Today New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released a report discussing the MTA’s financial condition and outlook. Reviewing the MTA’s financial plan for 2012 to 2016, which was released in July, DiNapoli was overall pleased with the transit agency’s strengthening financial state, but said it was facing several challenges. “Ridership is rising and the [...]
As the fate of the land that was once the Rockaway Beach rail line remains uncertain, residents of the area are divided between a nature walkway and revival of the LIRR. At a public forum on Saturday, September 30, hosted by the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, there were advocates for the QueensWay — the proposed [...]
The burrow between two boroughs is complete. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) workers made contact at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 20, finishing a major tunnel of the East Side Access project and bringing Manhattan and Queens closer than ever. Workers broke through the final barrier, connecting the thoroughfare, just under Northern Boulevard and 41st [...]
The results of the MTA 2012 Customer Satisfaction Survey are in, and riders remain pleased with all New York City transit options. Surveying 18,000 people, the agency found that the biggest jump in satisfaction was with the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and Metro-North. The increase comes after last year’s drop that was likely due to [...]
TODAY’S FORECAST Tuesday: Overcast with a chance of a thunderstorm and a chance of rain in the morning, then partly cloudy. High of 88. Winds from the WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Tuesday night: Partly cloudy in the evening, then clear. Low of 66. Winds from the NNW at 10 to 15 mph. [...]
A local, well-known homeless man was found dead this morning just steps from the Bayside LIRR station. William Bateman was found dead by pedestrians at approximately 7 a.m. sitting on a bench on 41st Avenue in Bayside shaded by trees, a place locals often saw him. “He would sit there every day,” said Ahmed Iftikhar, [...]
One local politician is worried the MTA’s green fee will put his constituents in the red. Assemblymember Ed Braunstein said the MTA’s proposed green fee unfairly affects riders in his district. The MTA recently proposed adding a $1 charge to each new MetroCard purchased; riders who refill their card will not be charged. Many residents [...]
For many commuters who travel between Long Island and Manhattan, Jamaica is just a stop along the journey. But for Dan Greene, it’s much more than a transit hub. Greene has developed a passion for Jamaica’s economic development. He has so much interest in the area that in May he became chairman of the board [...]
A local politician refuted published reports of financial wrongdoing concerning a nonprofit organization to whom he allocated millions in taxpayer money. Congressmember Gregory Meeks denied that federal authorities are investigating him for any issues with federal funds he secured for the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC). Instead, he blasted a local newspaper and national group [...]
MTA officer John Barnett, who fended off an attacker that stabbed him in the eye, was released from the hospital last night. Despite an injury that could potentially take sight from one of his eyes, Barnett was able to fire four shots into his attacker, who police say assailed the veteran transit cop for no [...]
