Allan Rosen is a former director of MTA NYCT Bus Planning with three decades of experience in transportation and a Master's Degree in Urban Planning.
THE COMMUTE: If you have been reading Bensonhurst Bean [http://www.bensonhurstbean.com/], as you should be doing, you already know about the downgrading of MTA bonds from A+ to A by Fitch [http://www.bensonhurstbean.com/2011/09/ratings-agency-downgrades-mta-debt-lockbox-bill-in-limbo/] , the smallest of the three rating agencies. Joe Teutonico did
The exterior view of a 1932 R9 subway train. Source: NY Daily NewsTHE COMMUTE [/tag/the-commute/]: In preparation for the return of Brighton Express service after a two-year absence, there will be no Brighton Service next weekend. > From the MTA website: > “No Q trains between Prospect Park and
Flooding at the Coney Island Train Yards after Hurricane Irene (Source: MTA.info)THE COMMUTE [/tag/the-commute/]: The MTA, in an unprecedented move, shut down the entire mass transit system beginning at 12 noon on Saturday in anticipation of Hurricane Irene. Some may wonder why it was necessary to shut
MTA rider Aaron Goldberg, unfairly summonsed? Source: NY1THE COMMUTE [/tag/the-commute/]: There have been new developments this week in previous transportation stories covered by Sheepshead Bites. Here they are: Unfair Summonses Last week we reported on the plight of Aaron Goldberg [/how-many-innocent-riders-will-receive-summonses-when-sbs-comes-to-brooklyn/], who received a summons for riding the M15
THE COMMUTE: Select Bus Service (SBS) is due to arrive either later this year [http://mta.info/mta/planning/sbs/routes.html] or mid-2012 [http://mta.info/mta/planning/sbs/faqs.htm] on the B44 (Nostrand Avenue) bus. If you want an overview of how it will work you can
audits
THE COMMUTE: It’s been a busy news week for commuters. The Port Authority has proposed to increase PATH fares from $1.75 to $2.75 and peak-hour round-trip bridge and tunnel tolls [http://www.panynj.gov/press-room/press-item.cfm?headLine_id=1401] for non-E-ZPass users to $15 from the
Is this the American Airlines counter at JFK? Read on to find out. Photo by Allan RosenTHE COMMUTE [/tag/the-commute/]: Customer service — that should be a top priority for any company and it is for the most successful ones. Adequate signage and responding to customer complaints and taking appropriate action
THE COMMUTE [/tag/the-commute/] [/tag/the-commute/]: Many have thought this for a long time. Finally, someone has made a convincing case that this is indeed true and not just a figment of our minds. That someone is John Rozankowski, PHD from the Bronx. In his article on Source 101 [http:
THE COMMUTE [/tag/the-commute/] (Special Edition): Since I have been writing The Commute, I really haven’t said anything really bad about Jay Walder. In fact, I have complimented him several times. I gave him credit for being the first MTA Chairman to admit that the MTA could be doing
The B2 bus. Source: Robert McConnell for The Bergen NetworkTHE COMMUTE [/tag/the-commute/]: Last week, I wrote about the MTA’s sinister plot to destroy the B64 [/the-mta%e2%80%99s-sinister-plot-to-destroy-the-b64/], which they already have partially accomplished. They are also most likely planning to eliminate the B2, once one of
The B64 bus. Source: Robert McConnell for The Bergen NetworkTHE COMMUTE [/tag/the-commute/]: Here are my predictions about the MTA’s plan to systematically eliminate B64 service. Divide and conquer! 1. Chop off its head and its tail; 2. End service overnight; 3. Severely cut its service frequency; 4. Eliminate
Source: MTATHE COMMUTE [/tag/the-commute/]: Hurting drivers will not help transit. But the Department of Transportation and the MTA believes it will. Last week I gave 10 changes the MTA needs to implement [/ten-needed-changes-in-the-mta’s-way-of-doing-business/] to get back on track so that our mass transit system can better serve its