New York City Transit Workers Strike

[Downstate Buffaloian]

My wife used to work in Bay Ridge. Nice old-fashioned Brooklyn neighborhood, it's where they filmed Saturday Night Fever. Now if you want to talk Italian food, nothing beats some of the authentic stuff found in a real Italian neighborhood like Bay Ridge!

No this isn't off topic, my wife took the subway to work there everyday, yeah that's it!

[therising]

Originally posted by speaker
HA, rising, off topic. Park Slope.

16th and 4th Ave, I believe...Farrell's...OLD Irish bar. You familiar? I think it's been there forever.

[speaker]

Nope--somewhat deserted section? Never been in there. Isn't that the sunset section? ?????
But I went often to Bay Ridge and never get enough of SAt nite Fever (the movie), dwnstbflo
Where did you live, ragin?
VERY off topic now.
Waiting for res to come down hard on all of us.

[300miles]

Those union leaders really screwed up big time.

Now every worker just lost 6 days pay, and the Union owes the city 3 million dollars in fines. And they still don't have a contract.

And on top of that the city shops lost tons of business during prime shopping days just before christmas, and it cost the city millions in police overtime.

And now they lost any remaining shred of sympathy from city residents since they pulled this stunt before chirstmas during freezing cold weather.

Brilliant! File this under "How to destroy your Union in less than 3 days"

[woodstock]

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Improving New York State’s Transportation Systems: In this year’s Highway Bill, Chuck secured over $16.5 billion in total federal spending for New York highways, bridges, tunnels and rails, a substantial increase of approximately $3 billion more funding than in the last transportation bill. Specifically, the legislation includes $10.07 billion in highway funds and $6.5 billion for New York State’s transit systems, a 19 percent increase in annual average highway spending and a 30 percent increase in public transit funding compared to the previous six year transportation authorization bill. Chuck secured $230 million in special projects in every region of New York.
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SCHUMER MASS TRANSIT CREDIT COULD SAVE LONG ISLAND COMMUTERS HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS EVERY YEAR

Schumer Unveils New Initiative To More Than Double Federal Mass Transit Benefit For Local Commuters

Standing at the Mineola Long Island Railroad (LIRR) Station, US Senator Charles E. Schumer today unveiled a plan that would more than double federal mass transit benefits for Long Island commuters, saving them hundreds of dollars per year in transportation costs while simultaneously reducing traffic, congestion and smog.

Schumer's proposal, which he recently introduced as legislation in the Senate, would will save Long Island commuters up to $700 per year by increasing the amount of pre-tax income commuters can set aside for mass-transit expenses from $780 per year to $2,100 per year. The increase would also make the mass transit benefit commensurate with benefits the federal government provides to employers to help cover employee parking costs, encouraging more drivers to switch to mass transit.

"The mass transit subsidy program is a great idea, but it is undermined by the fact that we provide a parking benefit that is much more generous," said Schumer. "My proposal rewards commuters who choose mass transit and makes drivers think twice about getting in their cars. For Long Island commuters who use the LIRR, this increase could mean hundreds of dollars per year in savings."

Currently, employers can either set aside up to $65 each month - $780 per year - of an employee's income for mass transit expenses that the employee will not have to pay federal income taxes on, or offer employees a tax-free subsidy of up to $780 per year for mass transit expenses.

Schumer plan's, introduced in the Senate as the Commuter Benefits Equity Act of 2001, would raise the set aside from $65 to $175 per month - $2,100 per year. Under the set-aside option, employees could save the taxable portion of $2,100 in income, which averages, approximately, $700 per year. Under the employer subsidy option, employees could receive up to $2,100 in tax-free mass transit subsidies, saving employees on mass transit costs, as well as the taxable portion of the subsidy. The program also reduces payroll taxes employers pay on employee salaries.

Schumer said his legislation would not only provide hundreds of dollars in savings to commuters, but also encourage more drivers to choose mass transit. The bill brings the mass transit subsidy up to the same level a federal program that provides a $175 aside for employee parking expenses, removing the disincentive to take mass transit. The bill would also raise the benefit above the average travel monthly travel expense for LIRR commuters, who currently pay $155 per month to get to and from New York City. Commuters who travel between Mineola and Penn Station spend $135 for a monthly ticket.

Schumer expressed confidence that more employers will offer the expanded benefit. In 1998, for example, when the federal transit benefit was increased to $65 and New York City Transportation authorities created the unlimited ride, $63 MetroCard, the number of companies offering transit subsidies increased from 8,000 to 13,000 in just two years. Schumer said that the bill would help bring relief to all drivers who drive in and around New York City. Traffic delays in and around New York City have increased by 158% since 1982.

"Simply stated, the daily commute on the LIE is a nightmare. Thousands of Long Island drivers are looking for a better way," said Schumer. "If we can make mass transit financially attractive, many commuters will be more than happy to leave their car keys at home. I'm confident that we get this bipartisan bill to the President's desk in the next few months so that thousands of Long Island commuters can kiss their LIE travel woes goodbye."

The bill, which is cosponsored by Republican Senators John Warner, Rick Santorum, Lincoln Chafee and George Voinovich, has broad bipartisan support and the endorsement of groups ranging from the Sierra Club to Environmental Defense to the US Conference of Mayors.

Larry Filler , President & CEO of TransitCenter, Inc ., and Mike Doyle, Associate Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority joined Schumer at a press conference to announce the legislation.

2001
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[therising]

Speaker - I was wrong, I just checked. It's on 16th Street and Prospect Park West, one block from the Park.


Here:


http://maps.google.com/maps?q=215+pr...0192&t=h&hl=en

[woodstock]

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STATEMENT OF THE PERB MEDIATION PANEL
December 22, 2005

Pursuant to the Taylor Law processes, mediation has commenced. Over the last 48 hours we have met separately with both the TWU and the MTA. While these discussions have been fruitful, an agreement remains out of the parties' reach at this time. It is clear to us, however, that both parties have a genuine desire to resolve their differences. In the best interests of the public, which both parties serve, we have suggested, and they have agreed, to resume negotiations, while the TWU takes steps toward returning its membership to work.

It is evident to us that the pension changes suggested by the MTA are extremely difficult for the TWU to accept. It is equally clear to us that the MTA's legitimate need to address its long term financial challenges must be addressed in these negotiations. It would be inappropriate, at this time, for us to ask the MTA to withdraw its pension proposals, without an assurance that the TWU is willing to review alternative means to address those challenges, such as the rising costs of health benefits. The MTA has informed us that it has not withdrawn its pension proposals, but nevertheless is willing to discuss whether adequate savings maybe found in the area of health costs.

It is on this basis that we have requested the leadership of the TWU to take the actions necessary to direct its membership to immediately return to work, and they have agreed to take such actions. This will protect its membership's economic well being in the short term by returning them to a paid status, will permit the TWU leadership to focus its energy on reaching a negotiated resolution, and will restore services to the City's riding public. We have contacted the ATU leadership to inform them of our recommendation, and are hopeful they will abide by it as well.

We will continue to assist the parties in their effort to reach a negotiated settlement and have committed to being immediately available for intensive sessions, as needed. However, for these negotiations to be swift and successful we believe that an immediate media blackout is essential to provide an environment that is conducive to a swift negotiated settlement.

To facilitate these continued negotiations, we have asked, and the parties have agreed to, a self-imposed media blackout for the duration of these discussions. We have requested that both parties strictly adhere to their commitment.

Richard A. Curreri, Director of Conciliation,
NYS Public Employment Relations Board, Albany, New York

Martin F. Scheinman, Sands Point, New York

Alan R. Viani, Dobbs Ferry, New York
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December 22, 2005

Dear Fellow NYC Transit Employees,

Late this morning, mediators from the New York State Public Employment Relations Board stated that TWU Local 100 and ATU Locals 726 and 1056 have agreed to positively recommend to the Executive Board that represented employees return to work while negotiations continue under a media blackout.

With this in mind and in the interest of restoring normal bus and subway service as soon as possible, we urge you to join your fellow workers who have already done so and report to work so that we can begin the job again of moving New York City.

Department of Bus and Department of Subways employees should report to their assigned work location for their regular shift as soon as possible.

This strike has tested our city's resolve, strained relations and caused hardship on you, your families and our customers. I am counting on you to help us get this city back up and moving. Your presence on the job will make a difference as we go about the business of serving New York City.

Sincerely,

Lawrence G. Reuter
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Current as of 12/22/2005 11:59 PM
As our employees return to their duties at MTA New York City Transit and at MTA Bus, we are working as quickly as possible to resume normal service levels. Continue to check this website, NYC's website www.nyc.gov, radio, television, and newspapers for general transportation updates and service restorations, or call 718-330-1234.

Don't discard your MetroCard. It will continue to retain its value as follows:

All Unlimited Ride MetroCards (including the 40-Day Holiday MetroCard) activated prior to the strike will be extended for an additional three days beyond its original expiration date. You will not lose any time on your Unlimited Ride MetroCard, including the holiday bonus, as a result of the strike.
Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards are not affected.
LIRR and Metro-North Mail&Ride MetroCard customers holding monthly tickets with Unlimited Ride MetroCard will automatically receive credit for the three days in the next statement.
The Long Island Rail Road will continue to operate its contingency services until 11 AM Friday, December 23rd. However, the LIRR will not make stops at Shea Stadium on Friday. Regular LIRR service will resume at 11 AM Friday, December 23.

Metro-North Railroad will continue to operate its contingency services until 11 AM Friday, December 23rd, thereafter providing normal Friday service. The Park&Ride Lot at Yankee Stadium will be closed tomorrow December 23rd but shuttle service for walk-in customers will continue at this temporary station until 11 AM.
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MTA Metro-North Railroad
ALERT
December 22, 2005 8:30 PM

Metro-North's NYCT strike contingency plan remains in effect through 11 AM on Friday, December 23.

Customer service representatives and police will be on hand to provide assistance. We appreciate your patience during this special emergency operation. For more information you can call our Customer Service Center at 212-532-4900, or 800-METRO-INFO (outside of NYC

Service for Thursday, December 22:

Special contingency schedules for the Hudson and Harlem lines, as well as the Bronx shuttle services, are available from the links below.

For service to and from Wakefield, Woodlawn, Williams Bridge, Botanical Garden, and Fordham (East Bronx service), see the Harlem Line schedule.
For service to and from Riverdale, Spuyten Duyvil, Marble Hill, University Heights, and Morris Heights (West Bronx service), see the Hudson Line schedule.
For service to and from the temporary station at Yankee Stadium, see the Hudson Line schedule.


Service for Friday, December 23:

The strike contingency plan will continue until 11 AM on Friday, December 23. At that time Metro-North will resume running a regular Friday schedule. The special Holiday Getaway timetable (previously issued for December 23) will not be in effect. Consult a regular timetable for train times. (When accessing the schedule through the web site, use the date Friday, December 16 to get the proper timetable.)

Also note: The Park & Ride Lot at Yankee Stadium will be closed on Friday, December 23, but shuttle service for walk-in customers will continue at this temporary station until 11 AM.

We appreciate your patience during this special contingency operation.
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MTA Long Island Rail Road
Service Alert
Thursday, December 22, 2005 10:45 PM

MTA Long Island Rail Road's contingency plan for the NYC Transit disruption will remain in effect through the morning rush hour until 11 AM Friday, December 23. Since the Shea Stadium park-and-ride will not be open on Friday, the LIRR will not make stops at Shea Stadium starting Friday.

Regular LIRR service will resume at 11 AM Friday, December 23.

The extra early afternoon holiday trains, scheduled to depart from Penn Station on Friday, December 23 between 12 and 4 PM, will not operate.

With the contingency plan in effect, customers are advised to expect lines, long waits, and delays. MTA staff and police will regulate the flow of customers onto trains, but expect crowding (see Penn Station queuing plan below). Customers are urged to buy their tickets in advance.

The strike contingency plan provides for special rush hour service for Queens customers. To maximize capacity, regularly scheduled trains serve Queens riders from special hub stations from 6 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM, bypassing regular station stops. Following is a description of the special Queens service:

Eastern Queens/Western Nassau (6 AM-9 AM, 4 PM-7 PM)
· Trains will not stop at Bellerose and Hollis
· Queens Village Hub service with 8 Additional trains stop between 6 AM and 9 AM and 9 additional trains stop between 4 PM and 8 PM. Service every 15 to 20 minutes.

Southeast Queens/Western Nassau (6 AM-9 AM, 4 PM-7 PM)
· Trains will not stop at Rosedale, Locust Manor and St. Albans
· Valley Stream/Laurelton Hubs: All Far Rockaway and Long Beach trains stop at Valley Stream and Laurelton. Service every 15 to 20 minutes.

Northern Queens/Western Nassau (6 AM-9 AM, 4 PM-7 PM)
· Trains will not stop at Little Neck, Douglaston, Auburndale, Broadway, Murray Hill, Flushing/Main St., Shea Stadium
· Great Neck/Bayside Hub service: Trains make all stops Port Washington to Great Neck then Bayside and Penn Station. Service every 15 to 20 minutes.
· Trains will stop at Shea Stadium during off-peak hours and on the weekend.

Central Queens (6 AM- 9 AM, 4 PM-7PM)
· Regularly scheduled trains will not stop at Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Woodside
· Shuttle trains stop at Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Woodside and Penn Station. Service every 15 minutes.

Long Island City (6 AM-9 AM, 4 PM-7 PM)
· Service to Long Island City for limited connecting ferry service about every 20 minutes. Hunterspoint Avenue Station is closed.

Off-Peak Service
From 9 AM to 4 PM and 7 PM to 10 PM and overnight (through 6 AM), shuttle and regular trains will provide service to all Queens stations. By staggering work hours after 9 AM, Queens riders can take advantage of these regular and additional shuttle trains serving all Queens stations. For a complete description of the shuttle service go to www.mta.info and select the Strike Contingency Plan box.


If possible, customers should stagger their work hours to avoid travel at peak times. Avoid trains arriving at Penn Station, Jamaica or Flatbush Avenue 6 AM to 9 AM or departing 4 PM to 7 PM.

To ease crowding, there is street-level queuing at Penn Station, Flatbush Ave, Jamaica, and many Queens stations.

Penn Station:
Purchase tickets at 34th St and 7th Av, then get on line for trains at the following entrances:

Woodside, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Jamaica (Central Queens) -7th Av at 32nd St.

Eastern Queens and Hicksville, Huntington, Port Jefferson, Oyster Bay, Hempstead, West Hempstead Branches - 8th Av-33rd St subway entrance.

Northern Queens and Ronkonkoma, Port Washington Branches - 8th Av-33rd St Amtrak entrance.

Southeast Queens and Babylon, Montauk, Long Beach, Far Rockaway Branches - taxi area under Madison Square Garden, 33rd St between 7 Av and 8 Av.

Customers should pick up a copy of the New York City Transit Strike Contingency Plan at stations and terminals. The Plan is also available on the MTA website at www.mta.info. Customers can obtain train information 24-hours a day from the LIRR's Travel Information Center in Suffolk County at 631-231-LIRR, in Nassau County at 516-822-LIRR or in New York City at 718-217-LIRR. The LIRR Travel Information Center's TDD telephone number for the hearing impaired is 718-558-3022.
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[Ragin]

Woodstock .. that was quite a mouthful, but thanks for posting it, Now I don't have to look it up myself

Speaker .. I grew up on the Yonkers/Bronx border. We use the Metro North Harlem line to Grand Central station. We later moved to Hartsdale near White Plains (10 miles north on the same line)

Once on my own, I bounced around between lower Westchester (Ardsley/Dobbs Ferry) and the Bronx, from Morris Park (Bronx Zoo area) to 161st Street - lived across the street from Yankee Stadium (#4 train)

Glad to hear the strike is over. Hope they can reach an agreement. It's a long walk crossing the Brooklyn Bridge to downtown Manhattan. I felt sorry for the smaller businesses in NYC as they need the tourists and suburbanites visiting the city to make a living. (Macy's can weather these things much better)

Rising .. are you originally from Brooklyn? What about you, Speaker? Biker? Anyone else? What subway lines did you ride?

see? .. I tried to stay on topic

[speaker]

I took the "F" train to Manhattan. And I think the "D" train sometimes. My mother was born in Yonkers. Me? Good old Buffalo.
Rising, that's neat! That area is just on the edge of Park Slope, and I think that's the route (driving) I took to Brooklyn College, so I know it well (I think). I worked nights at La Guardia Hospital. But can't place Farrells.
The walk over the Bridge is exhilarating--in the springtime! Not to and from work.

[woodstock]

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New York City Transit Financial Performance
October 2005


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Metro-North Railroad Financial Performance
October 2005


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[woodstock]

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NYC Transit has resumed full normal subway and bus service and MTA Bus has resumed full service
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