WORLD WORLDWIDE USA New York NY New York City NYC the city THE CITY News Journal Update - THE CITY SCOOP: One Reason Why Subways Are So Delayed

 

View this email in your browser If you know anyone who might like this newsletter, send it to them. If this was sent to you by someone else, subscribe here — it's free!  Dear New Yorkers, Are you experiencing longer than usual commutes due to subway delays? Here’s one possible reason: a new rise in staffing shortfalls is taking a toll on subway service, MTA records show — even after the transit agency’s two-year hiring spree to bring onboard more than 2,000 new train operators and conductors. The number of monthly subway delays pinned on crew shortages has been climbing steadily since the start of 2023, according to train-delay statistics posted to the state’s open data dashboard. In August, subway riders endured 5,640 delays stemming from staffing shortages, up from more than 1,500 such delays in January. The delay numbers show the impact to service has been felt most among riders on the lettered lines, with the D, N, A, F and Q lines hit hardest by delays driven by crew shortages. The largest transit union blames the spike on a 70% year-to-year increase from 2022 in attacks on subway workers that would be classified as assaults under state penal law, MTA statistics obtained by THE CITY reveal. “Passengers need to stop spitting on us and punching us in the face and throwing water bottles at us,” Canella Gomez, a Transport Workers Union Local 100 vice president, told THE CITY. “There would be a lot more crews available to work if the public would just stop whipping our asses.” But MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick disputed that, saying there is “negligible correlation between instances in which transit workers have been victimized and crew shortages affecting service.” Read more here. Some other items of note: Every year, the Administration for Children’s Services visits families in New York City tens of thousands of times. Many leads begin with professionals who come into contact with kids, who are required by law to report any signs of suspected child abuse or maltreatment. Advocates and attorneys who work on behalf of families say that the first moment is often stressful and traumatic, and always crucial in shaping the future of the investigation. Parents have rights when it comes to visits by ACS — but standing up for them can be difficult. Here is THE CITY’s guide to your rights if ACS comes to the door. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso laid out his vision for the borough Wednesday morning with what he called “a proposal for a different way to manage the city.” Reynoso, who’s been talked about as a potential progressive challenger to Eric Adams, has big ideas, a bully pulpit — and a tiny budget to realize them. With 2.3 million inhabitants stretched across 71 square miles, Brooklyn is plagued by stark inequities: Residents of Park Slope make on average $125,000 more than those in Brownsville and live on average for seven more years. To try and narrow those gaps, Reynoso’s 201-page “comprehensive plan” offers 200 recommendations. Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Thursday's Weather Rating: 8/10. The first half of the day isn't bad, with high temperatures in the upper 70s and partly cloudy skies. As the day goes on, humidity will increase as will cloud cover ahead of our next storm system. Still, the vibes are pretty good, for now… Things To Do Here’s what’s going on around the city this week. Thursday, Oct. 5: Opening reception for the Art Student League’s 2023 Grant Winners Exhibition. Phyllis Harriman Mason Gallery at 215 W. 57th St. in Manhattan. 6 p.m. Free. Friday, Oct. 6: The Amazing Maize Maze, NYC’s only corn maze. Fridays through Sundays (plus Monday, Oct. 9) through Oct. 28. Queens County Farm Museum. Various hours. Tickets: free for kids 3 and under, $14 all other kids, $16 adults.  Saturday, Oct. 7: The Little Red Lighthouse Festival, a celebration of Manhattan’s only remaining lighthouse with readings of an eponymous children’s book, live music, puppets, and more. Fort Washington Park, various tour times available. Free. THE KICKER: Today is World Teachers’ Day, and Dunkin’ is offering free coffee (regular or autumnal) to all educators, no purchase required. Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Thursday. Love, THE CITY P.S. Love THE CITY? Our nonprofit newsroom runs on support from readers like you. Donate here. THE CITY's work is made possible, in part, through the support of our sponsors. Interested in becoming a sponsor of THE CITY? Contact us here.  Copyright © 2023 THE CITY, All rights reserved.