Opinions

MTA’s Latest Ineffective Solution: Letters



The Challenge: MTA’s Implementation of Spiked Rails on Turnstiles Following an $800 Million Loss Due to Fare Evasion.

I find it astonishing that Governor Hochul and MTA CEO Janno Lieber struggle to address the issue of fare evasion (“Spiked gates no hurdle,” Jan. 18).

These spiked gates are simply a waste of resources.

To effectively tackle fare evasion, they should eliminate turnstiles and replace them with robust iron revolving gates.

While I acknowledge this requires funding, congestion pricing was designed to assist in enhancing our transit infrastructure.

This change may inconvenience passengers, as it will take longer to access trains and exit stations.

Nevertheless, if it leads to savings, then it is undoubtedly worthwhile.

With a bit more practical thinking, improvements can be made.

Rob Johann

Queens

During David Dinkins’ troubled tenure as mayor, I worked as a bank lending officer in Manhattan, witnessing many corporate clients relocate to Stamford, Conn.

Then came Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and the exodus ceased almost immediately.

Fare evaders faced prosecution, and order returned to the subway system.

Manhattan office workers felt a sense of relief and resumed using the subway.

We need the NYPD, and if necessary, ICE, to ensure law enforcement for all citizens.

The MTA’s decision to spend a million dollars studying the reasons behind fare evasion is utterly ridiculous.

Ron Spurga

Manhattan

One can only speculate on the cost incurred by the MTA to acquire and install the jagged panels on turnstiles.

No one there seems to understand: Those determined to evade the system will always find a way.

These spikes certainly do not impede them.

In Europe, they use full-length plexiglass panels that swing open and closed.

You cannot climb over or go under these barriers.

While they may not completely stop determined evaders, they offer significantly better security than ineffective spikes.

Michael Lefkowitz

East Meadow

Given the rampant fare evasion, I wonder if stronger enforcement could render congestion pricing unnecessary or at least less costly.

It’s time to consider replacing standard waist-high turnstiles, spikes or not, with full-height options.

This is a proven solution, so the implementation cost would be minimal compared to new alternatives.

Moreover, this might contribute to reducing the increasing violent crime now prevalent on the subways.

Larry Schachter

Manhattan

The Challenge: Biden’s Pardons for Jan. 6 Committee Members, Anthony Fauci, Mark Milley, and Others.

Biden preemptively pardoned Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and members of the Jan. 6 committee (“Joe’s mercy for the wicked,” Jan. 20).

He effectively achieved what years of investigations consuming congressional time and taxpayer dollars likely would not have.

By pardoning individuals who have not yet been convicted or even charged with federal offenses, he casts a long-lasting cloud of guilt over each of them.

More notably, these pardons will allow Congress to focus on the essential task of furthering President Trump’s agenda.

Accepting a pardon essentially amounts to an admission of guilt.

Frank Russo

Centereach

Presidents granting blanket pardons to corrupt political allies, family members, and friends is an affront to the integrity of our judicial system.

The pardon process requires reform to restore our judicial system’s integrity, which holds lawbreakers accountable for their actions.

Max Wisotsky

Highland Park, NJ

Want to share your thoughts on today’s stories? Send your contributions (including your full name and city of residence) to letters@nypost.com. Submissions may be edited for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.



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