"What we're seeing today is not only an affront to... the union workers and an affront to the disabled community, but also an affront to New York City. When people are in trouble, they don't go walking around looking for a phone, looking for a button to press. They're looking around for a [transit] worker to assist them."
"These are our frontline soldiers, our people that are eyes and ears of transit. You see what's going on out there. People are getting shot, stabbed, and beat up. I would want somebody to call 911. I wouldn't rely on anything but a person."
The Transport Workers Union filed a lawsuit against the MTA challenging a new policy implemented in January that permits subway token booths to operate without staff when assigned agents are sick or on vacation. The union contends that booth agents provide essential services to riders, particularly those with disabilities, and serve as critical safety resources. Union leadership argues that empty booths jeopardize public safety, noting that in emergencies, people seek assistance from transit workers rather than attempting to find phones or buttons. The lawsuit represents the latest conflict between the union and Governor Hochul, following her veto of legislation that would have mandated two-person subway crews. The union's contract with the state expires this spring.
Read at Gothamist
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