URGENT UPDATE: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has just vetoed a pivotal bill mandating two-person crews on every subway train in New York City. The bill, championed by the Transit Workers Union (TWU), aimed to enhance safety by requiring both a conductor and a driver on each train. This decision comes as a significant setback for transit workers advocating for safer travel conditions.
In her veto, issued earlier today, Hochul stated that subway trains can be operated safely by a single driver and highlighted the bill’s projected cost of up to $10 million annually. She emphasized that such expenditures would ultimately reduce service and hinder the MTA from benefiting from crucial capital investments. “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,” Hochul wrote.
The MTA’s existing contract with the TWU already requires two-person crews on many trains. However, the veto means that trains currently operated by a single operator will not see a second crew member added, impacting future lines as well.
State lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the bill in June, reflecting strong public support for enhanced safety measures. In September, TWU President John Samuelsen asserted that two-person crews are not only a “necessity for safety” but also “wanted by the overwhelming majority of New York City working people.” He expressed deep disappointment following the veto, stating that it could lead to significant backlash against Hochul during her upcoming re-election campaign.
In a surprising twist, Hochul announced today that subway crime has reached its lowest level in 16 years, with overall major crime down 5.2% from last year and 14.4% from 2019. This statistic may play a role in her justification for the veto.
In response to the veto, Samuelsen described Hochul’s decision as “classist,” indicating potential repercussions from transit workers. Meanwhile, supporters of the veto, including Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission, praised her decision. Rein noted, “The governor did the exact right thing vetoing this bill,” arguing that operating with one worker per train aligns with global standards and maintains service quality while saving costs.
As this story develops, the implications of Hochul’s veto will likely resonate across New York City’s transit landscape, impacting safety protocols and the ongoing dialogue between the state and transit workers. Watch for potential reactions from the TWU and further developments in the coming days.
