New York subway chief unveils plan to overhaul 'failing' system

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New York subway officials unveiled a nearly 9-billion-US-dollar plan to shift their outdated system into the 21st century.

Joseph Lhota , chairman of the state-run Metropolitan Transport Authority, admitted that the subway was "in distress" and conceded there was "no doubt the New York City subway is failing its customers."

Busy NY subway seen on a regular day. /AFP Photo

Nearly six million people ride the subway each day, which dates back 113 years and suffers outdated equipment despite being one of the largest public transit systems in the world spanning 665 miles (1,070 kilometers) of track.

"In order to stabilize the system, our current estimate is that we are going to need an immediate investment of 456 million US dollars in operating costs and make a 380 million US dollars capital investment," Lhota told reporters.

July 25, 2017: MTA chairman Joseph Lhota announced a plan to modernize the subway system, Tuesday . /AFP Photo

Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, both Democrats, have struggled to come to terms over the crisis.

The MTA is directly answerable to Cuomo but the city has also contributed funds.

On Tuesday, Lhota urged the state and the city to share the cost. "After the stabilizing plan, a long-term plan will require an additional capital investment of approximately 8 billion US dollars," he said.

Twitter Photo

The rescue plan also includes a pilot program to remove seats on at least two lines to cram more passengers into each car, which has attracted scathing commentary.

It also calls for expedited repairs and an increased police presence to deter sexually inappropriate behavior, loitering, aggressive panhandling and littering, which contributes to 700 fire-related delays each year.

The MTA has also launched an international competition "calling on the greatest minds" to find solutions to modernize and improve the subway.

Derailments in the last two months forced the evacuation Friday of 135 passengers and left 36 people with minor injuries in June when two subway cars careened off the tracks, leaving hundreds of people stuck for more than an hour.

Causes of subway delays /Metropolitan Transportation Authority Photo

Change since 1990 in New York City /Metropolitan Transportation Authority Photo

(Source: AFP)

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