From: ruben@mrbrklyn.com   
      
   > On Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 3:31:12 PM UTC-4, General Kireiko wrote:   
   >   
   >> The fact that the MTA may have the largest funding ever doesn't change   
   >> the fact that it can't afford to pay what's been promised, and has been   
   >> kicking the can down the road for some time now.   
   >   
   > NYC has a high cost of operation and after WW I, the transit system   
   > lost money on a 5c fare.  Notably, Philadelphia, with lower costs,   
   > charged 7.5c while NYC was still a nickel, and remained a nickel   
   > until after WW II!   
   >   
   > That left a massive deficit in capital costs.  By 1950, the core   
   > subway system was 50 years old and need of major rebuild.  They   
   > got new cars, replaced semaphore signals, extended platforms.   
   > Well, that was good for 50 years, and now it must be done again.   
   > Heck, all those 50-60 year old fluorescent light fixtures are   
   > due for replacement.   
   >   
   > The MTA is still running the Brightliners, which are over 50 years   
   > old!  They fail a lot.   
   >   
   > The IND signals largely date from the 1930s.  As well as it was   
   > built, the components are worn out from age.  Bad insulation causes   
   > short circuits.  Relays stick and lock up.   
   >   
   > Then the shops and yards need to be upgraded.   
   >   
   > Power stations need replacement, as does power cables.   
   >   
   > Where Sandy hit, tunnels need to be rebuilt.   
   >   
   > Basically, they're rebuilding the entire subway system.  Only it's   
   > more expensive since trains must be kept in operation.   
      
      
   The expense becomes when simple and dependable technology is replaced   
   with grand plans for expensive upgrades.  When you replace dependable   
   fluorescent fixtures with a new lighting system and replace a signaling   
   system with a wifi network to give count down clocks.  The MTA is a   
   colossal waste of money and have no regard for the of its plans to a   
   public who has no say over its decision making.  They have there hands   
   around the throat of NYC and the region, and shake the money tree when   
   they wants more money.  They're main goal is to complete there control   
   of all transportation in NYC and that is what congestion pricing is   
   about.  It will be illegal to move about the coty of NY without paying   
   the MTA under congestion pricing.   
      
   The first radical thing that they should do at this point is to move all   
   tolls collects, and fares to the City and State general funds.  The MTA   
   should be budgeted right out of NYS and NYC's budget.  The MTA should   
   have to beg every year for funding directly from the tax payers.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)