Metro Matters

The MTA is finally getting a much needed capital plan approved, though nearly $1.5 billion is contingent upon the passage of a $2.9 billion bond act in November. the capital plan would provide for the expansion of the 7 line to the Javits Center, $2.5 billion set aside for East Side Access, which would bring Long Island Rail Road trains into Grand Central Terminal, and create a rail link between Kennedy Airport and lower Manhattan.

Nearly $500 million will be spent on security enhancements throughout the system. This doesn't appear to include the Hudson and East River tunnels. Needless to say, this is a good start on improving security and safety for millions who use the system on a daily basis.

The Port Authority needs sensitivity training, because it failed to invite families of those killed on Flight 587 to an unveiling of a small memorial in a small park on Cabrini Boulevard near the George Washington Bridge. This is a microcosm of the problems the PANY/NJ has with Ground Zero - multiply the issues by several magnitudes and you'll see how and why people don't exactly trust the PA to do the right thing by the 9/11 families.