New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority has approved a congestion pricing plan, making it the first U.S. city to implement such tolls. The plan includes a $15 fee for most vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street during daytime hours, with higher tolls for larger vehicles and lower rates for late-night entries and motorcycles. Supporters believe the tolls will encourage the use of public transport, reduce congestion, speed up public buses and emergency vehicles, decrease pollution, and raise funds to improve the subway system, with the goal of generating $1 billion annually for public transit.
Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to announce an increase in law enforcement in the subway system after a series of violent attacks over the weekend, including an unprovoked attack on a 64-year-old man at Penn Station. The attacks have prompted concerns about safety in the subway system, with statistics showing a rise in violent crimes. Hochul plans to increase police presence and consider additional resources such as cameras to address transit crime, while also acknowledging the role of mental health crises in subway incidents.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) plans to periodically shut down parts of the subway system for days or weeks at a time in order to eliminate all current speed restrictions by the end of 2024. The plan includes approximately 20 multi-day diversions on specific sections of track, aiming to lift 191 speed restrictions, replace 140,680 feet of rail, and reduce a total of 86 minutes of travel time systemwide. The strategy builds on the success of previous diversions and aims to address years of disinvestment in a shorter timeframe. The MBTA will provide shuttle buses and alternative routes for affected riders during the closures.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) plans to remove all 191 slow zone speed restrictions on its subway system by next year. General Manager Phillip Eng presented the plan to the MBTA Board's Safety Subcommittee, aiming to eliminate 39 slow zones by the end of this year and the remaining 152 in the following year. The Red and Green lines have the most speed restrictions, and the MBTA acknowledges the significant work required to address years of disinvestment. The slow zones were implemented to repair aging infrastructure due to underfunding, and once track repairs are completed in 2024, the MBTA plans to initiate a track renewal program. Open houses will be held to provide information and address rider questions.
New York City has declared a state of emergency due to flash flooding caused by strong storms, with up to 8 inches of rain falling in some areas. Subway systems, streets, and highways have flooded, causing major disruptions to transportation. No deaths or critical injuries have been reported, but multiple rescues have taken place. The city's sewage system was overwhelmed by the heavy rainfall, leading to widespread flooding. LaGuardia Airport closed one terminal, and road closures were announced by the police. This September has become the wettest in New York City since 1882.
Service on a line of Mexico City's subway system was temporarily halted after a chicken got loose on the tracks. The incident was captured on video, showing maintenance personnel and civil defense officers chasing the bird around the tracks with brooms, gloves, and a trash bag. The subway system said service was quickly restored after the incident. The subway system has been plagued by a series of incidents that city officials had claimed were sabotage.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has not provided any updates on how it misplaced or failed to create documentation to verify the safety of its tracks, which led to a 25 mph speed restriction across the subway system. The MBTA has been inspecting tracks for defects and lifting speed restrictions where possible, but commutes continue to be unreliable. The Director of Maintenance of Way job, responsible for track safety, appears to have been vacant since late last year. Governor Maura Healey is asking the Legislature for $20 million in funding for the MBTA to better recruit and retain employees to meet its needs and deliver safe, reliable service across the system.
