How MTA Reductions Effect Us All
Since the MTA declared cutting back on having MTA employees manning the subway booths in order to save money, I feel that the importance of safety has decreased dramatically. In this day and age, it would be nice to know that there is someone in these subway booths assisting customers, giving directions to tourists and being the eyes and ears, for not only crime, but for any unusual activities that may be going on down there.
I chose to take photographs of certain subway stations that no longer have MTA workers in these booths. Either these booths are completely vacant or in some cases, they have been entirely removed. Take for instance of a photograph I took at the 42nd Street Bryant Park subway station in which an MTA worker is no longer present. To me, I find this is a popular subway stop due to the Bryant Park as well as the proximity to other popular destinations for tourists and workers alike. I’d stood here for a good fifteen to twenty minutes observing the traffic flow and realized that a good amount of tourists are always perplexed and lack directions. If an MTA worker was here, he/she would have easily assisted these tourists with subway directions, buying a metrocard and making them feel at ease.
In one of my photographs, there was a man looking at the MTA machines, unable to buy a metro card because at that particular point in time, these machines were not accepting cash, instead, they require only debit or credit cards. Had there been someone in these booths, this man would not have been a problem obtaining a metrocard. From his facial expressions as well as him leaving the subway, I gather he was either heading down to the next subway stop to find assistance or simply finding another mode of transportation to his destination.
During the time spent taking these photographs, I saw at least six people jumping over the subway turnstile without paying as there was no one there to stop them. The ironic thing was that this type of activity is common now and will be costing the MTA a lot more than paying someone a salary.
It looks like these unmanned subway booths are here to stay or, should I say, being torn down, which is sad because I’m afraid, these MTA machines have no other uses and functions apart from issuing metro cards.
