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Are Roaches Running Wild on City Buses?
By
John Del Signore
Published Sep 23, 2009
Modified Sep 23, 2009
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By
John Del Signore
Published Sep 23, 2009
Modified Sep 23, 2009
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NYC Transit buses are crawling with roaches! It says so in amNY! Bus operators, mechanics and union leaders have told the city's easy-reading tabloid that the infestation has gotten out of control, because NYC Transit has cut back on cleaning. One Bronx NYC Transit driver says his bus was "chronically infected with hundreds of roaches during overnight runs, when they would crawl up the dashboard."
If you're reading this at the back of a bus, what you're going to want to do is casually rise and make your way toward the front: experts say that roaches congregate at the back because they love breeding in the warmth of the engine. Also, that's where all the cool roaches hang. One exterminator also says commuters inadvertently bring roaches on the buses, which is definitely one way to get a couple seats to yourself.
The problem is that NYC Transit has cut approximately 100 bus maintenance staff, so buses are cleaned less frequently. But in response to the deterioration, the agency is planning to hire 40 new cleaners soon, in case you're looking for work. And next year they'll start "exterminating the buses" four times a year in 2010, up from every four months now. Until then, keep your feet up on the seat.
Tagged
bus
cockroach
infestation
MTA
nyc transit
roaches
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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