UPDATE: As of December 31, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to make a crucial decision regarding the future of subway conductors in New York City. A controversial bill, S4091 and A4873, passed by the state legislature, mandates the presence of two staff members on nearly all subway trains, stirring heated debate among commuters and officials.
Currently, some trains, including the Times Square shuttle and the G train at night, operate without conductors. This has raised concerns about passenger safety and operational integrity. Supporters argue that having a two-person crew is vital for ensuring safety and reliable service, especially as NYC grapples with rising crime on the transit system.
John Samuelsen, President of the Transit Workers Union, advocates strongly for the bill, stating, “We want it enshrined into law that the two-person train crew is a matter of NYS law.” He emphasized that conductors serve as essential safety personnel, managing boarding and alighting procedures while ensuring the overall security of passengers.
If Hochul signs the bill, it will solidify current practices into law. However, even if she opts against it, the status quo regarding conductors will remain unchanged. Samuelsen insists that the union will resist any attempts to remove conductors, stating, “We’ll strike the NYC Transit system before we let the conductors be stripped from us.”
Critics, including researchers from NYU’s Marron Institute of Urban Management, question the necessity of a two-person crew, citing a study showing that only 6.25% of subway systems globally employ this standard. They argue that the bill could undermine significant investments aimed at enhancing NYC transit operations.
“New York’s elected officials should leave the train operations to the train operators,” the researchers stated, suggesting that the MTA should focus on improving technology and operations instead of legislative mandates.
Rider sentiment reflects a strong demand for conductor presence on trains, particularly for safety during late-night travel. One commuter expressed, “Especially when it’s late, I like knowing that person is there.” Another remarked that having two personnel on board is “common sense” given the potential dangers of accidents and assaults.
In response to safety concerns, Samuelsen highlighted the unique challenges faced by NYC’s subway system, where track fires are frequent. “The amount of track fires, which cause evacuations, dwarfs the amount in other systems worldwide,” he noted.
As the clock ticks down to the end of the year, all eyes are on Governor Hochul’s decision. Commuters await clarity on whether conductors will remain a staple of NYC transit, reflecting broader concerns about safety and operational integrity in the nation’s largest subway system.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds and impacts millions of daily riders throughout New York City.
