BREAKING: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has vetoed a bill that would have mandated two-person crews on every subway train in New York City, igniting controversy among transit advocates and workers. This decision, announced earlier today, marks a significant setback for the Transit Workers Union, which has fought for safety measures for decades.
The veto is particularly impactful as it was expected to enhance safety by requiring both a conductor and a driver on every train. In her statement, Hochul argued that subway trains can operate safely with just one driver and cited potential costs of $10 million annually as a reason for her decision. She indicated that this expense could lead to reduced service and hinder the MTA’s ability to invest in modern rail systems.
The legislation, passed overwhelmingly by state lawmakers in June 2023, would have mandated additional staffing on trains that currently operate with one operator, as well as on any future lines. Although the MTA’s existing contract with the Transit Workers Union already includes two-person crews on many trains, this bill was seen as a crucial step for expanding safety measures.
Union President John Samuelsen expressed disappointment, telling the New York Times that Hochul’s veto was “classist” and suggested it could provoke backlash from transit workers as she approaches her re-election campaign next year. Earlier this month, Samuelsen remarked that having two workers per train is not merely a safety necessity but also aligns with the desires of the “overwhelming majority of New York City working people.”
In a twist of context, Hochul also announced that subway crime has reached its lowest level in 16 years, with major crime down 5.2% from last year and 14.4% from 2019. This statistic may have influenced her decision, as it suggests a trend towards greater safety in the transit system.
Critics of Hochul’s veto, however, remain vocal. Budget watchdogs, including Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, praised the governor’s decision as fiscally responsible. Rein stated that operating with one worker per train is “the global norm used by virtually every other transit system around the world,” providing equally effective service while saving costs.
As the Transit Workers Union considers its next steps, the implications of this veto are likely to resonate throughout the city and beyond. Observers will be watching closely as the political ramifications unfold in the lead-up to the election.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates on this developing story and its impact on New York City’s transit system.
