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Fudged MTA Signal Reports Making Riders Nervous
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Nov 21, 2010
Modified Nov 21, 2010
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By
Jaya Saxena
Published Nov 21, 2010
Modified Nov 21, 2010
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Even though the MTA assured everyone that all of the signals in the system have been retested and found safe since officials found workers were faking inspections, straphangers are still anxious about the ride. "It makes me nervous," one told the Daily News. "But at the same time, it's my way of getting around. I've got to take the train. Hopefully they'll do something about it." Of course this isn't helping the MTA's image either. "I am outraged," said Jose Disla. "I believe it, and it's horrible. It's dangerous, and they're going to raise fares and cut services."
Meanwhile, an MTA worker told the Post a little more about the pressure he and other workers were under to enter reports even if they hadn't done an inspection. The whitsleblower said that "it's an unwritten rule" that you log the incomplete work as having been done, even if an inspection hasn't been made, and supervisors would give workers the lowest jobs on the MTA totem pole if they didn't comply. The anonymous worker said that after he refused to fake numbers, he was switched to working on removing track rails with a 70-pound, hand-powered drill.
Sources also said that corner cutting is just part of the culture, where maintainers who learn the practice are later slated to become superintendents. Which sounds like pretty much every other public service, but it doesn't mean it's any less outrageous. And it's not like there's anything we can do; one tourist said, "That's concerning. If there was an easier way to travel, I'd take it. But you've just got to keep riding and hope for the best." Just relax your muscles and we promise it'll all be over soon.
Tagged
false reports
MTA
signal reports
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Jaya Saxena
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