It’s no secret that the MTA’s policies have been questionable at different points in time. I must admit however, that I was very pleased to get reimbursed for metro-cards that failed me within the MTA system. Despite all the cons of the New York City subway system, one can’t deny it’s one of the best modes of transportation in the world… when it’s working.
Recently I became aware of a new “innovation” shall we say within the subway system, or is it? Innovations are changes and/ or improvements that occurs throughout any given system or structure. Right now, on the number 6 line in Manhattan, there is a new system that’s been put in place to assist subway patrons. It’s a kiosk that’s designed to assist people in trouble or in need of assistance – below are some photos:
This is something new that’s in the subway that’s at the subway station at 23rd street and Lexington Avenue. The key words are “Help Point.” 23rd and Lexington is not a primary place and/ or location that something like a “Help Point” is necessarily required in New York City. Why? There’s generally help in the area or in pretty close proximity. Areas in New York where “Help Point” kiosks are more than likely to be needed are uptown, downtown or in the outer buroughs. Despite this blatant reality, the first “Help Point” kiosk is at 23rd and Lexington Avenue? In fact, there are three of these kiosks along the platform, going downtown as well as uptown. The photo at the top of this article is a view of a subway in lower Manhattan, not far from where the tragic events of 9/11 took place. The three photos you see below are pictures of train stations at 116th Street and Lexington Avenue, just north of 23rd and Lexington; at 125th Street and Broadway in Harlem; and a rat infested Wilson Avenue station in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn.
Lower Manhattan, Uptown and the outer buroughs are where something like a “Help Point” would be most needed, as that’s where the most help is required for people riding the subway. Granted we all need help at different points and/ or at various places at different points in time, however, subway stations uptown, on the lower east side or in the outer buroughs are absolutely places where help is warranted, not in mid-town. This is basic knowledge, not something that requires a great deal of thought. So why is the first kiosk of this kind at a station where it more than likely will not be needed? Hmmm…. What’s your opinion? Leave your funky comments below.
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