You are probably asking yourself how one thing can lead to the other, but if you think in terms of the “MTA,” you will realize how miserable your early mornings can be if you use New York’s public transportation.
Having lived and grown up in New York and now, as a daily commuter, I have realized that most of the time my days start off terribly because of the MTA.
Today is no exception. While writing this piece, I find myself stuck on the B train, which, due to lost signals, is making me a little more than 45 minutes late for work.
One thing I’m certain of is that almost every New Yorker who has used the MTA services can identify with this.
Let’s be honest: We've all hated on the MTA services at some point. That's right, don't lie. I can't be the only one. You know you have. And if you're anything like me, then you constantly get one of those so-called "anger moments" where you might have even cursed your guts out. You know cursing makes you look like a possessed Chihuahua, that it doesn't change you being late to work or school but it still makes you feel better. So you do it anyway!
So as I find a way to relax on what seems to be a long commute to work, here are some of the issues that the MTA should be addressing for solutions.
The fare increases.
FIRST OF ALL, Why?! Why?!
Ever since 2010, where it was already $2.25 for base fare and $2.50 for SingleRide MetroCards, the fare increases seem to go up every two years. For a New Yorker that only gets paid minimum wage, this might feel like a daily increase. Especially when transportation fare goes up, weekly salary earned stays the same, and the bank account rolls down to negative numbers. Although the fare only increases by a few cents, when buying a weekly or monthly MetroCard, these changes are greater than just that. It also seems that these increases are unfair when citizens are still getting the same service they were paying for five or 10 years ago.
The changes.
They’re coming, just hold on tight.
They say that change is good but when it comes to the MTA, change is scary. I mean, Chucky-scary. "Attention ladies and gentlemen, due to...," are probably the scariest six words anyone can hear in the early hours of their daily commute. You can be certain that these six words will guarantee you one thing... YOU WILL BE LATE.
Delays.
I warned you...
People also say that timing is important and that everything happens for a reason. However, this does not fall on the MTA for sure. They jeopardize anyone's timing! Because regardless as to whether you left your house three hours ahead of time or on time, if your bad luck decides to roll in for the day you'll be stuck in a tunnel waiting for the "green light signal" from the dispatcher long enough to delay anyone's arrival time.
Their staff.
I've experienced a number of encounters with MTA staff, especially when using their buses. And though I've had encounters with helpful and professional staff that have been more than willing to help, I've also realized that some of the staff can be as bad as “angry birds” when being approached.
Using the MTA services as a mode of transportation has only taught me one thing that I can use for a daily lesson and that is that no matter how late you are for anything, you can still change the outcome of the end of your day to a positive one.
And if you are running to your destination, remember that it’s better late than never!
