Statement From Senator Eric T. Schneiderman on Ceiling Collapse At 181st Street Subway Station

Eric T. Schneiderman

August 17, 2009

"This is a wake up-call for the MTA. For years, the MTA has neglected to improve the conditions at the 181st Street Station, which has been plagued by structural problems, inordinate amounts of debris and elevator failures, among other issues. As a result of this ceiling collapse, subway service is paralyzed for nearly 70,000 daily riders in Northern Manhattan and the Bronx. This is a devastating disruption for our communities. I will collaborate with the MTA in order to ensure that these repairs happen immediately because we deserve a public transportation system that is both functional and safe. I also strongly urge the MTA to develop a strategy to make sure repairs like these are made before lives are put in danger."