I heard today from Senator Daniel Squardon that MTA has agreed to increase weekend L train service. The Brooklyn Senator asked transit to look into it over the summer.

Riders will see more trains beginning in mid-2012.

Within the next 12 months, cell service (for AT&T and TMobile) is coming to more than two dozen additional subway platforms. Click below to see...

If you have any questions, ask riders in Brooklyn and Queens (where we have been talking or not talking on platforms and trains for years above ground).

Interesting timing of things. It is helpful to have cell service on the platforms. But we have to be careful when we whip out those cell phones on the platforms. Thefts are up about 17%.

I've missed you. There was no MTA Board meeting in August. Next week, they're back.

Back to the reading materials.

Me and Jodi (Jodi & I) on the five ... click to see

 

Rat petition
http://www.change.org/petitions/new-yorkers-deserve-a-rat-free-subway

Here we go. I hope this will make the restart process easier. Check mta.info for updates on that, as the weekend progresses.

See that headline from MTA: Full System Shutdown Underway

Subway lines and bus routes begin final runs at approximately 12 noon.
Click here for lists of final railroad trains:
Long Island Rail Road
Metro-North Railroad

MTA Bridges and Tunnels: Restrictions or closures at MTA Bridges and Tunnels are likely. MTA bridges will close if winds reach sustained speeds of 60 mph, but this does not preclude them from closing sooner if high winds are coupled with other weather-related conditions including flooding.

Customers should not attempt to use these services after shut down is complete. Please continue monitoring MTA.info.

There's mockblock at the end of the video about Port Authority Public hearings on Toll Increase Proposal.

 
And I dropped off a copy of Mocker's Ugliest Subway Station Report. Yours is waiting. Just look for the ugly picture of me in the top right hand corner of this blog. Click to view it on line there.

I've added the report. Click on the "Mocker's Ugliest Subway Station" icon on the upper right hand side of the mockerblog main page pix11.com/mocker (just look for my ugly picture)

or click to read it on the web...

Jodi and I talk about things. Arthur looks at the legacy.

here's the announcement... I was working this all afternoon... now it's official:

added comment from Governor's office ....

Today a watchdog group called The Empire Center released the annual list of all the positions, salaries and overtime for all MTA workers (from cleaner to chairman).

The center says, "Metropolitan Transportation Authority employees received an average total pay of $71,237 in 2010, up nearly 3 percent from the 2009 level. The data also show that the MTA’s payroll increased by $71 million, or 1.4 percent, even though its headcount declined by 852 employees. For the third consecutive year, more than 10 percent of the MTA’s workforce – 7,993 individuals – took home $100,000 or more in total pay, including overtime and other extra pay. Some 268 MTA employees raked in at least double their base pay rate last year, while three employees tripled theirs."

Here's the statement from MTA HQ: "In 2010, the MTA eliminated 3,500 positions, froze managerial salaries for the third straight year and cut 15% of administrative payroll, en route to an annual budget savings of more than $500 million. Nonetheless, payroll did increase from 2009 to 2010 due to the 4% wage increase awarded by an arbitrator to the members of TWU Local 100."

Here's the release from The Empire Center and the list of more than 70,000 positions can be found by selecting/setting "Metropolitan Transportation Authority" under Agency/Area and "2010" in the Pay Year drop down menu on the site at www.seethroughny.net
.
And I added some of my reports from last summer about the MTA (just click)

Increase service on 42 bus and subway schedules. Reduce frequencies on 42 other bus schedules.

*83 bus schedule changes (on 56 routes)
*add a roundtrip on the L line in the late a.m. rush in December

These service changes take effect in September and December.

MTA reviews the schedules and makes changes every quarter (based on ridership and demand). So speak up to MTA customer service
here's the link www.mta-nyc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/mta_nyc.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php

Here are the stations... and click to watch the report

You need to know this ... there are 468 stations in the system.

 
I touched it.

Click to see the information from MTA

  Really..... click to call MTA customer service phone numbers ... send me email too

 
The second set of tests are in... this one wasn't mold. Thanks to Professional Building Inspectors for the information and insight.

 
Mocker's Muck. Greg's Gunk. It's a dirty job... but what is that stuff we see caked around us in our subway stations? The words of the prophets are supposedly written on the subway walls. But what is the goop?

An environmental testing company is taking swabs.

Riders of the lucky 7 line don't feel exactly that and elected leaders are stepping forward to see what's up.

Riders and business owners joined Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, State Senator Mike Gianaris, and Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer at a media event at the Vernon Jackson stop to shine the light on signal disruptions, and crowded and cancelled trains.

I asked the MTA for their side of things (click to see that and read the release from the elected reps)...

Something from the ceiling in the Eastern Pkwy/Brooklyn Museum Station fell on 2 kids this weekend. MTA tells me the station will be inspected again this week. Want to know the process? Have an issue?

Let me know what's going on at your station. I've got a list going on my Facebook. Or send me an email (mocker@pix11.com) or comment here.

Click to read more and the report from PROSPECTHEIGHTS.PATCH.COM.
I read about it first on that community blog.

We have to pay attention to this because it goes directly to the cost of the MTA doing business and how workers are compensated. And ultimately, how will it impact us, the riders?

 
I have more to add about this.
Here is some (and click as well)

The devastation in Japan has been tragic and widespread. It has impacted all sectors of that country's people and economies.

Today, I was wondering if there would be a delay in the new M8 cars. A Japanese company has the contract. A few cars have already been rolling on our tracks. More are supposed to be arriving each month. They are needed to restore Metro North service to it's former glory.

I received this tweet from the official MetroNorth Rail Road account:

MetroNorthTweet Metro-North Railroad
@gregmocker Kawasaki advised us of delay to delivery of 10 cars in Japan, rest to be built at Kawasaki plant in Nebraska.

I checked in with the media office which said it was too early to tell.

$12,000,000 worth of MTA big checks and neighbors send the MTA an eviction notice.
Watch the video and see full text of MTA response below.

Big changes to Metro North New Haven Line add more chaos to Grand Central Station. Of course, I had to jump in the mix.

If it's creative and innovative, it must be on twitter.

Let's all friend the MTA on twitter. I found they're responding to people's inquiries (@metronorthtweet is particularly worth interacting with).

Changes coming to a number of bus lines. What's up with yours.

I will be adding the info on bus changes over the weekend and we'll talk about it next week. In the meantime send me messages about your bus experiences (mocker@pix11.com or FB or twitter.com/gregmocker)

Big changes coming to the F in Brooklyn. Tomorrow morning neighbors willl start a petition to get more bus service during the work.

http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/FG_CulverViaduct.htm has info or click here

And I went back to an escalator we have been watching. And Jodi and I segue to talk to snow.

Wow. Did you hear that.

MTA calls them "new fares and discounts." Sure, it's "new" but it's also "less." See them here:

http://mta.info/mta/fares_discounts_101230.html

Video added below (big metro card makes an appearance).

 
Train Operator Hicks was on the subway that was trapped at a station in the Rockaways.

Tonight's shot from Shuttle platform. It is particularly rough here. I'm looking to get pictures and stories together. Click for more...

NY State Comptroller rejects MTA contract for subway radio upgrades based on current controversy between city and company. State asks MTA to provide an explanation of company's role, if any, in current city payroll system problem.

What happens next? Info and video below:

CityTime contract with city causing more controversy (and indictments this time). Council Members are sounding the warning to the MTA that I've been sounding for a month.

Part I, II, III, & IV links below.

MTA approves budget plan that does NOT include any money for Long Island Bus. MTA's subsidy has been millions of dollars.

Nassau County is proposing a measure that would reduce MTA funding over the next few years.

Negotiations continue. Click to see what it means for bus riders.

MTA releases results of a customer satisfaction survey. Now, you know I love the trains and the folks that keep us going.

But take a look at these numbers.

Charles Moerdler's first day on the job was an interesting one.

Why did New York Governor David Paterson replace an MTA board member who’s been a vocal critic of fare hikes and service cuts?

That’s the question I put to Paterson on Thursday after Norman Seabrook was not reappointed to the board. The State Senate affirmed the Governor's other choices this week.

Click to see and read more:

MTA Chairman Jay Walder and I usually have brief exchanges. Today he talked for 2 hours on some of our favorite topics (to the NYS Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions).

Let's review.

'tis the season.

How many shopping days until December 30, when fares increase?

In keeping with a holiday theme, let's look at the MTA's wish list. What jobs are being advertised this month?

Did I inspire the latest MTA marketing campaign?

Phone Numbers here:
http://www.mta.info/mta/phone.htm

Via the web:
http://mta-nyc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/mta_nyc.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php

The New York City Transit Riders Council held a question and answer forum with Transit Officials. You know I had to ask.

How will the Transit President explain and/or defend the $118 million contract for radio system upgrades? The company that's on track to receive the MTA work has been criticized by some city officials for a current contract with the city.

The end of the video breaks down the new issues with this MTA deal. MTA is already indicating a delay in the work. Sound familiar?

Board meeting in the morning...

The MTA is poised to spend more than $118 million on a transit radio system upgrade with a contractor that has been criticized by some city officials.

The Transit Committee sent the contract with Science Applications International Coperation (SAIC) to the full board. SAIC is the current contractor for CityTime. It was tasked with creating the city's computerized payroll system. The initial contract was for $63 million but it has since ballooned to 10 times that and the system is not completely on-line.

Mayor Bloomberg called the system "a disaster." Today New York City Comptroller John Liu warned the MTA against awarding the contract to SAIC.

MTA Headquarters says this is a different contract and the company has received favorable reviews from some city officials and other cities, as well. The federal government is requiring transit systems to meet a deadline for radio system upgrades.

Two video reports are posted below. Plus MTA explanations to me about project.

I'm just curious about a deal the MTA has with one of its consultants.

So I sent in a Freedom of Information request.

Here's what happened.

I always get these questions: "Who is watching the MTA and what can riders do to speak up."

Here's who and what.

The NY State Comptroller has finalized the process for reviewing certain state authority contracts, including from the MTA (deals that are no-bid and more than a million bucks, for starters). A state law took effect in March.

Getting it off the ground took some time. It's how government works.

Let's see how this works. The contracts aren't valid unless they're cleared through this new process.

(UPDATE)

Governor-elect Cuomo has had a few things to say about the MTA. But he has been short on details. Specifics are necessary now. Many of his ideas are being done already.

I talked to the Governor-Elect on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 during a stop in NYC. Click to see:

You tell me all the time (and I have to deal with it too because I ride the train) what your commute is like. And have you tried to get around on the weekends?

I asked the Chairman of the MTA that question.

Watch him answer. I've added some of your comments from my email and FB to this post. Click to see.

At Wednesday's MTA meeting, the full board approved the monthly procurements and new contracts.

It took them 8 minutes.

I'm pulling back the curtain to show the process.

While New Yorkers were focused Wednesday on sweeping toll increases approved by the MTA, I thought it would be interesting to tally up how much the board was spending at the same meeting.

Fueled by rider complaints, a man named Mr. Boggs, and my report on PIX 11, the MTA has agreed to a compromise regarding the move of a Q101 bus stop.

I went to the MTA Committee meeting today. They won't be voting on toll increases until Wednesday.

This is just a step in the process. But some board members are raising concerns about the process.

And there was a fairly lively conversation about customer service regarding the sale of fruits and vegetables in Grand Central. Ironic? Discuss.

Big meetings coming up on Monday and Wednesday of next week. I'll be watching.
Now it's drivers turn to take the heat (or anyone who rides in a car, takes a cab... around the metro).

Here's the big talk. I went through the agendas. And I added the video of Jodi and me talking after the report aired.

9 bus stops have been relocated because of the new express M15 Select Bus Service along 1st and 2nd Avenues in Manhattan.

Part I & II are here.


Mr. Boggs called me one day last week at PIX11

What ???? should I ask the MTA bosses???

Comment here. It's quick and easy, plus my boss wants to know how many people look at this mockblog.

Jump to the next page for a breakdown of the fare increase vote and Chris Glorioso report on what's next for drivers.

I got a MetroCard in my pocket. I ride. I ride. Tell me a story.

What would you say to the big bosses at the MTA.

Send me an email at mocker@wpix.com

(I read all of them... yes, I do... I write back eventually, what a week later is good).

Rides will NOT be capped on weekly or monthly unlimited MetroCard:
$104 for the monthly unlimited (up from $89)
$29 for the weekly unlimited (up from $27)

Read Jay's letter to the MTA Board here

View Board Member packet here

See Bridge and Tunnel Proposal here

A major subway and Long Island Rail Road hub (although service has been cut on LIRR overnight) was the showcase for new, high-tech signs today. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority temporarily installed help centers and giant television screens around Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn which broadcast up-to-the-minute schedule changes. PIX 11 News reporter's Greg Mocker toured the station with Transit Officials and other reporters.

Do you think I rained on their parade?

Five months after a New York State law took effect calling for the State Comptroller to review certain MTA and state contracts, the process is not underway. PIX 11's Greg Mocker discovered an area of the Public Authorities Reform Act that has not been implemented.

(How to Email/Contact officials provided below)

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a hiring freeze for city workers Tuesday, but he won't say anything about one at the MTA.

Staff members at the MTA have approved a 3-year contract for 30 newspaper subscriptions for top officials, including home delivery for Chairman Jay Walder. However, the MTA says details about the deal may be top secret.

As the Metropolitan Transit Authority slashes subway and bus routes, lays off employees and threatens to kill free student MetroCards, the agency does have cash for a curious expense -- 30 newspaper subscriptions, including three for Chairman Jay Walder's Tribeca home and four more for his office.