Kalikow speaks: The MTA chair responds to readers questions in today’s News. No real surprises in his answers.
On the overwhelming summer heat in subway stations:
“I'm not sure there is an absolute way to solve the problem (in stations). ... It's an open system. I think July and August in New York is going to be July and August in New York.”
Can you pick me up on one of these weekends in one of your fancy Italian sports cars when I need to go grocery shopping?
As long as you don't have too many groceries. There's not much room. We'll see what we can do. (I hope the News makes sure Kalikow does indeed give that reader a ride)
On the contract impasse:
“For some reason, these things never work out the way you want them to work out.” [Daily News]
HEET Guards: The TA is spending $265,000 in install guards around the new emergency exits to keep farebeaters from reaching in and pushing the door open. [Daily News]
More heat on HEETs: Inspired by the News, now the AP takes a look at the much-hated HEETS. [AP via amNY]
Dirty job: A city worker was sent crawling though the 54-inch sewer pipe that is leaking raw sewage onto the G line. Problem is still unknown. [amNY]
G is for gross: The News also takes a look on the “sewage swamped” G train. [Daily News]
Captive victim: Even though more and more riders are getting their MetroCards via vending machines, fo rthe second time this month a token-booth clerk was robbed at gunpoint. The union is putting up a $1,000 reward for the perp. [NY Post] Meanwhile, union e-board member Marvin Holland, who represents station agents, tells the Tracker that these type of robberies are not getting the attention they deserve.
If the train doesn't fit: New double decker train cars barely make it through the tunnel into Penn Station. [NY Times]
Photo by Newsday
-- Chuck Bennett
