As if traveling in the city was not annoying enough, the MTA has instituted a plan to compensate for the reconstruction on the Manhattan Bridge. The MTA calls it a final rehabilitation of the bridge; the only thing wrong with this rehabilitation is that it will be going on until 2004, plenty of time for strap hangers to get used to the change. Unfortunately, for now it seems that many people look lost and upset.
The question is still being raised as to why the MTA didn't inform people earlier about the big changes. People already think that the MTA system is too slow and at times confusing. During the summer, these usual feelings towards the MTA become more intense as the summer heat surrounds the people of New York. Going into the subway means coming out of the hot sun in a city full of dirt and entering a hotter place full of even more dirt. So it is understandable why many people feel impatient with the service they receive.

On the other hand, over one million people take the train every day. That number is, of course, more than the people who work for the MTA.. Trains operate as fast and smoothly as they can upon the old tracks of the city. It can be annoying when trains are delayed, especially if you have to be somewhere. It is important to understand that every delay happens for reason, and to try to remain calm because as long as there are trains there will be delays.

In light of the new situation concerning the Manhattan Bridge many are wondering what the MTA is going to do help deal with the changes.

Well, for one thing they have decided to place more helpers on the station platforms to answer questions. The cars of almost every train are air-conditioned to cool down people from the city heat and new trains are now running that tell time. The MTA has become faster than it was before and is constantly trying to improve the service but that, of course, is impossible without the cooperation of you and your fellow strap hangers.

MTA Home Page & Service changes