Mike Nizza at The Times’ Lede blog has a great story about Emma Clarke’s recent firing from her post as the Voice of the London Underground. Clarke, whose voice is as recognizable to Londoners as those folks on the new trains telling us to “stand clear of the closing doors please,” was fired after she posted satirical Tube recordings on her Website and called Tube service “dreadful.” The truth will indeed set you free. [The Lede]
Category: Asides
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Introducing the MetroCard Challenge
With all of talk swirling about $2 base fares and Unlimited Ride MetroCard cost increases, I thought it would be fun to see just how much per ride I pay for my 30-day Unlimited Ride MetroCard each month. I take at least two rides a day during the work week as I commute to and from my job. I lead a fairly active social life as well. Since I started a new card on Wednesday, this month is a great time for my experiment. I’ll update my data – which you’ll find in the center column at top – each day and chart my progress. My guess is that I get a pretty sweet deal.
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Something doing on the L line?
According to a recent Subchat post, all of the L line stations in Brooklyn are getting a facelift. All painted surfaces are getting a fresh coat, and all wooden benches are getting striped and recoated. Supposedly, something is going on next month along those tops. I wonder what it is. [Subchat]
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Fun with Google
Last night, someone using Google came across Second Ave. Sagas by searching for “how to take the r train from the bronx.” Considering that the R runs from Queens into Manhattan, south along Broadway and then into Brooklyn, you’re going to be waiting an awfully long time if you’re trying to get the R in in the Bronx. [Google]
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Breaking: MTA to reduce fare hike
In the wake of Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s comments against the fare hike, the MTA has announced a plan to reduce the fare hike from its current proposal. The Authority will put together a fare-hike restructuring plan in advance of next month’s MTA Board meeting. More on this breaking story shortly. [MTA Press Release]
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Moberg heads to Hollywood
Anyone else wary of the way this whole Moberg-Hayton subway romance is shaking down? Was it all just a publicity stunt? Despite promising never to talk about it in public again, Moberg and his Australian belle have appeared on the morning TV shows, and the media-savvy Internet Romeo is now shopping the movie rights to his story. For a budding graphics designer, Moberg sure is getting a lot of free press. [Portfolio via Gothamist]
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Feds approve $1.3 billion for SAS
Sadly, the SAS right there doesn’t refer to a large government subsidy for this blog but rather the funds needed to complete Phase I of the long-awaited Second Avenue Subway. I’ll have more on this story and the future of the Second Ave. Subway later on today. [The New York Times]
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MIA MTA member shows up at public forum
Susan Metzger, one of the three MTA board members who missed the fare hike hearings, showed up for Saturday’s Public Engagement Workshop. That’s awfully nice of her. I guess she can keep her spot on the board. More about the workshop later.
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Port Authority announces toll increase
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, operators of the Hudson River crossings and the PATH trains, has announced a plan to increase fares and tolls. PATH train fares will go up $.30 to $.50, and tolls will climb to $8. PANYNJ also plans to eliminate E-ZPass discounts during peak travel hours. [New York Times]
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MTA board members skipping fare hike hearings
According to a report in the Daily News, MTA board members tasked with voting on the fare hike aren’t even bothering to show up to the public hearings. Six of the 16 voting members attended the Brooklyn meeting last week, and no more than five have attended any other meeting. Only three MTA members have been to all of the hearings, and the one member who has announced his public support for the fare hike – Andrew Saul – hasn’t been to any of the hearings. [Daily News]