Mass transit is supposed to be a convenient alternative to driving. Conditions in the city like: Lack of parking, an increase in gas prices, and an economic downturn has caused MTA ridership to peak at unprecedented levels. The MTA should be seeing a large increase in profits due to an influx of new riders, and constant fare hikes.An increase in fare hikes should logically be accompanied by better service. After all, any consumer has the right to demand better service when they're relinquishing more money. However, a lot of riders have not been experiencing better service. In fact, may MTA patrons are complaining about a lack of adequate service.
Over the last few days, I myself, have personally experienced harrowing trips on NYC MTA buses. The wait time for the arrival of the buses was beyond unreasonable, and very disruptive to the productivity of my day. A round-trip that should have taken no more than 25 minutes turned into a 1 hour and 35 minute journey- due to buses that were grossly off schedule.
I called MTA hotlines to complain. One MTA phone line operator blatantly told me that my complaint didn't matter because I was only one person. Another MTA phone line operator reluctantly heard me out. However, a couple of other operators professionally took my call and registered my complaint.
If you are a NYC MTA bus rider you should have the following numbers programmed into your cellphone [SIDEBAR: If you aren't tapped into the cellphone matrix, please keep these numbers stored in a convenient location]:
(718) 927-7499 (The MTA Bus Investigation Line)
(718) 330-1234 (The MTA Directions Line. PLEASE NOTE: Although this number is for rendering directions, If you press "0" and wait to speak to a customer service operator, they have the responsibility to take your complaint and forward it to the proper supervisors).
Please call the aforementioned numbers if your bus is unreasonably off schedule. You don't have to give your personal information to the MTA operator if they request it. You can make an anonymous complaint.
3 comments:
This is especially important to the lederly who use public transporatation to medical appointments and if late can end up sitting all day just to see their doctor.
Don't be mad if the fare goes up again and you have not called to complain when you have waited well beyond the stated time on the bus schedule.
Why is there a schdule if the MTA knows it will not honor it ?
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