MTA launches new campaign to crack down on hate crimes
The MTA has launched an aggressive campaign to combat hate on mass transit.
Commuter train strikes tractor-trailer in Sloatsburg
The Port Jervis line of the Metro-North Railroad is suspended in both directions after a train struck a tractor-trailer near the Sloatsburg and Tuxedo stations in New York on Tuesday night.
MTA votes to hire more cops
18 of 21 MTA board members voted Wednesday in favor of hiring 500 additional MTA Police officers to patrol subways and Long Island Railroad and Metro-North platforms in the coming year.
City Council scrutinizes MTA's capital spending plan
New York's subways, buses, and railroads are in dire need to an upgrade. The MTA is plannin to spend $51.5 billion over five years on its capital plan.
Ambitious mega-transit proposal
What if New Jersey Transit, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North Railroad were all integrated into one massive transit system? Some commuters said that sounds like a great idea. Maybe?but is it realistic? A nonprofit says the idea is not only possible, it is essential to meet the needs of the growing tristate population. The Regional Plan Association is proposing a new system called T-REX, the Trans-Regional Express, to better connect New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Railroad service mess
The powerful nor'easter that pummeled the New York area Wednesday with snow, rain, and wind caused a mess on the region's railroads. Metro-North Railroad's New Haven, Harlem, and Hudson lines are all suspended as of Wednesday evening due to downed trees and "weather-related infrastructure issues," according to the MTA.
Sleep apnea testing decision
The Trump administration is doing away with the plan to require screening for sleep apnea in truck drivers and train engineers. But U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York, is criticizing that move and anticipates bipartisan agreement and has all intentions of restoring the screening.
Nightmare commute on MTA railroads
On the same day Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for the MTA, the agency's two major commuter railroads suffered frustrating suspensions and delays. The Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad's services went off course, right on cue. These are the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. The delays remained on Metro-North through most of the evening commute. Trains were cancelled and condensed, leaving extra crowded conditions.
MTA state of emergency
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday declared a state of emergency for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to expedite subway repairs and replacements in the wake of rising delays and accidents. Cuomo made the announcement at a planned news conference for the MTA Transit Challenge, a competition that will award three $1 million so-called genius awards for the best ideas to fix the mass transit system. Cuomo said the MTA needs new ideas to solve the problems.
Joe Lhota returns to helm the MTA
Gov. Andrew Cuomo nominated Joe Lhota to lead the MTA once again. Lhota served as the MTA's chairman and CEO from October 2011 to December 2012. He resigned to run for New York City mayor but lost to Bill de Blasio. This time around, Lhota will serve as chairman and delegate the day-to-day CEO duties to a permanent executive director. Lhota was a top aide to Mayor Rudy Giuliani.