Governor Kathy Hochul has officially vetoed a bill that would have mandated two-person crews for all New York City subway trains. This decision, announced recently, strikes down legislation championed by the Transit Workers Union (TWU) for decades, which argued for enhanced safety with both a conductor and a driver on every train.
The veto represents a significant setback for the union. Governor Hochul stated that trains can operate safely with a single driver. She also cited the substantial financial implications of the bill.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Hochul vetoed the two-person subway crew bill, citing safety and cost concerns.
- The bill would have mandated an additional worker on trains currently operated by a single driver.
- The Transit Workers Union strongly advocated for the bill, emphasizing safety.
- Budget watchdogs supported the veto, highlighting the global norm of single-operator systems.
Cost and Operational Efficiency Concerns
Governor Hochul detailed the financial burden in her veto message. She wrote that the bill would cost as much as $10 million annually. This expenditure, she explained, would reduce service and limit the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) ability to invest in modern rolling stock and signal upgrades.
The current contract between the MTA and the Transit Workers Union already requires two-person crews on many trains. However, the proposed legislation would have extended this requirement to trains currently operating with a single driver. It would also have applied to all future subway lines.
Fact Check
Subway crime in New York City is at its lowest level in 16 years. Overall major crime on the transit system is down 5.2% from last year and 14.4% from 2019, according to Governor Hochul.
Union's Stance on Safety and Public Opinion
State lawmakers had overwhelmingly passed the bill in June. The Transit Workers Union has consistently argued that two workers per train are essential for safety. TWU President John Samuelsen previously stated that having two workers per train is not just "a necessity for safety" but also "wanted by the overwhelming majority of New York City working people."
"The bill would cost as much as $10 million annually, reducing service, and limiting the MTA’s ability to benefit from capital investments in modern rolling stock and signals," Governor Hochul wrote in her veto.
Following the veto, Samuelsen criticized Governor Hochul's decision, calling it "classist." He also suggested that transit workers might respond negatively during her re-election campaign next year.
Budget Watchdogs Praise Veto
Conversely, budget watchdogs commended Governor Hochul's action. Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, voiced strong support for the veto.
"The governor did the exact right thing vetoing this bill," said Andrew Rein.
Rein pointed out that operating trains with one worker is the global norm. He explained that nearly every other transit system worldwide uses this model. He added that it provides equally good service while saving significant money.
Global Transit Practices
A study conducted by NYU's Marron Institute of Urban Management examined 400 subway and commuter rail lines across 36 cities globally. The study found that fewer than 6.25% of these systems utilize two-person crews.
Impact on Future MTA Operations
The veto means that the MTA retains flexibility in its staffing decisions. This allows the authority to continue with single-operator trains where currently implemented and on future lines. The focus remains on leveraging capital investments in modern technology, such as advanced rolling stock and signal systems.
The debate over crew size highlights a fundamental tension between worker safety concerns and fiscal responsibility. The governor's decision prioritizes the latter, arguing that modern technology can ensure safety without additional staffing costs.
The Transit Workers Union has yet to issue an official response to the veto. However, the union's previous statements indicate a strong commitment to the two-person crew model, suggesting this issue may continue to be a point of contention in future labor discussions.
This decision will likely influence ongoing discussions about public transit funding and operational strategies within New York City. The MTA's ability to innovate and expand services will now proceed without the additional staffing mandate.
