Senator Golden Responds to Ratings of R and N Train Lines

  Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today has sent a letter to New York City Transit Authority President Howard Roberts in response to the recent ratings of the “Straphangers Campaign” of both the R and N train lines.  

     The findings indicate the R train to be the dirtiest in the City.  Maintenance on the N train has taken a turn for the worst as well according to the findings.  Senator Golden has invited President Roberts to join him in taking a ride on both routes and has asked that more attention be given to the maintenance of subway cars on both the R and N trains.

     The text of the letter is below.

June 26, 2009
 
Howard H. Roberts, President
MTA New York City Transit
2 Broadway
New York, New York  10004
 
Dear Mr. Roberts,
 
I was disappointed to hear today that subway cars on the R train were voted the dirtiest in the entire City by commuters who took part in a survey released by the Straphangers Campaign this morning. The R line begins and ends in my District, and people utilize it for a number of reasons. I believe that whether a commuter is going to work, to see family or friends, go shopping, or whatever the case may be, they have a right, and consequently an expectation, to ride subways that are not only safe but also clean.
The R line in Bay Ridge in particular has many issues facing it, including the need for station cleanings and renovations, more consistent wait times, and of course, cleaner trains. In addition, I was further disappointed by the fact that the N train, another vital subway line for my District, was noted as becoming much less clean over the last two years than it was previously. I would kindly ask that your office take the necessary steps toward alleviating a situation that has proven to be a disservice to commuters. Whether the solution includes asking maintenance and custodial staff to devote more attention to cleanliness on trains or increasing regular inspections of the cars, I hope that something will be done soon to address this problem. To that end, I stand ready to assist you in any way that I can.

I would be interested in meeting with you, to visit the local “R” train stations, or to take a ride on the trains to see firsthand the state of the subway cars. Please contact Louise Martini or John Quaglione of my office at (718) 238-6044, so that we can make the necessary arrangements. I look forward to working with you on improving the commuting experience not only for the people of my District, but for all New Yorkers who use these trains.
 
Sincerely,
 
Martin J. Golden
State Senator, 22 ^nd  District of New York