BREAKING: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has just vetoed a critical bill that mandated two-person crews on all subway trains in New York City. This urgent decision significantly impacts safety protocols and transit operations, a move that comes as subway crime levels hit a 16-year low.
In her veto announcement, Hochul emphasized that subway trains can be operated safely by a single driver, citing the bill’s projected cost of up to $10 million annually. She stated, “The bill would reduce service and limit the MTA’s ability to benefit from capital investments in modern rolling stock and signals.”
The veto represents a major setback for the Transit Workers Union (TWU), which has lobbied for decades for the safety measure. The union argues that having two workers per train is essential not just for safety but also reflects the desires of the majority of New York City residents.
The legislation, overwhelmingly passed by state lawmakers in June, would have required an additional worker on trains that currently operate with only one operator. However, the MTA’s existing contract with TWU already mandates two-person crews on many lines, meaning the veto does not eliminate this requirement for those services.
In a critical reaction to the veto, TWU President John Samuelsen labeled the decision as “classist,” predicting potential backlash from transit workers as Hochul prepares for her re-election campaign next year. Earlier in September, Samuelsen had reinforced the union’s stance, stating that two-person crews are “a necessity for safety.”
Despite union discontent, budget analysts praised Hochul’s decision. Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, argued that having just one worker per train aligns with global transit norms and could provide equally effective service while saving taxpayer money.
According to the latest data released Thursday, overall major crime on the subway system is down 5.2% from last year and 14.4% from 2019, suggesting a trend toward improved safety. This context makes Hochul’s veto a more contentious and debated issue among stakeholders.
As the fallout from this veto unfolds, all eyes will be on the MTA and the TWU to see how this decision will influence safety protocols and operational standards in the transit system. The public’s reaction to the veto is likely to shape the discourse leading up to the next election cycle, making this a pivotal moment for both the governor and the transit sector in New York City.
