NYC Subway Station Spending Questioned as Delays Increase
- Citizens Budget Commission analyzes plan to add signs, lights
- NY agency would spend $4 billion while equipment needs repairs
The 14th Street-Union Square subway station
Photographer: Craig Warga/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s plan to spruce up New York subway stations with lighting, wireless access, countdown clocks and video-screen signage would be better spent fixing equipment that’s causing breakdowns and delays, according to a business-backed research group.
In May, the MTA board approved an amendment to its five-year, $32.5 billion capital plan that increased the amount for station improvements by about $1 billion to $4 billion. Complete overhauls are planned for at least 32 of its 472 stations, as opposed to specific repairs to identified problems on platforms, stairways and ventilation.