Originally Posted by
EXP100
And many of that 3/4 voted for this in terms of their Governor and Mayor. As someone that lived in NYC (Manhattan from 1995 to 2013) what's happened in NYC is sad. I at times yearn for the city and then realize it's like an older adult now suffering from dementia and a shell of what they once were. I was talking to an old NYC friend the other day and he said the Chelsea neighborhood has become horrific with crime, drugs and homeless everywhere.
I am not one to discuss Politics, but, I certainly do not disagree with you. The politicians that represent the city are a complete joke, and out of touch. I didn't vote for our current Mayor (or the last one) but had high hopes for Adams anyway. What a complete Bozo he has turned out to be.
The city is NOTHING like it was, during the Bloomberg days. Honestly, I feel like things are getting back to the late '80s, early '90s. The difference then, was that walking zombies and crazies could be avoided in certain areas. Now... it's concentrated in every area.
Originally Posted by
nerd
We must use it for different things, then.
I take around 18 rides/week on the subway and service is much better than it was 6 or 7 years ago.
It's constantly delayed for me (I take the Red Line from the UWS) and I honestly, feel incredibly uncomfortable taking it late at night, even for a short trip from Midtown to UWS. Pre-COVID -- I would take the train at 2am, without a second thought.
Originally Posted by
themicah
I find service is pretty good, too. I'd like to see them make transit free at least for kids under 18, and THEN crack down on fare evasion. I'd also like to see a major crackdown on motor vehicle license plate violations before they start busting kids for jumping turnstiles. There are SO many people driving around with fake or obscured or defaced license plates. I bike to work most days and can usually spot 20+ cars during my half hour ride that are involved in some kind of license plate shenanigans to avoid paying tolls. Plus a dozen or more illegal mopeds.
The kids already have discounted / free transportation for School and out-of-school activities. The real issue is... and I notice this EVERY SINGLE DAY, at 72nd St, and Lex & 51st... is the fare evaders, are dressed in high-end tennis shoes, have the latest iPhone, and other expensive fashion and electronic accessories.
These are simply not individuals who can not pay, but willingly choose to break the law. I have ZERO Sympathy for them, whatsoever.
As for defaced license plates, I don't completely disagree with you. I do not want people driving around with fake/no plates, but, the unfortunate fact -- is that's a much smaller issue, according to the MTA. Successful Payment rates at most toll bridges, and plazas are in the very high 96/97+ percent rate, and the fines & penalties for license plate defacement/toll fare evasion are very high.
Meanwhile... the inconvenient truth, is that certain Subway Platforms have non-payment rates exceeding 16% - 25%. I think personally, the rate at my station (72nd) is probably around 10 - 12%. The other unfortunate fact is internal NYPD Studies show that the individuals who commit violent crimes and muggings, typically start their crime sprees by beating the fare. The same studies show, that when fare enforcement increases, subway crimes fall dramatically.