Booth Attendant Jobs To Dwindle Under MTA Plan
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As the MTA struggles to close its $1.2 billion deficit, the cash-strapped agency says subway booth attendants are next in line as they look to cut back even more. NY1's Bobby Cuza filed the following report.It was a program created four years ago -- clerks were moved outside their booths, where transit officials said they could interact directly with the public, providing better customer service. But now, with the budget crunch, the program is being scrapped, resulting in the elimination of the jobs of 570 workers and 26 station supervisors. Much to the dismay of riders.
"I think it's stupid. I think that you need more people that are actually here in the subway station, because if something happens, there aren't always cops around," said one subway rider.
"You're losing personnel. And not everything can be robotic. The trains can't run on their own. The train's stations don't clean themselves. And people will need help with even something as simple as purchasing a card," said another subway rider.
The MTA says an internal study actually found low rates of interaction with customers. In June, the clerks will fall victim to the MTA's service cuts, designed to help close a $1.2 billion deficit.
The MTA is also eliminating clerks that still work inside the booth, closing down 29 booths on the F and V lines, and reducing hours at another 13.
Altogether, the cuts will save the MTA $52 million a year. But the change also means at 187 locations, there will be no human presence where there was one before.
And, for the first time ever, the MTA will leave banks of low turnstiles unattended, which even the agency acknowledges could invite fare beating.
Some MTA board members this week also pointed out the move seems at odds with a prominent MTA slogan.
"The MTA spent hundreds of thousands of dollars and put out a beautiful sign that says 'If you see something, say something.' Well with the cuts that we're making, who you gonna tell it to?" said MTA Board Member Norman Seabrook.
"We should change our motto. You know, if you see something, don't worry about it. There's nobody left to tell," said Andrew Albert, NYC Transit Riders Council.
The MTA says there will still be one 24-hour booth at every open station, just not necessarily where you need one.