The Buses Keep Rolling... For Another Month At Least

As an update to my previous post, Big Loss For North Shore Commuters, it appears that there is hope afterall. The following message was recently sent by the good people at Long Island Transit to their riders:

Dear Loyal Patrons of Long Island Transit:

We wanted to let you know that on March 1, 2011, Long Island Transit representatives will be meeting with Edward P. Mangano, the County Executive for Nassau County.  We are hopeful that the concerns raised in yesterday's message can be resolved at that time, if not sooner.  LIT will also be inviting representative members of its ridership to voice any concerns that they may have at that and other meetings.  While nothing has yet been resolved, an open dialogue is a very good first step, and LIT is cautiously optimistic...

It is gratifying to see when government actually works for the people. I applaud the efforts by Mr. Mangano and as well as the other public officials that have been contacted and are working on a long term solution. I hope that today's meeting will be fruitful in saving this much needed service.

I think that recent actions by the MTA proves that additional commuting options are necessary for Long Island to continue to prosper. To be captive to the whims of any monopoly especially those run by the government is not consumer friendly. Take for example the MTA's implementation of a $10 fee for ticket refunds. So, if I want to return a $7.50 ticket, I would have to pay more than the value of the ticket for a refund? Imagine if one of those big box stores tried to implement such a policy, the politicians would be all over themselves to condemn it. Why then does the MTA get a pass on this?

That's why government should continue to encourage the private sector to assist in these areas. Perhaps by relieving the MTA of some of it's burden it can find ways to operate more efficiently. We see it in all other sectors, competition creates innovation. Perhaps when the MTA can longer just write blank checks and needs to compete for riders, maybe then we will see them really begin to become efficient.

In the mean time, I wish the Long Island Transit Company every bit of success. I hope that the actions taken today lead to expansion and profit for them. Hopefully with their success, we will see a real choice in commuter options on Long Island.

Big Loss For North Shore Commuters

For the past two years commuters from the Glen Cove/Roslyn/Port Washington area have had the benefit of an alternative commuter line. A line that has been providing comfortable, reliable service to and from Manhattan each work day. The line features comfortable buses with free wi-fi connectivity, allowing riders to catch up on e-mail or the latest news as the ride their daily commute. Not to mention that this is a private company providing this premium service at a better price than the the Government's MTA system.

So, imagine the commuters surprise when they received this notice from the commuter line just yesterday:
(Long Island Transit, Dear Loyal Patrons...)

"We regret to inform you that due to circumstances beyond our control, Long Island Transit  will be forced to shut down its service at the end of February 2011.  Since January 2009, Long Island Transit has provided an alternative method for commuting residents of Nassau County to travel to Manhattan.  However, Long Island Transit has operated without a contract with Nassau County and the towns and cities it serves for more than a year and has been unable to secure certain governmental incentives that were necessary to continue the service."

Why aren't our elected officials working to save this much needed service? Why are they allowing this service to die? If this service is shuttered, residents are left withe the government monopoly known as the MTA. A service that is more expensive and less reliable the the Long Island Transit Bus. In this difficult economy entrepreneurship should be encouraged and rewarded. Especially when the private business is reaching out into the public sector in an attempt to supplement a needed service.

I ask our elected officials to look into this matter and see what can be done to save the Long Island transit bus. I ask State Senator Carl Marcellino, State Assemblyman Charles Lavine, County Executive Ed Mangano and Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi to work with the people at Long Island Transit and work out a solution to keep the buses rolling!

Yellow Light, Red Light, 1, 2, 3

The Nassau County Legislators are patting themselves on their backs for installing red light cameras all around the county. They are so excited at the prospect of bringing in an expected $13 Million in Revenue in 2010 (http://newsday.com/1.2212978) that now they are asking Albany for another $25 Million to put up more cameras (Syosset Jericho Tribune Oct 1, 2010). You'd think they would wait until the program paid for itself. This is another example of government spending gone crazy.

But to the point, is Red Light Cameras for public safety or for government revenue? I think the example above makes it obvious that our legislators love for red-light photography is only equal by their love of green backs. Red light cameras do not make the road any safer. In fact, I would contend that it makes the roads more dangerous as motorists have to worry about the car in front of them slamming on the brakes at the site of yellow. The yellow light was created to avoid such a hazard. But, the problem of the yellow light as well as road rage in general has come about because of two simple underlying issues on the road. If these issues were addressed, I think the need for the cameras (as far as safety is concerned) would be diminished as the roads would be much safer. What are these underlying issues?

1. Traffic lights that are not in sync with each other, causing drivers to stop at every other block.
2. Inconsistent timing of the Yellow light.

Let's first look at the synchronization of traffic lights. I'm not saying that every light should turn green as I approach it (although it would be nice). I do think that once a driver hits a red light they should have a reasonable expectation to have the traffic light go their way for a good stretch within the speed limit, before coming to another red light. But, that is not the case on most roads in the area. In fact, on many roads it would seem that the timing of the lights are set to actually frustrate a driver. Thus, generating road rage, and thus making a driver more likely to want to blow through that yellow light. I don't think any driver minds hitting a red light or two, but when every light seems against you... it could make even the mildest mannered person scream.

The second is the inconsistent timing of the yellow lights. At some corners the yellow may stay on two or three seconds while at others the yellow light barely has a chance to appear before the red light comes on. I understand that different intersections require different timings. I know that I have gotten into the habit of watching the walk signs for a signal of when a traffic light is about to change, but not every intersection has a pedestrian crossing. With modern technology I think the yellow light should be retooled. Perhaps embedding a countdown so a motorist knows whether they should slam on the brakes. Although, if they have the countdown to see as they approach the intersection, it would give them fair warning. If an embedded countdown is not practical, why not set the yellow light to blink as it changes, blinking faster as the time ticks down. I actually remember seeing this on old traffic lights that had only red and green. The green light would begin to blink just before turning to red as a warning to drivers.

Maybe it's time to start being fair to motorists again, instead of seeing them as a revenue stream. The government taxes us on the sale, registration and inspection of our cars. They put toll booths up to collect money as we leave the island, they tax our fuel, and they lay traps out to catch us if we miss a light. And most of the money collected for all this goes to the MTA. How about doing something nice for the drivers for a change?

Fighting the MTA Taxpayer Abuse

I have always gotten a chuckle whenever I hear the MTA use their slogan, "Going your way." I laugh at the audacity of this agency to actually try and make us believe that they are doing anything any way but their own. Take a look at the recent increase in the fares. They are proposing the largest hikes in a long time during a time that the economy is bleak. Yeah, I know some eggheads in Washington pronounced the recession is over. Try telling that to the people still on the unemployment line. But, I digress...

Today in Glen Cove Bill Schoolman came to address the Chamber of Commerce and enlightened the group of local businesses about the abuse that the MTA has inflicted on this region during the Agency's 40 year history. The latest fare hikes and MTA Payroll Tax are only the latest in the MTA's crimes. I was happy to see that there are others out there that are getting outraged over this issue and I hope that come November it is reflected in the voting results.

Bill had enough and is fighting back with a lawsuit against the MTA Payroll Tax. His investigation found that this burdensome tax contains five violations of the NYS Constitution and one violation of the Public Authorities Law. He spells it out on his website:

http://www.mtataxpayerabuse.com/ 

He represents a growing group of concerned citizens who have had enough and are ready to fight back. He demonstrates the total disregard to fiscal responsibility that the MTA displays. For example:

• MTA Salaries represent 58% of the total MTA Expenses
• MTA Salaries and related benefits are greater the MTA Revenues ($8.0 Billion vs $6.1 Billion)
• MTA has $3.7 Billion in Investments that could be liquefied to avoid service cuts
• MTA has spent of $600 million in overtime, approved without question, 77% undocumented)
• $20 Million spent on an employee lounge at Grand Central Station in October 2009

Please, I urge you to visit his site, sign up for the newsletter and tell your friends and neighbors. It's time to get angry and to take a stand. The MTA has not stopped increasing their greed in 40 years. It's not going to stop until we stand up and say enough is enough!

Join the fight! Remember when you vote on election day who voted for the MTA Tax and let the hear you with your vote!

Irony and the Long Island Railroad

Wow! Talk about all the irony these past few weeks on Long Island. First Long Islanders spent three days in a panic, spending tons of money over Hurricane Earl that never showed. Then yesterday in 15 minutes we had an intense storm with all the devastation but no warnings. I think Mother Nature is having a good laugh at our ability to predict weather.

But no where is the sense of irony as strong as with the LIRR. For yesterday another storm brought yet another failure. This on the same night that they held a hearing to discuss fare hikes. I really question their need to raise fares as I continue to look in bewilderment as they as talk with pride about new construction for Grand Central Station, the Old Post Office building next to Penn Station and additional subway lines. I come to the same question:
Why is the MTA spending money to build more lines of service when they can't even handle the current lines of service? When they in fact keep reducing current service and threaten even more cuts?

How is this fiscally responsible. Why not shut down these extra construction projects that will not realistically be completed in this decade and will surely cost more than budgeted, and put that money to keep our current services working. Adding a new station in Manhattan is not going to help anyone during the current economic crisis. Keeping the fares down, the trains clean and on time will retain ridership and keep money in people's pockets. Let's stop the unnecessary construction and maintain what we have.

Another ironic detail about yesterday's storm compared to the last LIRR outage just a couple of weeks ago. During the previous outage, all train lines were out for days with the exception of the Port Washington branch. Local news crews were out in Port Washington getting reactions from boastful residents about how smart they were that they live close to such a reliable branch. I had to laugh this morning when due to the aftermath of the storm, the Port Washington line was the only line to be suspended due to debris on the tracks. Is that irony or karma?


I'll leave you with one last bit of irony. The LIRR has been looking to move their Penn Station service across the street to the old Post Office building in Manhattan. Personally, I'd hate to see that. It's hard enough for commuters to rush from subway to railroad in the time allotted, I would not like to see that sprint turn into a marathon run. But, I was thinking in light of the LIRR's record of achievement during inclement weather, if they were to move into the old Post Office, they would need to change that famous inscription above the doors or face false advertising charges. You know the insription,
"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"

LIRR - An Exercise in Patience

I used to commute into the city everyday. I was part of the rat race taking the Railroad to work each day. Spending three hours or more commuting. I may have to do it again some day, but for now I'm safe from the hustle and bustle of the LIRR.

When I did travel through the MTA system, I was always struck by the dehumanizing experience it is. Commuters are often treated as cattle, in fact with the overcrowding of some train, I would dare say worse than cattle. Seriously, if you shoved so many heads of cattle into a railroad car heading to the slaughterhouse, the ASPCA and every other Animal Rights group would be on the case protesting and, rightly so. Therefore my question is why do we recognize these atrocious conditions when forced on animals but accept it when it is forced upon us?

What can we do about it? I realize it is tough. After all, we want to get home on Friday evening after work and don;t want to wait another 90 minutes for the next train. It is understandable. But, why not stand up for ourselves through letter writing, making phone calls of protests, even blogging about it. Why do we accept MTA's treatment of ourselves even when we know it is wrong. Have you ever noticed, that when the Railroad really messes up, is running late and the train is overcrowded, often you will never see the conductor coming through for tickets. They know that tempers are high and really don't want to get into conversations about subjects they can't do anything about. We are upset but as soon as we get home, we shrug the whole incident off as just another day in the rat race.

I would suggest that the next time you're stuck on a delayed train and being treated unfairly, that you get out your Blackberry or Android or iPhone and start writing to the LIRR and MTA and get your voices heard. Why do you think that there are so many trains running on the Port Washington line during rush hour? The commuters on that line have made a very strong campaign and are not afraid to be heard.

Oyster Bay trains are typically an hour apart so when they cancel one of our trains there is a long wait. During a bad day in Penn Station I once saw someone complaining loudly that they canceled his Great Neck train and forcing him to take a Port Washington train instead that was five minutes later. As a rider on the Oyster Bay line, I was totally mystified by the man's outrage. But, my point is that the riders on the Port Washington branch are not afraid to have their voice heard. I would encourage everyone out there to do the same.

Let's stop commuting like sheep and stand up for our own rights. If your train is overcrowded, too hot, too cold, running late or any other bad service, let them know. However, I would also suggest that when they do something good that you also let them know that as well. If a conductor was especially nice (an many of them are) or the train had a good record of being on time, don't be afraid to send a compliment. This gives good managers a chance to praise good employees and hold them up as an example for others to follow. If you're going to criticize the dark side, don't forget to compliment those on the side of good as well.

Traffic Everywhere

I'm sure you've all heard about the massive jam in China that lasted for 10 days:
China's Massive Traffic Jam: Already Gone?
Reading about this has reminded me of the eternal traffic jam we experience each day on Long Island. Between our dozens of major arteries and hundreds of individual roads, it seems like we are constantly seeing construction zones and traffic backup at all hours of the day and night.

Some years ago the Governor Pataki had signed an executive order that all construction was to take place in the overnight period so as to minimize the effect on traffic. This seemed like the perfect solution. But now, even driving during rush hour and you will see backups due to construction. What happened?

Surely then the roads would be open over night, right? Well, that was proven wrong a few weeks ago when I was returning from Eastern Long Island to find that the entrance to the expressway was closed. OK, no problem I drove the service road expecting to get on the next entrance a few miles up ahead. When I got to the next entrance, it too was closed so was the next three before I could get on. This was at around 11:30pm on a Sunday night. What made it more aggravating was that I could see that the main road was open with traffic zipping along.

I know, now I'm complaining that they are doing night time construction, and you're thinking what the heck do I want? I believe my frustration comes from the fact that there is no clear plan for this construction at least to the driver's perspective. I'm driving on a road, expecting to use an entrance only to find it blocked, with no clear signs of detour or explanation. Construction crews while, they work hard at what they do and I respect them for it, it seems like they do not return that respect to me, as a driver or taxpayer.


They are so intent on their work, that they will close off a road seemingly without any thought of how drivers should get around. I've seen times when both the LIE and Northern State have construction delays at the same time. The North Shore only has these two major highways, why not make sure one stays open?

While our traffic has not reached the 10 day jam in China, nor is it as bad as what I've experienced in Mexico City, I believe that our traffic ranks as some of the worst in the world. It would be really great if the people designing and constructing the roads would better take into account the flow of traffic as they were building and making sure that the traffic continued to flow.

Next on the blog: The LIRR is in trouble again. Fire at a switching station in Jamaica has caused delays for days. So, we can't even escape traffic by taking the train. We'll talk about it!

MTA: Going Their Way

I commuted from Long Island to Manhattan for about 10 years and, although I don't need to currently, I will most likely return to a daily commute very soon. Luckily for me, Glen Cove is serviced by Long Island Transit buses so, I will not need to use the MTA's Long Island Railroad nor subway. But, many of our fellow Long Islanders are forced to suffer the painful change at Jamaica and the underground tunnel at Penn Station.

In my opinion, the MTA has lost it's way long before I moved to the island in 2000. The agency was founded in 1965 initially responsible for regulating and subsidizing the commuter railroads, including the LIRR. Later it grew to include the NYC subways, buses and bridges. Why does government always think monopolies are good things when it pertains to themselves? This daunting agency now pretty much controls all the public transportation in downstate New York. Talk about totalitarian control!

The agency is governed by a 17 member board made up of members appointed by the Governor of New York and recommended by the Mayor of New York City, and the County Executives of Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties. The NYC Mayor gets to recommend 4 members while County Execs only get to choose one each. Hmm, no wonder they always fight to save the subway fare while the LIRR fares always climb disproportionately higher. The Executives of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Rockland counties each get to appoint a member as well, however they only get one collective vote. All members must be ratified by the State Senate.

I get so upset with this agency as I see them as an unresponsive and arrogant group. They collect tax money from more sources then you can imagine and still cry for more money. They were caught with two sets of books just a few years ago and still nobody questions when they claim that they have a budget crisis. I want to know what the other set of books say.

What really baffles me is that when challenged they immediately start talking about service cuts, even cutting out certain lines and services. Then in the same breath they take pride in telling you how they are building the tunnel to Grand Central Station or building the Second Avenue Subway or moving Penn Station to the old Post Office site. My question is:

If they can't take care of the stations, tracks and routes that they have now, how can they even think about adding more to their load??

I mean, think about it. If I were in financial stress and couldn't afford to take care of 3 rooms in my house, would I be thinking of building an addition to the house? You would say that I was crazy and being financially irresponsible. You would tell me to first take care of the rooms that I have, get my finances together, save and then consider my addition. Wouldn't you? Why doesn't the MTA take all those billions being spent on these construction projects and put it to keeping essential services? Later, when the financial crunch is past, then we can start building new tracks.

Just take a look at Jamaica Station and you can see how money is wasted in construction. Now, I was at the old Jamaica Station and I will admit that for the most part, the new station is a vast improvement. However, visit the Mezzanine on a brisk winter morning and you will see or feel the joke. The area was meant as a respite for travelers waiting for their train. Yet, the top portion of the area is wide open allowing, wind, rain and snow to flood the area. Didn't anyone think about closing this area up? Then there is the moving sidewalk to nowhere that cuts the whole area in half. Besides being of no real use to travelers since it is awkwardly placed for subway riders, it blocks also LIRR commuters moving from the west to east stairwells. The money for this little toy would have been better used if they had put escalators on the east side stairwells.

I guess the real message of my rant, is that I believe that the MTA Board is out of touch with the commuters. I would bet that most of them have never been inside a subway or bus in years. In my opinion this agency was created to protect the politicians (like the Governor, NYC Mayor and County Execs) from public outcry over increased fares and taxes. I understand that hard measures need to be taken at times, but the MTA board needs to be held accountable. So, I suggest that the members become elected by the regions they represent and that each region get only one member (sorry NYC). Let the MTA budget be approved by the voters just like school board budgets are. Let the MTA members be held responsible to answer to the public for their actions.