NYC subway system's continued modernization the focus of latest MTA board meeting
Metropolitan Transportation Authority board members convened for their monthly meetings on Wednesday, just a day after the transit agency achieved what it considers a win in the ongoing congestion pricing battle with the federal government.
CBS News New York has learned a big focus for the board is on the continued push to modernize the system, with members describing the latest round of work as "the stuff you can't see."
That includes upgrades to its camera systems, cable improvements that allow for better communication for employees, plus improvements to public announcements, emergency systems and facilities.
It's all part of an effort that is collectively costing the MTA $3 billion.
Expanded cell service
Another notable mention is expanded cell service. Following the rollout of the initiative on the Times Square Shuttle last year, the current capital program will pay for the installation of service on a portion of the tunnels on the 4 and 5 lines between Manhattan and Brooklyn and major sections on the G line between Court Street and Hoyt Street.
"We came to the board with our public-private partnership with Boldyn, formerly known as Transit Wireless, who will be providing cell service to our customers in our tunnels," a board member said. "As part of this deal, which C&D Planning negotiated, we expect $600 million of infrastructure development at no cost to the MTA or our customers."
A cellphone is a way of life for many and when it's unable to connect to WiFi or make a call, it can leave some feeling a bit off.
Straphanger Chris Stevens rides the 4 and 5 trains for work. CBS News New York's Elijah Westbrook met him at the Bowling Green station in Lower Manhattan, an area along the line expected to receive cell service.
"It's still a problem in between stations. I do hope it improves," Stevenson said.
MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber says it will.
"Every project, Elijah, that we do, that's in the tunnels, we say to Transit Wireless, which is now called Boldyn, come on in, lay your cables and let's give the riders more cell connectivity," Lieber said.
The MTA says it plans to eventually equip all 418 miles of subway tunnels with cell service and WiFi is expected to be expanded to all above-ground subway stations and 21 Staten Island railway stops.
Judge rules in MTA's favor on congestion pricing
The infrastructure project announcements come as a federal judge in New York sided with the MTA to keep the congestion pricing tolls on. On Tuesday, a judge issued a retraining order blocking the federal government from withholding funds or taking other punitive action against New York state until at least June 9.
The measure was intended to give the judge time to consider a lawsuit the state filed against the federal government to keep congestion pricing in place.
Wednesday, the MTA announced that preliminary injunction is now permanent.
"Today, we're celebrating that congestion pricing isn't just surviving, congestion pricing is thriving," Lieber said.
According to the MTA, in the month of April alone, the tolling program collected $56.7 million, and the year-to-date total collection is $215.7 million.
