MTA train operations without human staff could be thwarted by a bill currently on Governor Hochul's desk
In a dramatic turn of events, the New York City public transit system is facing a significant decision regarding the number of crew members on its trains. A bill mandating two-person crews on all passenger trains has passed in the state legislature, and Governor Kathy Hochul now has until the end of the year to sign or veto the legislation.
The bill's passage was a major victory for the Transport Workers Union (TWU), which has long opposed one-person train crews due to safety concerns. TWU International President John Samuelsen stated that Governor Hochul and her people understand the bill's necessity for safety and is wanted by the overwhelming majority of New York City working people.
The MTA, however, hasn't taken an official position on the bill. MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber mentioned the potential challenge of bills with high costs, referring to them as "unfunded mandates." He stated that they would study the bill's potential cost.
The issue of train crews dates back to at least the 1960s, when the New York City transit system experimented with a fully automated train between Times Square and Grand Central Station. The TWU opposed the automated train and managed to get a motorman on board after threatening a strike, according to the union.
Samuelsen reiterated that evacuating several hundred people off a train in New York City's unique conditions would be challenging for one person. He also emphasised that the issue is about safety, as people who oppose a two-person crew have never had to evacuate people off a train during a fire or incident in a tunnel deep underground.
State Sen. Kevin Parker believes the bill was passed due to concerns about necessary safeguards as society moves towards automation. Blair Lorenzo, on the other hand, argues that one-person train operation is safe in other cities and countries, and no-person train operation can also be safe if designed well.
Governor Hochul currently supports legislation that prevents the implementation of single-person train crews in New York City's public transit system. The MTA has repeatedly tried to convince the TWU to accept one-person train crews as a way of improving efficiency, without much success.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on Governor Hochul to see if she will sign the bill into law, ensuring the safety of thousands of commuters daily, or veto it, potentially leading to a change in the city's transit system.
