Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) today blasted the MTA after reviewing the MTA Inspector General’s (IG) report concerning whether or not the MTA “consistently and correctly identifies and reports subway platform-edge safety defects.” The IG’s office determined that this was not the case, and consequently, approximately 1.5 billion transit riders travel the subways daily at their own peril. The report concluded that platform inspectors did not properly recognize and report platform-edge deficiencies. Even more troubling is the fact that different inspectors examining identical platform-edges did not come to the same consensus about a safety rating.
“This is outrageous,” said Hikind. “Will it take a tragedy on the tracks for the MTA to get serious about the state of the system? Is that what the top brass is waiting for? Shame on the MTA for continuing to endanger the lives of its riders. Even with a $2.3 billion bailout, they just can’t get anything right.”
Last year, Hikind undertook the issue of safety in the subway system when his constituent, a 14-year old boy, was nearly killed as he boarded a northbound Q train [as reported HERE on YWN]. The platform edge crumbled beneath him, plunging him onto the tracks. Fortunately, after several attempts, the young man was able to pull himself up to safety. A study conducted by Hikind’s office revealed similar shoddy circumstances to that of the Kings Highway station throughout the transit system.
“I am appalled to discover that the MTA has again failed to keep their word to make significant structural improvements to the system,” remarked Hikind. “What amazes me is that they had enough money to dole out raises to employees at their headquarters last year, but repeatedly insist that financial constraints keep them from making necessary repairs. It’s time for the MTA to take responsibility before someone pays with their life.”
(YWN Desk – NYC)
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3 Responses
I would like to bring to the attention of Mr Hikand that his office tried to help me some 11 years ago on my NYCTA workers comp case which was stolen from me because “I FAILED TO KILL THE SUBWAY PASSENGERS” His office has all the details. However I would greatly appreciate it if his office could reopen my workers comp case My answering machine phone is 801 760 5511. ( I only receive messages from that phone since I am currently in Israel and have written the book “Torah and Zionism?”
Re #1
It is a great cautionary tale of the hazards of sniffing fresh paint.
Now that you have taken the initiative to request having your workers comp case re-opened by Dov Hikind’s office via your comment here at Yeshiva Worold News, it is only a matter of time before someone gives you a call at the phone number you provided.