UPDATE: New York Governor Kathy Hochul is facing an urgent decision on whether to sign a controversial bill that could change the future of subway operations in New York City. Officials have confirmed that the bill mandates the presence of conductors on nearly all NYC subway trains, as the deadline for her decision approaches on December 31, 2023.
The bill, known as S4091 in the State Senate and A4873 in the Assembly, aims to ensure that two staff members remain on board for public safety and operational reliability. Commuters may not realize, however, that conductor-less trains are already operating on certain routes, including the shuttle in Times Square and the overnight G train.
John Samuelsen, President of the Transit Workers Union, emphasizes the importance of conductors, stating they serve as the essential “eyes and ears” of the subway system. “We want it enshrined into law that the two-person train crew is a matter of NYS law,” he declared, stressing that the union would consider striking to protect conductor positions.
As Hochul weighs her options, the implications of this decision are significant. If signed into law, the bill would solidify the requirement for conductors, tackling ongoing concerns about safety as crime rates on public transportation increase. Riders have expressed their desire for conductors, especially during late-night travel. “I like knowing that person is there,” one commuter remarked, highlighting the emotional comfort they provide.
However, the discussion has sparked debate. An academic study from NYU’s Marron Institute asserts that only 6.25% of global subway systems operate with two staff members, suggesting that the NYC model may not be necessary. The study argues that the bill could undermine ongoing investments in signalization and operational improvements.
“If there is genuine concern about how best to operate trains, the MTA should respond to the legislature’s questions,” the researchers stated.
Despite this, Samuelsen has dismissed the study as an unfair comparison. “There’s no subway system in the world like the NYC subway system,” he argued, highlighting unique challenges such as high-speed curves and the need for immediate response to emergencies.
With the clock ticking down to the year-end deadline, the future of subway conductors hangs in the balance. Commuters, union leaders, and officials alike are watching closely as the implications of this bill could reverberate throughout the city’s transit landscape.
As the deadline approaches, the MTA and the public continue to weigh in on this pivotal issue. What happens next could change the dynamics of NYC’s subway system for years to come.
