Well, grades for the 5 train are out, and guess what? Yet another C-minus for the MTA.
The 5 – the lesser half of the duo that makes up the Lexington Ave. express – runs from the Bronx into Brooklyn at rush hour and terminates at Bowling Green all other times during its run. It enjoys new subway cars, overcrowded trains and its very own C-minus grade. I hear long walks on the beach and giant rats in its tunnels are some of its interests as well.
How do the riders want the 5 to improve? Let me count the ways.
- Minimal delays during trips
- Reasonable wait times for trains
- Adequate room on board at rush hour
- Station announcements that are easy to hear
- Cleanliness of stations
- Sense of security on trains
- Sense of security in stations
- Comfortable temperature in subway cars
- Train announcements that are easy to hear
- Station announcements that are informative
Like I was with the 4 train last week, I’m confused about the train announcement issue. The cars on the 5 line are all R142s. It’s not that hard to hear the crystal-clear announcements on the train.
The delays and crowds go hand-in-hand. Trains along the über-popular Lexington Ave. IRT and famous for their crowds. Try getting onto a 6 local at 77th St. during rush hour. It is neigh impossible. So as the express trains get more and more crowded, it takes longer for people to cram into the cars. They block the doors; they hold up service. Thus, delays are a constant problem on the 5 line, and train spacing becomes an issue.
Otherwise, as you’ll see after the jump, it’s the same old grading story for the 5 train. The MTA now should know which areas need the most improvement. As they demonstrated on the L and 7 lines, they’re willing to make the necessary upgrades. Can they do the same on lines that are already maxed out? Only time will tell.
| Rider Ratings of 4 Service | 2007 Grade | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal delays during trips | D+ | |
| Reasonable wait times for trains | C- | |
| Adequate room on board at rush hour | D | |
| Sense of security in stations | C | |
| Sense of security on trains | C- | |
| Working elevators and escalators in stations | C- | |
| Signs in stations that help riders find their way | C+ | |
| Signs in subway cars that help riders find their way | C+ | |
| Cleanliness of stations | C- | |
| Cleanliness of subway cars | C | |
| Station announcements that are easy to hear | D+ | |
| Station announcements that are informative | D+ | |
| Train announcements that are easy to hear | C- | |
| Train announcements that are informative | C- | |
| Lack of graffiti in stations | C+ | |
| Lack of graffiti in subway cars | B- | |
| Lack of scratchitti in subway cars | C+ | |
| Courtesy and helpfulness of station personnel | C | |
| Comfortable temperature in subway cars | C+ | |
| Ease of use of subway turnstiles | B- | |
| Availability of MetroCard Vending Machines | B- | |
| Overall performance | C- |
4 comments
I am confused by the train announcement issue as well. It’s loud, clear and generally accurate on all of the new trains. The station announcements on the other hand… oy.
[…] the 5 train. While this branch of the Lexington Ave. express may only be worth a C-minus in the eyes of its riders, you’re bound to find love in some form or another […]
Test
That IS rather amusing. Trust me, if you want announcement issues try riding the A train or one of the other lines with older cars. The unfortunate thing about the report card idea is that it seems all riders on all lines are fairly upset by train service, but only MODERATELY upset, so are we really going to see any change?