From center: Port Authority chairman Patrick Foye, New York City Transit president Thomas Prendergast, City Councilman James Vacca, and transit advocate Gene Russianoff being questioned by former New York Attorney General Robert Abrams and current MTA board member Charles Moerdler – New York, NY – Mar 1, 2012 (credit: Paul Murnane / WCBS 880)
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - There were predictions the subway stations in an MTA experiment that removed trash cans would become landfills with rails. But there is early evidence the riding public is on board with the concept.
WCBS 880′s Paul Murnane On The Story
New York City Transit president Thomas Prendergast told a downtown audience on Thursday that, surprise, there is less trash being picked up around the two stations in this ongoing pilot program. Those stations are the No. 7 Main Street in Queens and the 8th Street N/R station in Manhattan.
“They’re are a lot of people that think it’s backwards and that it’s not what we should do. So, we haven’t been able to change their mind from a perceptual standpoint. But from a behavioral standpoint, we have,” he said.
Most subway trash is paper – newsprint, for the most part, that can be tucked under the arm.
“They’re not having a buffet,” said James Vacca, who sits on the City Council transportation committee.
He says the public can come around to a carry in, carry out approach.
Longtime transit advocate Gene Russianoff, however, says a litter basket is not a lot to ask for.
“It’s a service to your customers to give them a waste paper basket,” he said.
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