Security Deficiencies Continue at MTA

Last week, the federal government enacted the huge transportation appropriations bill. Billions of dollars were spent, many on individual projects (over 6000 pet projects, which happens to include many in the New York Metropolitan area).

Yet, for all that money, basic communications services are lacking at many subway stations in the NYC subway system. How is that possible? Because the money isn't being spent on these kinds of infrastructure needs, despite the absolute necessity in case of emergencies. As much as I'd like to see some of those pet projects come to fruition, I would much rather know that all the subway stations have functioning intercom systems so that passengers can be alerted in case of emergencies.

Where are the security priorities at the MTA?

Of all emergency areas, "the area they fall very short in is communication," said Ellyn Shannon, the principal author.

"It's not prioritized anywhere," she said. "It was said to us a number of times, 'Our priority is getting people out of the trains.' "

New York City Transit was praised widely for quickly and safely evacuating thousands of passengers after the Sept. 11 attack and during the Northeast blackout on Aug. 14, 2003. It is during less urgent disruptions - when riders need to know when service will be restored - that the agency has had the most trouble, according to the report.

Poor communications "led to widespread customer confusion," the report found, on two occasions this year - a relay room fire on Jan. 23 that crippled service on the A and C lines and power losses on March 16 that knocked out service on the Lexington Avenue lines for hours.