Last year New York City Transit handed out 795,883 report cards to riders asking for feedback, and now officials have begun to share the grades, the Post reports (the Post also created this nifty graphic). Let's just say they're going to need your signature on this report card—when you average out all the grades the overall score is average. Not a single subway line did better than a C, and officials have only released data on eight subway lines so far; the G train report card is still to come.
2008's lowest grade in an individual category (so far) was a D-minus for the No. 4, awarded for being most overcrowded at rush hour. The L train got the highest grade in any category, with a B for lack of graffiti, but got slapped with big fat D for delays during trips. The biggest gripe over all was rush-hour crowding; the M line got the best score for crowding, but even that was just a C-minus.
Transit spokesman Paul Fleuranges tells the Post they appreciate the feedback, but please be patient: "There are some areas where we cannot - due to increased ridership, capacity constraints and other factors - respond to the customers' top priorities, like overcrowding on the 4 line. In those cases, we expect grades to drop or remain the same."
That's the spirit! If you'd like to do more than just send the MTA a report card, you'll have your first chance to tell them what you really think tomorrow night during the first of eight public hearings on proposed fare increases and service reductions. MTA Board Members and unspecified elected officials will be on hand for an airing of public grievances, scheduled to start at 6 p.m. at the Hilton New York Trianon Ballroom; 1335 Avenue of the Americas (between 53rd & 54th Streets).
