BGOL NY: Transit making HUGE SUMS from the new $1 "Green Fee"

[playahaitian]

MTA's 'Green Fee' Raises More Than Expected

Here's a rare opportunity for New York City's transit authority: a chance to put their money where their mouth is.

At a recent City Council hearing, the MTA revealed that their $1 MetroCard "Green Fee," which began in March, has brought in more money than expected in its first month.

Because more riders reportedly just knuckled under and paid the extra dollar for a new card, rather than reusing their old ones, the MTA has seen more green than expected in the first month of returns.​

So what to do with all them extra ducats, especially if the trend continues? This is a loaded question for an agency that infamously fritters away every spare dime, despite repeated fare increases.

One group, the Straphangers Campaign, believes any surplus funding from the MTA's Green Fee should be used to clean up subway stations, and wrote a letter to acting MTA head Thomas Prendergast saying so.

"One of the main points of the green fee was to create an incentive for riders to reduce litter by reusing their MetroCards," wrote Gene Russianoff, of the Straphangers Campaign. "That's why the Straphangers Campaign supported it, despite its widespread unpopularity among riders. It makes sense to direct any surplus funds to station cleaning."

In an interview Tuesday, Russianoff said that expecting commuters to change their behavior in just a month is unrealistic — especially since New Yorkers are famous for sloughing off their garbage, particularly in the subways.

"We're just not a recycling city. It's totally irrational behavior to throw away your MetroCard and get a new one, but people do that," he said.

If the trend keeps up — and the MTA is taking a wait-and-see approach — Russianoff said any surplus over the estimated $20 million that the transit giant accrues should be used to clean up the city's famously filthy subway stations.

"There's the possibility, if not the promise, of a surplus at the end of the rainbow, and we'd like it to be used it to clean the stations," Russianoff said. "Of course it's possible it won't be the trend. Next year they may say they have a better estimate."

 

[Djmarkxr7]

LOL @ imposing the $1 fee to "create an incentive for riders to reduce litter", call it what it is and what it was intended to be, a new revenue stream!

 

[playahaitian]

LOL @ imposing the $1 fee to "create an incentive for riders to reduce litter", call it what it is and what it was intended to be, a new revenue stream!

And it worked.

But where that money going?

 

[Djmarkxr7]

Who knows?

The cleaning crews were the first to go during the MTA's "big purge" to balance their budget a few years ago, along with cutting service on several lines.

The switch to Metro Cards has brought in untold amounts of new money for the MTA, from the weekly & monthly versions and even new ad revenue from newer cards.

 

[playahaitian]

Who knows?

The cleaning crews were the first to go during the MTA's "big purge" to balance their budget a few years ago, along with cutting service on several lines.

The switch to Metro Cards has brought in untold amounts of new money for the MTA, from the weekly & monthly versions and even new ad revenue from newer cards.

^THIS

they JUST started taking back free monthly metrocards for heads of the MTA and their families.

And wasn't even totally against that but its the fact that they are allowed to pretty much operate with little or no oversight.

They are in such a position of power that I think it is imperative that they FORCED to include community groups or something on the board.

Regular Audits and All of the audits should be independent and public.

They KNOW they can never REALLY be a strike especially by riders...they JUST started adding Wi-fi in stations, and most stops have no token booths anymore.

The stations are dirty and very few patrolman are around.

No one is saying that it should be free or that it isnt a bargain in the grand scheme but the service is substandard. And WHERE are the funds going???

 

[knightmelodic]

And it worked.

But where that money going?

the ta is a bloated, top heavy disgrace.

I can tell you where it's going: either as a raise for managers or to hire more managers.

just look at the history of the ta. any positive step is an aberration.

I can tell you, there are at least 100 vice presidents. 100!
under them are deputy vice presidents, managers, asst managers, directors, deputy directors, chiefs, asst chiefs, general superintendents, superintendents, deputy superintendents. and I might have missed a few.

with all that dead weight it's a wonder the trains and buses even move. 95% of them are incompetent. only promoted because of family ties or exceptional ass kissing.

but, that's what a bureaucracy is. it's sole purpose is to sustain itself.

 

[playahaitian]

the ta is a bloated, top heavy disgrace.

I can tell you where it's going: either as a raise for managers or to hire more managers.

just look at the history of the ta. any positive step is an aberration.

I can tell you, there are at least 100 vice presidents. 100!
under them are deputy vice presidents, managers, asst managers, directors, deputy directors, chiefs, asst chiefs, general superintendents, superintendents, deputy superintendents. and I might have missed a few.

with all that dead weight it's a wonder the trains and buses even move. 95% of them are incompetent. only promoted because of family ties or exceptional ass kissing.

but, that's what a bureaucracy is. it's sole purpose is to sustain itself.

damn shame

 

[mike123]

 

[knightmelodic]

Who knows?

The cleaning crews were the first to go during the MTA's "big purge" to balance their budget a few years ago, along with cutting service on several lines.

The switch to Metro Cards has brought in untold amounts of new money for the MTA, from the weekly & monthly versions and even new ad revenue from newer cards.

exactly. cut the people who actually do some work instead of the fat cats who's only decision is whether to have chinese or italian for lunch.

as for the metro cards - allowed for closing of token booths, thus eliminating PEOPLE WITH PHONES who could contact po po if riders were in trouble.
man, you got some stations now that are AVOIDED by riders who will walk a few blocks to get to one that's got people in it.

and let's not get into the $$ ta earns on advertising. it's a captive audience. where else can you insure that?

 

[tallblacknyc]

the ta is a bloated, top heavy disgrace.

I can tell you where it's going: either as a raise for managers or to hire more managers.

just look at the history of the ta. any positive step is an aberration.

I can tell you, there are at least 100 vice presidents. 100!
under them are deputy vice presidents, managers, asst managers, directors, deputy directors, chiefs, asst chiefs, general superintendents, superintendents, deputy superintendents. and I might have missed a few.

with all that dead weight it's a wonder the trains and buses even move. 95% of them are incompetent. only promoted because of family ties or exceptional ass kissing.

but, that's what a bureaucracy is. it's sole purpose is to sustain itself.

dis man kno what he's talking about..every ny'er kno's dat all dat dough go into da big wigs pockets that's why everybody be pissed about these bullshit hikes cause fo 1 it's no need for a hike being dat it's always a surplus of money and 2 cause they rarely improve shit...something that i can really say i regret neva learning is dat bended metrocard trick(fo da people dat don't understand their's a glitch in the system and if u bend ur metrocard a certain way u get free rides)

 

[knightmelodic]

damn shame

yes it is. remember a few years ago when the feds caught them with 2 sets of books? they said it's common business practice. maybe, but not for a PUBLIC service who must (should) be totally transparent.

federal funds, state funds, city funds revenue.

the ta is the ONLY public service that generates income. po po don't. fire don't. sanitation don't. correction don't. etc

 

[Djmarkxr7]

the ta is a bloated, top heavy disgrace.

I can tell you where it's going: either as a raise for managers or to hire more managers.

just look at the history of the ta. any positive step is an aberration.

I can tell you, there are at least 100 vice presidents. 100!
under them are deputy vice presidents, managers, asst managers, directors, deputy directors, chiefs, asst chiefs, general superintendents, superintendents, deputy superintendents. and I might have missed a few.

with all that dead weight it's a wonder the trains and buses even move. 95% of them are incompetent. only promoted because of family ties or exceptional ass kissing.

but, that's what a bureaucracy is. it's sole purpose is to sustain itself.

 

[playahaitian]

yes it is. remember a few years ago when the feds caught them with 2 sets of books? they said it's common business practice. maybe, but not for a PUBLIC service who must (should) be totally transparent.

federal funds, state funds, city funds revenue.

the ta is the ONLY public service that generates income. po po don't. fire don't. sanitation don't. correction don't. etc

brother...you dropping gems!!!

I thought I was the only person who remembered that!!!

 

[playahaitian]

dis man kno what he's talking about..every ny'er kno's dat all dat dough go into da big wigs pockets that's why everybody be pissed about these bullshit hikes cause fo 1 it's no need for a hike being dat it's always a surplus of money and 2 cause they rarely improve shit...something that i can really say i regret neva learning is dat bended metrocard trick(fo da people dat don't understand their's a glitch in the system and if u bend ur metrocard a certain way u get free rides)

that's the REAL reason they got that law that says you cant even swipe someone for FREE with your unlimited.

 

[knightmelodic]

brother...you dropping gems!!!

I thought I was the only person who remembered that!!!

nah bro. and we ain't alone. I remember at the time word on the street was they had at least FIVE sets of books. this from people who know.

that's the REAL reason they got that law that says you cant even swipe someone for FREE with your unlimited.

and don't want you to know 50% of riders hop

 

[playahaitian]

nah bro. and we ain't alone. I remember at the time word on the street was they had at least FIVE sets of books. this from people who know.



and don't want you to know 50% of riders hop

Yo I HAVE been seeing more and more people getting tickets at the major stations...

couple days back I had a box of files/contracts going home. I put the box down swiped, pushed the bar and went to the emergency door. Some white dude holds the door and I say thanks. As I'm walking down the platform I see 2 uniforms staring at me. They look like they gonna tell me something...they laugh shake they heads and head DIRECTLY to the dude who slipped in behind me.

Wonder how much THAT fine is???

 

[knightmelodic]

Yo I HAVE been seeing more and more people getting tickets at the major stations...

couple days back I had a box of files/contracts going home. I put the box down swiped, pushed the bar and went to the emergency door. Some white dude holds the door and I say thanks. As I'm walking down the platform I see 2 uniforms staring at me. They look like they gonna tell me something...they laugh shake they heads and head DIRECTLY to the dude who slipped in behind me.

Wonder how much THAT fine is???

I forgot how much. I know they raised it after an article saying as much as 60% of riders don't pay.

so, in typical ta fashion, they station cops at turnstiles to catch fare beaters instead of on the trains and plats to deter criminals.

don't get me started on what the absorption of transit cops into nypd did for the police presence

 

[knightmelodic]

quick google

Recently I received a fare evasion citation in NYC, but I had an unlimited metro card. My friend swiped in at one of the revolving doors, but his fare was stolen so he pushed through behind me since there were no attendants at the station (as always) and it was getting late. There were officers at the station and we both received a $100.00 citation. My friend tried to explain his card was not read and he had paid but his fare had been stolen, but the officers wouldn't hear it. I know that the Transit court is under review for unfair trials (a point to which even the officers agreed), but do you think I can fight this. The officers walked us to the back of the station to give us a citation which seems ludicrous since in those 15 minutes they could have missed legitimate fare offenders since the station did not have authorities vigilant. To me it seems a bit of a double standard to pay an additional $100 when I already had a $104 metro card, and I have paid over $1,000 in unlimited metrocards for 2011 and over $400 for unlimited since the year started so it's not like I was exactly trying to evade my fare -.- (I have all my receipts with my metrocard with payments, serials and credit card ID's). I asked the officer if I had to pay since I paid my fare, and I had an unlimited but his reply was it was like both of you paid half fair $52.00 each, which still makes no sense since a single ride is only $2.50 a piece (and I have only had my unlimited for a week). The officers were also not completely truthful in their citations. My friend's citation says he was ejected from the station, and he refused to give his social which he was not and the officer never asked for his social. Mine says my occupation is self-employeed when I am not I am a student (he never asked for my occupation) and it says I refused to give my social (when I was not asked to provide one). It also says I "avoided legal payment of the fare", when I did not as I had bought a $104 unlimited a couple of days before (yes I have my receipt) and I am the one that swiped with my unlimited! What should I do? Is there a way I can fight this or maybe get it reduced?

What bother's me isn't the fine, as I am fortunate enough to have the money to pay it off, but the principle of the predicament. It seems to me that the MTA wants to haggle anyone and everyone with fines, when they have part of the blame for this for providing inadequate staffing and inadequate facilities while escalating fare prices. It also seems to me that officers should receive better training when dealing with civilians, when they are trying to explain predicaments that I am sure they themselves saw.

My biggest qualm is with some of the officers behaviors. While we were getting a ticket there was an officer out of uniform pretending to be a child offender. He was pretending to be cuffed and had his hands behind his back saying "NO PLEASE Officer, I did not molest that child" How is that an ethical statement coming from someone that we expect and trust to keep the peace.

Read more: http://www.city-data.com/forum/new-...e-evasion-ticket-unlimited.html#ixzz2TTxSPZJa

 

[playahaitian]

I forgot how much. I know they raised it after an article saying as much as 60% of riders don't pay.

so, in typical ta fashion, they station cops at turnstiles to catch fare beaters instead of on the trains and plats to deter criminals.

don't get me started on what the absorption of transit cops into nypd did for the police presence

got it...

Jumping the Subway Turnstile Is Getting Expensive

http://www.nysenate.gov/press-relea...raise-fines-subway-fare-beaters-passed-senate

The New York State Senate passed a bill yesterday that will raise the maximum penalty for subway fare evasion from $100 to $500, as well as double the fine for not paying from $50 to $100.​

A report found that 18.5 million people skipped fares in 2009, costing the MTA $31 million, and indicating that a routine fare-beater could only expect a ticket every six to thirteen weeks. With the fine at $100, that's actually cheaper than buying a weekly MetroCard, but those days appear to be coming to an end. Math!

 

[ELLISON]

tourist money..who throws a dollar away

 

[playahaitian]

quick google

Recently I received a fare evasion citation in NYC, but I had an unlimited metro card. My friend swiped in at one of the revolving doors, but his fare was stolen so he pushed through behind me since there were no attendants at the station (as always) and it was getting late. There were officers at the station and we both received a $100.00 citation. My friend tried to explain his card was not read and he had paid but his fare had been stolen, but the officers wouldn't hear it. I know that the Transit court is under review for unfair trials (a point to which even the officers agreed), but do you think I can fight this. The officers walked us to the back of the station to give us a citation which seems ludicrous since in those 15 minutes they could have missed legitimate fare offenders since the station did not have authorities vigilant. To me it seems a bit of a double standard to pay an additional $100 when I already had a $104 metro card, and I have paid over $1,000 in unlimited metrocards for 2011 and over $400 for unlimited since the year started so it's not like I was exactly trying to evade my fare -.- (I have all my receipts with my metrocard with payments, serials and credit card ID's). I asked the officer if I had to pay since I paid my fare, and I had an unlimited but his reply was it was like both of you paid half fair $52.00 each, which still makes no sense since a single ride is only $2.50 a piece (and I have only had my unlimited for a week). The officers were also not completely truthful in their citations. My friend's citation says he was ejected from the station, and he refused to give his social which he was not and the officer never asked for his social. Mine says my occupation is self-employeed when I am not I am a student (he never asked for my occupation) and it says I refused to give my social (when I was not asked to provide one). It also says I "avoided legal payment of the fare", when I did not as I had bought a $104 unlimited a couple of days before (yes I have my receipt) and I am the one that swiped with my unlimited! What should I do? Is there a way I can fight this or maybe get it reduced?

What bother's me isn't the fine, as I am fortunate enough to have the money to pay it off, but the principle of the predicament. It seems to me that the MTA wants to haggle anyone and everyone with fines, when they have part of the blame for this for providing inadequate staffing and inadequate facilities while escalating fare prices. It also seems to me that officers should receive better training when dealing with civilians, when they are trying to explain predicaments that I am sure they themselves saw.

My biggest qualm is with some of the officers behaviors. While we were getting a ticket there was an officer out of uniform pretending to be a child offender. He was pretending to be cuffed and had his hands behind his back saying "NO PLEASE Officer, I did not molest that child" How is that an ethical statement coming from someone that we expect and trust to keep the peace.

Read more: http://www.city-data.com/forum/new-...e-evasion-ticket-unlimited.html#ixzz2TTxSPZJa

http://www.mta.info/nyct/rules/TransitAdjudicationBureau/rules.htm

Fare Evasion: $100 Fine
Individuals are not permitted to enter the New York City Transit subway system or buses without payment of the fare. This includes instances when your MetroCard is not functioning properly.

Interference with Movement: $100 Fine
Riders are not allowed to obstruct movement of trains by means of preventing subway doors from closing, activating the emergency brake cord in a non-emergency or other interference that will create delays or accidents.

Smoking: $50 Fine
Riders may not smoke anywhere on New York City Transit property which includes outdoor stations.

Unauthorized movement between subway cars: $75 Fine
Riders may not move between subway cars even if the train is not in motion, except in an emergency or when directed by police officer, conductor or authorized MTA/New York City Transit employee.

Seat Obstruction: $50 Fine
Riders may not lie down or place feet on the seat of a train, bus or platform bench or occupy more than one seat. Riders may not place bags or personal items on seats in circumstances when doing so, will interfere with transit operation or otherwise impede the comfort of other passengers.

 

[knightmelodic]

tourist money..who throws a dollar away

tourists don't hop bro

 

[knightmelodic]

http://www.mta.info/nyct/rules/TransitAdjudicationBureau/rules.htm

Fare Evasion: $100 Fine
Individuals are not permitted to enter the New York City Transit subway system or buses without payment of the fare. This includes instances when your MetroCard is not functioning properly.

Interference with Movement: $100 Fine
Riders are not allowed to obstruct movement of trains by means of preventing subway doors from closing, activating the emergency brake cord in a non-emergency or other interference that will create delays or accidents.

Smoking: $50 Fine
Riders may not smoke anywhere on New York City Transit property which includes outdoor stations.

Unauthorized movement between subway cars: $75 Fine
Riders may not move between subway cars even if the train is not in motion, except in an emergency or when directed by police officer, conductor or authorized MTA/New York City Transit employee.

Seat Obstruction: $50 Fine
Riders may not lie down or place feet on the seat of a train, bus or platform bench or occupy more than one seat. Riders may not place bags or personal items on seats in circumstances when doing so, will interfere with transit operation or otherwise impede the comfort of other passengers.

you and I both know this is a joke. I've NEVER seen anybody get a summons for anything but jumping

maybe cops give those others when they can't find anything else to write. never seen it
either the person gets belligerent and they click em for other shit or they let em walk

funny shit is (and I know people who ride have seen this) cops be givin out summons to HOMELESS people. good luck collecting that
and they say there are no quotas

 

[MC Brasil]

I found a new HUSTLE !!!!!

collecting cards like old school cans for 50 cent a pop

 

[knightmelodic]

I found a new HUSTLE !!!!!

collecting cards like old school cans for 50 cent a pop

you're gonna have to fight the 8,467 other people doing it

 

[playahaitian]

you and I both know this is a joke. I've NEVER seen anybody get a summons for anything but jumping

maybe cops give those others when they can't find anything else to write. never seen it
either the person gets belligerent and they click em for other shit or they let em walk

funny shit is (and I know people who ride have seen this) cops be givin out summons to HOMELESS people. good luck collecting that
and they say there are no quotas

used to work in social services...this is SO true.

They cant catch everyone its impossible but still the amount of messed up stuff I have seen down there is a joke.

My fav is when the card DON'T WORK or the turnstile is malfunctioning and the cop just LOOKS at you like....???

The train was coming so I asked someone to open the emergency door and walked RIGHT by him, he aint say nothing.

Actually reminds me of another story.

I was with my kids and I asked the brother who just swiped could he open the door ...I had one kid in my arms and holding the other one's hand and he clearly saw I swiped and an error message showed.

He STILL said NO.

I was shocked, and a white dude with glasses asked whats wrong and opened the door and offered to help me down the stairs. Got to the platform LOOKING for that brother he saw me coming and dude suddenly got up and walked ALL THE WAY to the end of the platform

 

[tallblacknyc]

I found a new HUSTLE !!!!!

collecting cards like old school cans for 50 cent a pop

actually dats a old hustle only diff is da people who use to collect the cards would bend da metrocards and swipe a person in fo a fee(early 2000 $1 late 2000 $2) them dudes use to clean up..than mta got pissed off at how much money them dudes was making and did a witch hunt on them cats..them dollar swipers was god sent back in da days

 

[playahaitian]

I found a new HUSTLE !!!!!

collecting cards like old school cans for 50 cent a pop

you're gonna have to fight the 8,467 other people doing it

DAMN right!!!

 

[knightmelodic]

Got to the platform LOOKING for that brother he saw me coming and dude suddenly got up and walked ALL THE WAY to the end of the platform

he knew there was no help for his ass cause all the cops were at the turnstiles looking for jumpers

 

[playahaitian]

he knew there was no help for his ass cause all the cops were at the turnstiles looking for jumpers

THAT is what everyone told me

I was still pissed but I realized if they had banged homeboy I would have felt worse.

But that white guy opened the gate like he OWNED the MTA boy

But that is the fear I think we all have...I dont think RIDERS will EVER pull even a lunch time strike in NYC...

but IF they ever did

 

[Coldchi]

there are like 5 threads on the front page regarding this fare hike for NY commuter rails. can a mod please merge these.....

 

[playahaitian]