Thursday Headlines: Traintime Miracle Edition
The recent LIRR strike has ended, and New Yorkers are left with some rare good news in the fallout.
The MTA is waving it’s usual $10 refund fee for riders who had their trips canceled during the work stoppage, and monthly ticket holders are entitled to refunds for up to four days of missed rides in a $2.4 million package.
The strike began Saturday after unions and the MTA couldn’t come to an agreement. Eventually, they found common ground on work rules and a cumulative pay increase of 15 percent over the life of the four-year deal.
“I didn’t think it was fair to assume that monthly ticket holders only travel on the weekdays,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said after the MTA board met yesterday. “Usually, that’s a process that requires a lot of debate and takes time to figure out. It’s simple. We’re going to give you your money back for those four days that were lost.”
More news:
- The ins and outs of the deal are becoming clearer, from pay details to new regulations. (Newsday)
- State Sen. John Liu (D-Queens) said New Yorkers will have a budget next week. (NY1)
- Voting began on Wednesday, when state lawmakers passed budget legislation on education, and they’ll pass public safety and government budget bills today. (The New York Post)
- The Democratic primary between Rep. Dan Goldman (D-Manhattan) and former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander sparred over the future of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal. (amNY)
- Amtrak’s new trains caused the recent fire at Penn Station. (Gothamist)
- The Trump administration picked a firm to lead the Penn Station project, which also means Madison Square Garden will not move. (amNY)
- Saugerties officials are making much-needed safety changes at some of the town’s problem intersections. (Hudson Valley One)
- Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman thinks unions will be backing Republicans like himself this election year. (City & State)
- Residents have ideas about how to improve Monroe Avenue in Rochester. (The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle)
- The MTA board bought new diesel buses, which it plans to house in Staten Island. (amNY)
