Breaking News: Subways Crowded!
On Monday, New York City Transit presented an analysis of data from an April survey that showed that the citys subways are wait for it overcrowded. Unfortunately for riders, NYC Transit also said that theres [little room to expand capacity] on the already crowded tracks. Its bad news, Howard H. Roberts Jr., the president of New York City Transit, bluntly said, Theres no room at the inn. The study found that the busiest lines like the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, are already working at full or near-full capacity, and have little or no room to accommodate more riders. Tracks are already carrying as many trains as they can handle, and even when all trains are running at rush hour, theyre overcrowded. The assessments findings, Roberts Jr. said, are scary.
While the Second Avenue subway could provide some relief, Bloombergs proposed congestion pricing plan, which is intended to get drivers off the roads and onto public transit, could strain the grid even further. To the extent that people are diverted to the subway system and they want to ride the Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and E [lines], its bad news, Roberts Jr. said. He suggested [increasing bus service] as one viable solution. Engineers are now investigating other ways to [ease overcrowding](http://www.amny.com/news/local/transportation/subway/am-subway0626,0,4913325.story?coll=am-topheadlines), including extending platforms so that larger trains can be used or even adding more cars and running fewer trains in an effort to reduce delays.
At least it seems that someones benefiting from the delays and overcrowding. Grand Central Terminal is evidently in the midst of a commercial business boom, bringing in a record [$160.4 million] in sales last year. Leave it to us to find the silver lining.
Photo courtesy of [hermmermferm on Flickr]