By Philip Newman
Straphangers have given the W subway line, one of two lines that could be eliminated under the MTA’s Doomsday budget, an overall grade of C in the NYC Transit Authority’s Rider Report Card, up from D−plus in the previous survey.
The Transit Authority said that of the 21 categories graded, 18 got higher marks this time, as compared with 2007, while the remaining three attributes fared the same as in 2007. The highest grade of B−minus was accorded to “lack of graffiti in subway cars,” “ease of use of subway turnstiles” and “availability of MetroCard vending machines.”
In the Transit Authority’s customer satisfaction index, “ease of use of subway turnstiles,” “availability of MetroCard vending machines,” “signs in subway cars that help riders find their way” and “lack of graffiti in subway cars” all exceeded 95 percent or more. “Reasonable wait times for trains” showed the largest improvement increase at 18 percentage points.
The Transit Authority said the top three categories straphangers wanted to see improved were “reasonable wait times for trains,” “minimal delays during trips” and “adequate room on board at rush hour.”
Transit Authority President Howard Roberts said “we are pleased that our customers have noticed the improvements we have made since the initial survey in 2007, including the introduction since May 2008 of the new R160 subway cars on the line.
“These cars have automated announcements, better temperature controls, fewer graffiti and scratchitti hits and provide a smoother ride. We will continue to focus on the top priorities our customers have listed, particularly by providing adequate service and minimizing delays during trips for our customers.”
W trains run from Astoria−Ditmars Boulevard in Queens to Whitehall Street−South Ferry in Manhattan.
The W train, along with the Z, are the two subway lines slated to be eliminated in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s plan to cope with a $1.28 billion budget gap. Two other lines are slated to be shortened.
None of the cutbacks would be carried out if the state Legislature comes up with a financial rescue plan.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e−mail at news@timesledger.com or phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 136.
