Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee

June 2008
PCAC hosts MTA Chairman Hemmerdinger

Chairman Hemmerdinger
PCAC member Ira Greenberg questions MTA Chairman Dale Hemmerdinger while PCAC member Andrew Albert,
MTA Director of Community Affairs Doug Sussman, and PCAC member Shirley Genn listen.

H. Dale Hemmerdinger, appointed Chair of the MTA in October, 2007, was the guest speaker at the June PCAC quarterly meeting. This was the first opportunity for PCAC to have a direct conversation with the Chairman. The focus of his remarks and questions by PCAC members was financial. He noted that although operating revenues were up, the mortgage transfer tax income was down. He pointed out that if the trend continues, the existing surplus will be consumed. In addition, the Capital Program is also under strain due to rising construction costs.

Chairman Hemmerdinger is looking forward to the report of the blue ribbon panel, headed by former MTA Chairman Richard Ravitch, for solutions to MTA’s long-term financial stability. He lauded current Board members: “They take their role and responsibilities very seriously and feel the public needs to know how hard they work. They are committed to making the Board as transparent as possible.” He said he would like the riders to see themselves as a partner with the Board in the stewardship of this publicly owned system. Chairman Hemmerdinger challenged the PCAC to be the most vocal advocate to improve the system.

June 2008
PCAC Urges Riders to Get Out of Their Cars and Take Public Transportation

PCAC joined the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in celebrating the Third Annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 19, 2008. Public transit agencies from coast to coast encouraged their communities to “ dump the pump” by leaving their cars at home and riding public transportation.

Read more in the News Release

May 2008
Traveling the New York City subways in a wheelchair is a big challenge

Traveling NYC subways in a wheelchair As part of its ongoing look at ADA provisions among the MTA agencies, PCAC staff joined NYCTRC member Edith Prentiss for a tour of subway conditions. Ms. Prentiss, who uses an electric wheelchair to travel, does not shy away from the obstacles in using public transportation; but, she has more determination than most. Poor signage, non-working elevators, rough floor surfaces, the frequent vertical gap between the platform and the subway car, and confusing and inconsistent buttons in elevators are among the many problems encountered by users.

Traveling NYC subway in wheelchair Ms. Prentiss explained that the best option for wheelchair access is through the use of ramps. Unfortunately, because of the age of the system, few can be incorporated into existing stations. She indicated that what is really needed is a guide for travel options when an elevator is out of service. She explained that Transit personnel in booths or on customer assistance phones usually do not have any idea on how to advise riders in wheelchairs as to alternative routes.

In reality, few mobility-disabled riders use the subways. The narrow platforms, vertical gaps and problematic elevators discourage most in this group. Instead, they opt to use buses or Access-A-Ride, NYC Transit’s paratransit service, two choices that have their own set of issues. PCAC’s report on ADA compliance will be released in the fall of 2008.

May 2008
PCAC visits the Yonkers TOD

PCAC visits the Yonkers TOD
PCAC staff members Jan Wells and Ellyn Shannon joined a special tour of the historic Yonkers train station, led by Mari Miceli, Director of Special Projects, MNR Capital Engineering. This 1911 landmark brick and granite Beaux Arts building designed by Warren and Wetmore (designers of Grand Central Terminal) has been preserved and rejuvenated. Restoration work included exterior walls, interior spaces, doors and windows, copper roofing, quarry tile flooring and restrooms. A new, wide doorway and corridor through the station concourse provides a direct link to the Hudson River waterfront activities. Outside, concrete platforms were replaced and new historic style canopies were installed. Major infrastructure work on four tack bridges has also been completed. Complementing the building improvements is the addition of an adjacent park area complete with paths, landscaping, benches, lighting and ornamental fencing. This area was previously a bus layover area which has now been located across the street.

The tour group was then met by developer Arthur Collins of Collins Enterprises who walked the group through his Hudson Park waterfront development, which will feature 266 luxury rental units when completed. He pointed out the many improvements made by the City of Yonkers to the historic Pier area. Metro-North’s capital improvements at the Yonkers station were a catalyst for significant investments by the City of Yonkers and the development community. The Yonkers TOD is an outstanding example of public-private cooperation in revitalizing a downtown area. Click here to see photos of the station and TOD area.

April 2008
ADA Compliance at the MTA

Recently PCAC staff members Karyl Berger, Ellyn Shannon and Jan Wells joined Jennifer Barry of Metro-North Railroad (MNR) to learn about ADA compliance features at stations. Ms. Barry is the Assistant Director for ADA compliance for the Railroad. The tour included Grand Central Terminal and Riverdale Station which feature tactile signs, talking ticket machines, tactile warning strips, a special wheelchair elevator, TTY public phones, color-sensitive signage and other assistance devices. PCAC is preparing a report on ADA compliance at the MTA and will be doing selected field inspections over the next few months at LIRR stations, subway stops and on buses.

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