Job One for new MTA chief Jay Walder is simple: Do no harm

[Harry 1,090]

Jay Walder, the new Metropolitan Transportation Authority chairman and CEO, has just reported for work. Like many New Yorkers, I have a list of ideas that I hope he will seriously consider.

 

Walder can begin by making it clear that he cares about the MTA's customers. He can do this by blocking the pending cuts of hundreds of mechanics, cleaners and station clerks. This would follow in the steps of former MTA Chairman Peter Stangl, who reversed a set of proposed cuts when he took office in 1991.

 

The MTA's finances are precarious, but the agency should not condemn its customers to cuts that would lead to a rise in car breakdowns, dirtier conditions and unsafe stations. The MTA urges riders to say something, if they see something. But in a world of far fewer station clerks, to whom can they say something?

 

Walder also must be committed to achieving several concrete short-term improvements that riders can actually see and enjoy.

 

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/10/07/2009-10-07_job_one_for_new_mta_chief_jay_walder_is_simple_do_no_harm.html#ixzz0TLmM5uTa

[LRG 217]

I can't wait to see what Walder has to bring. I heard he's a fan of the older subway cars so this may mean that the R32s may be around a little while longer!