Subway will close for two hours overnight, starting Monday.

[Wallyhorse]

On 2/15/2021 at 11:36 PM, T to Dyre Avenue said:

I really don’t see the point in closing for just two hours. How much cleaning - if any - are they going to accomplish in just two hours?

Probably because it is the only LEGAL way the can kick the homeless out of the system, even if only temporarily:

While we do know a lot more now about COVID than this time a year ago, Cuomo likely still fears a scenario where some incident happens like what happened just about a year ago this time on the  making big headlines (and that incident did happen in the overnight), and that being used against him in his re-election bid, assuming he isn't forced out as Governor before then because of current ongoing scandals. 

The real problem is if the subway were back to 24/7 and the did try to kick the homeless out, the ACLU would be in court so fast such practices would be stopped immediately.  Until we have something that is ACLU-proof, I suspect that would play into why Cuomo won't allow a full resumption of service. 

[jammerbot]

On 3/25/2021 at 10:41 AM, Wallyhorse said:

Probably because it is the only LEGAL way the can kick the homeless out of the system, even if only temporarily:

While we do know a lot more now about COVID than this time a year ago, Cuomo likely still fears a scenario where some incident happens like what happened just about a year ago this time on the  making big headlines (and that incident did happen in the overnight), and that being used against him in his re-election bid, assuming he isn't forced out as Governor before then because of current ongoing scandals. 

The real problem is if the subway were back to 24/7 and the did try to kick the homeless out, the ACLU would be in court so fast such practices would be stopped immediately.  Until we have something that is ACLU-proof, I suspect that would play into why Cuomo won't allow a full resumption of service. 

What incident are you referring to?

[Wallyhorse]

3 hours ago, jammerbot said:

What incident are you referring to?

This: https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-dead-injured-fire-moving-harlem-subway-20200327-bzasn2dwpvclzidv6pb7txz32e-story.html

Quote

‘He would help anyone he could’: Hero MTA train operator dies trying to evacuate commuters from Harlem subway fire, at least nine others hospitalized

By MARCO POGGIO, CLAYTON GUSE, THOMAS TRACY and LARRY MCSHANE

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS |

MAR 27, 2020 AT 2:38 PM

MTA train operator Garrett Goble, devoted dad to two young sons, died the same way that he lived: Doing the right thing.

The heroic transit worker’s body was found on the subway tracks in Harlem after evacuating terrified riders early Friday from a smoky and suspicious subterranean blaze aboard an uptown train. The 36-year-old Goble was discovered on the roadbed in front of the No. 2 train when first responders arrived to the 110th St./Central Park North station about 3:15 a.m.

Train operator Garrett Goble of Brooklyn was found unconscious on the roadbed in front of the No. 2 train when first responders arrived to the 110th St./Central Park North station about 3:15 a.m. Friday. (Obtained by Daily News)

“He was the best, he really was,” said co-worker Linda Echevarria, a longtime friend. “He was a loving, kind man, and he died helping others. It’s heartbreaking.”

Cops were attempting to determine if an arsonist set the fire in the second car of the train inside the station. A suspect was taken into custody and remained at the 28th Precinct for questioning, a Fire Department source told the Daily News.

The brave transit worker was the only fatality in the bizarre morning incident where a charred shopping cart was found inside the Bronx-bound train. Investigators believe an accelerant in the shopping cart helped the fire spread, but more tests of the evidence are needed to be sure, sources said.

Before his death, the six-year MTA veteran helped steer straphangers to safety before getting lost in the smoke-filled tunnel and collapsing, possibly from a coronary arrest, according to a source.

An MTA train operator was found dead on the subway tracks in Harlem after evacuating riders early Friday, March 27, 2020 from a smoky and suspicious subterranean blaze aboard an uptown train. (Obtained by Daily News)

Smoke was already pouring out of the train car and straphangers were scrambling for air when cops and firefighters arrived. The fire apparently started in the second car of the train once it stopped in the station, the with flames followed by a pair of popping noises, according to transit sources.

“The train car was completely gutted,” a source said.

Goble, 36, was rushed by medics to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Colleagues and a Brooklyn neighbor described the married father of boys ages 10 and seven months a nice guy who always greeted her with a hug.

“All I can tell you is he was beautiful young man,” said Katherine Gray, 73. “I’ve known him all his life. He was a good son, an excellent father and a great husband.”

Gray was not surprised to hear that Goble, who married just two years ago, risked his life to save others.

“If he did, that’s his character,” she said. “He would help anyone he could.”

The MTA quickly posted a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the fatal fire.

The 2/3 line subway station is vented at at 111th St. and Lenox Ave. in Manhattan on Friday. (Barry Williams/for New York Daily News)

At least 16 others were injured in the wild scene: Three men and a woman were also rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital with serious injuries, an additional five firefighters were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries, and at least seven others treated at the scene.

At roughly the same time as the train blaze, several small fires were set in garbage cans on both the platforms and above ground at the 86th St.and 96th St. train stations, said NYPD Deputy Chief Brian McGee of Manhattan North Detectives. Although it was unclear if they were related, the NYPD treated both as crime scenes.

Tony Utano, president of TWU Local 100, which represents MTA employees, called Goble’s death “a terrible tragedy.”

 

[Gotham Bus Co.]

On 2/15/2021 at 11:36 PM, T to Dyre Avenue said:

I really don’t see the point in closing for just two hours. How much cleaning - if any - are they going to accomplish in just two hours?

The main purpose of it is massive TWU overtime.

Edited April 8, 2021 by Gotham Bus Co.