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An open letter to the MTA

Dear MTA,

I didn’t complain two weeks ago when I spent the weekend in Brooklyn, declining all offers to go into Manhattan for social engagements, because I knew I’d have to take two L trains and a shuttle bus for an hour-long debacle to get there, not to mention that if I wanted to stay in town late, it would take me even longer to get home. I get it, construction needs to be done.

I did get a little upset, though, when after the construction was over, I was an hour late to work because of you. I have to admit, I said some pretty harsh things about you keeping me stuck under the East River for a half hour.

My bosses were understanding because, hey, we cover the MTA and we know of your history. It’s like having an alcoholic uncle who’s in recovery … my bosses know there will be relapses.

But this morning, MTA, I left my house early to go to a doctor’s appointment, an appointment I spent over a month on a waiting list to get. I allowed an hour for me to get there, (it should have taken around 40 minutes), but when the train stalled and we were told that it wasn’t running into Manhattan — that we’d have to take the G train and transfer to get into town — I knew I was going to miss my appointment. And because of the two transfers, I was also late to work.

Again.

Not only did I leave early to make an appointment, which I missed, I also was 10 minutes late to work.

I have to say, MTA, I’ve had it. I spend more and more money on you because of your fare hikes, and spend more and more money on cabs when I’m late because of you. It just doesn’t make sense.

If I wanted to spend so much time commuting five miles every day, I’d walk to work. Hopstop.com says it would only take two hours.

Thank you,

Sara Baumberger

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Comments (1)

I live in Brooklyn too, but not on the L train. The last time I had a problem with stalled train was in May of 2007 when someone accidentally cut the power to third rail while my D train was crossing the Manhattan Bridge. The L train system is just old and out of date. It's going to happen. What are you gonna do?

For just $2 and a generally speedy ride, it's tough to complain too often.

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