Earlier this year, the MTA tested two types of track vacuum systems. The new units are part of the MTA’s ongoing Track Sweep initiative, which is a multi-pronged plan to dramatically reduce the amount of trash on subway tracks. Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
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Earlier this year, the MTA tested two types of track vacuum systems. The new units are part of the MTA’s ongoing Track Sweep initiative, which is a multi-pronged plan to dramatically reduce the amount of trash on subway tracks. Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
NEW YORK CITY — The MTA is mulling a ban on food in the subways after a garbage fire crippled subway service along four lines for more than two hours during the peak of Monday’s morning rush hour, reported amNewYork.
According to MTA Chairman Joe Lhota, the fire was particularly debilitating because of the amount of smoke it generated. Nine people were sent to area hospitals for treatment of minor injuries, the report said.
Lhota said the agency will ramp up track cleaning and has begun a “debate” about “what foods are appropriate” to eat on the subway, according to amNewYork. For the full story, click here.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.