Straphangers Won't Stand for Fewer Seats
NYC Transit will approve final design for a new generation of subway cars early in 1996. But according to an opinion piece by the Straphangers Campaign's Joe Rappaport in the Daily News last week, most of the new designs proferred by the agency reduce seating. "The TA says fewer seats will enable it to increase 'passenger flow' by placing a niche near the door for standees. This is really an attempt to stuff more riders into each train so the TA can cut costs by offering less service," wrote Rappaport. NYC transit riders endured the worst service cuts in 20 years and a record fare increase in 1995. During the 1990's, 840 new cars costing $2.1 million each are expected to enter service as part of the MTA's capital program. The Straphangers Campaign called on NYC Transit to preserve seating, offer handholds for all riders and conduct additional market research on its designs early this year.
