTA’s Regional Bus Operations. We audited selected aspects of Regional Bus Operations’ bus maintenance program and found that a number of improvements are needed, as routine maintenance procedures often are not performed as required, buses at two-thirds of the 29 depots did not meet their performance goals, and the maintenance cost per mile is unusually high.
For example, we randomly selected 23 buses and reviewed the maintenance documentation to determine whether routine maintenance inspections were performed as required from January 2007 to November 2009. Based on the MTA’s standards, the 23 buses should have had a total of 1,255 such inspections during this period and the inspections should have been performed within certain timeframes. However, we found that 584 of these required inspections (46.5 percent) were not performed on time, were not performed correctly, or were not performed at all. In addition, 17 of the 23 buses were hybrids, which require engine inspections every 48,000 miles.
However, we found that the engine inspections required at 48,000 or 96,000 miles were not performed for any of the 17 buses. The MTA’s inspection standards are designed to comply with the manufacturers’ specifications and keep the buses in good working order. If the buses are not inspected in accordance with these standards, there is an increased risk they could break down or wear out prematurely. This could compromise passenger service and lead to additional, unnecessary costs.
Click here to view the complete .pdf report.
The entire report was very disturbing to read on various fronts. The lack of proper inspection protocol being followed is a slap in the face to the millions who depend on bus service daily. The other front which was disturbing was the overall costs of maintenance. With technology being advanced, costs for maintenance should be considerably cheaper. In an age where the agency is proclaiming financial responsibility, this is an issue that must be addressed.
The comptroller’s suggestions:
Improve the reliability of its bus fleet;
Identify reasons why maintenance costs are so high and develop a plan to reduce them, and;
Prepare a comprehensive maintenance plan that includes information on maintenance program objectives and unscheduled maintenance operations.
come across as pretty basic common sense yet the importance of them being implemented can not be stressed enough. While running a bus system in our region is the most complex of anywhere in the world, it is not a valid reason to skimp on inspections & to have such high maintenance costs. The agency needs to step their game up on both the cost & safety front as anything less is completely unacceptable.
xoxo Transit Blogger
You might enjoy reading these related entries:- MTA Buses Set Reliability Record
- LIRR’s Diesel Fleet Shows Improvements
- Buses Replace Midday Montauk Line Trains
- MTA Plans Better Track Maintenance
- LIRR Port Jeff Line Affected By Rail Inspections
Service Diversions 01-28-11
I have just updated the Service Diversions page with the latest planned work for the weekend, next week, & beyond in some cases. As always, I suggest you print out a copy before heading out to your destination.
If you have an internet ready handheld device, I suggest using it to access the Transit Blogger mobile site for all your diversion needs. Stay safe & have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo Transit Blogger
You might enjoy reading these related entries:- Service Diversions 02-11-11
- Service Diversions 02-05-11
- Service Diversions 02-18-11
- Service Diversions 05-09-11
- Service Diversions 11-17-11
LIRR PM Rush Hour Info
You might enjoy reading these related entries:MTA Long Island Rail Road plans to operate a reduced weekday PM Rush Hour schedule as a result of weather-related issues from the severe winter storm. Of the 126 trains normally operated during the PM rush, approximately 18 eastbound PM rush trains will be canceled and, as a result, some trains could be more crowded. Buses will replace train service east of Speonk on the Montauk Branch and east of Ronkonkoma on the Main Line to Greenport.
Additionally, because of a weather-related track condition in the Cold Spring Harbor area, electric train service between Hicksville and Huntington will terminate at Hicksville. Syosset, Cold Spring Harbor and Huntington customers must change to/from electric trains to diesel trains at Hicksville. Syosset, Cold Spring Harbor and Huntington customers should anticipate delays and should listen for announcements at western terminals and at stations Hicksville through Huntington.
As an alternative Syosset, Cold Spring Harbor and Huntington customers can avoid the transfer at Hicksville by taking direct diesel train service at western terminals. Electronic train information displays on
the Port Jefferson Branch will refer affected customers to our website since it cannot be programmed with the revised schedule info.While the LIRR will make every effort to operate the Snow Recovery Schedule as outlined below, it is possible that additional alterations to the PM rush hour schedule may be necessary. The Snow Recovery Schedule is meant as a baseline to indicate to customers the level of service the LIRR intends to operate after the storm as a result of anticipated weather-related issues.
PM Peak Train Cancellations:
The following westbound PM rush hour trains will be canceled. Other trains may be canceled in addition to these trains.
Babylon Branch:
The 4:04 PM from NY due Babylon at 5:05 will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 4:12 PM from NY that normally ends in Massapequa Park but
will make all local stops to Babylon.The 4:34 PM from NY due Babylon at 5:39 will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 4:37 PM from NY to Babylon with added stops at St. Albans, Lynbrook and Rockville Centre.
The 5:19 PM train from New York due Wantagh 6:06 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:24 PM from New York that normally ends
in Freeport but will be extended to Wantagh.The 5:40 PM train from New York due Seaford 6:30 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:47 PM from New York that normally ends in Freeport
but will make all local stops and be extended to Seaford.The 6:05 PM train from New York due Wantagh 6:51 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 6:10 PM from New York that normally ends in Freeport but will make all local stops and be extended to Wantagh.
—
Port Washington Branch:
The 4:22 PM train from New York due Port Washington at 4:58 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 4:25 PM from New York that normally ends in Great neck but will be extended to Port Washington.
The 4:43 PM train from New York due Port Washington at 5:21 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 4:46 PM from New York that normally ends
in Great Neck but will be extended to Port Washington.The 5:11 PM train from New York due Port Washington 5:47 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:14 PM from New York that normally ends
in Great Neck but will be extended to Port Washington.The 5:26 PM train from New York due Port Washington 6:04 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:29 PM from New York that normally ends
in Great Neck but will be extended to Port Washington.The 5:50 PM train from New York due Great Neck at 6:19 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:56 PM from New York that normally ends
in Great Neck but will be extended to Port Washington.—-
Port Jefferson/Huntington Branch:
The 4:31 PM train from New York due Huntington at 5:37 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:06 PM from New York to Hicksville.
The 5:29 PM train from Atlantic Terminal due Huntington at 6:28 PM will be canceled. Customers can take the 5:35 PM West Hempstead train from Atlantic
Terminal and transfer at Jamaica to a Huntington train at 5:55 PM, which will make an added stop at Westbury and terminate at Hicksville.—-
Hempstead Branch:
The 3:05 PM train from Atlantic Terminal, due Hempstead at 3:58 PM is canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 3:32 PM from Atlantic Terminal to
Hempstead.The 6:14 PM train from Atlantic Terminal due Hempstead at 7:04 PM will be canceled. Customers can take the 6:18 PM West Hempstead train from Atlantic
Terminal and transfer at Jamaica to a Huntington train at Jamaica.—-
Ronkonkoma Branch:
The 3:07 PM train from New York due Ronkonkoma at 4:25 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 3:15 PM from New York to Ronkonkoma.
The 5:01 PM train from New York due Ronkonkoma at 6:20 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:22 PM from New York to Ronkonkoma with an added stop at Jamaica.
The 5:41 PM train from New York due Ronkonkoma at 6:49 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 5:53 PM from New York to Ronkonkoma.
—-
Oyster Bay Branch:
The 4:01 PM train from Long Island City due in Oyster Bay at 5:30 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 4:44 PM train from Long Island
City to Oyster Bay.—-
Far Rockaway Branch:
The 6:27 PM train from Atlantic Terminal due Far Rockaway at 7:25 PM will be canceled. Customers will be accommodated by the 6:59 PM from Atlantic Terminal to Far Rockaway with an added stop at East New York.
- LIRR Cancellations Due To NJT Train Derailment
- 9 LIRR Trains Cancelled Due To NJT Derailment
- LIRR Service To Be Affected Until Wednesday
- LIRR Continues To Run Reduced PM Rush Service
- LIRR Winter Storm Plans
Service Update For Rush Hour
You might enjoy reading these related entries:The MTA has been working hard to restore full service in the aftermath of a storm that dumped nineteen inches of snow on New York City and more than a foot of snow in other parts of the region. While we have restored service across the entire system, recovery efforts are ongoing and customers may still experience some delays and cancellations. While the storm has passed, we continue to urge all of our customers to walk carefully on platforms and stairs, and to take special care when boarding or exiting buses or trains.
New York City Subway:
Service has been restored on all subway lines and the Staten Island Railroad, but customers can still expect some residual delays.
Buses in New York City and Nassau County:
Manhattan:
Full or partial service restored on all routes.
Brooklyn:
Full or partial service restored on all routes except the B7, B14, B17, B47, B60 and B83.
The Bronx:
Full or partial service restored on all routes except the Bx24.
Queens:
Full or partial service restored on all routes except the Q2, Q15A, Q39, Q42, Q67, Q76, Q84 and Q88.
Staten Island:
Full or partial service restored on all routes except the S42 and S52.
Nassau:
Full or partial service restored on all routes.
Long Island Rail Road:
LIRR plans to operate a reduced weekday PM Rush schedule. Of the 126 trains normally operated during the PM rush, approximately 18 eastbound PM rush trains will be canceled and, as a result, some trains could be more crowded. Buses will replace train service east of Speonk on the Montauk Branch and east of Ronkonkoma on the Main Line to Greenport.
Additionally, because of a weather-related track condition in the Cold Spring Harbor area, electric train service between Hicksville and Huntington will terminate at Hicksville. Syosset, Cold Spring Harbor and Huntington customers must change to/from electric trains to diesel trains at Hicksville. Syosset, Cold Spring Harbor and Huntington customers should anticipate delays and should listen for announcements at western terminals and at stations Hicksville through Huntington.
As an alternative Syosset, Cold Spring Harbor and Huntington customers can avoid the transfer at Hicksville by taking direct diesel train service at western terminals.
Metro-North Railroad:
New Haven Line main line service will operate on a Sunday Schedule for the remainder of the day providing hourly service. However, the 4:34 PM, 5:34 PM and 6:34 PM trains departing Grand Central Terminal will not be operating. The New Canaan, Danbury and Waterbury branches are suspended for the remainder of the day.
Hudson and Harlem Line trains will continue to operate on a Saturday schedule for the remainder of the day. The Newburgh-Beacon and Haverstraw-Ossining Ferries will continue to be replaced by substitute bus service.
West-of-Hudson Customers:
For NJ TRANSIT travel information and current service status, please visit http://www.njtransit.com/.
Access-A-Ride and Able-Ride:
Access-A-Ride and Able-Ride service is canceled except for trips of medical necessity (e.g., dialysis, radiation treatment or chemotherapy). Customers who need to travel to such an
appointment should call reservations in advance.Bridges and Tunnels:
All roadways at MTA Bridges and Tunnels’ crossings are open and operating normally at this time. Motorists are asked to allow extra travel time and operate at reduced speeds due to wet roadways.
