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Subway Grades Could Be Coming To NYC If Councilman Vacca Has His Way

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- They grade restaurants, so why not give out A's, B's and C's to the city's subways?

Councilman James Vacca, chair of the Transportation Committee, likes the idea and plans to push for it, 1010 WINS learned Wednesday.

"I want every station graded as to cleanliness, rats, ponding of water and graffiti and garbage. I want them to start rating these stations and that my committee and the MTA board should be holding them accountable," he told 1010 reporter Stan Brooks.

1010 WINS' Stan Brooks Reports

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Vacca said it was unacceptable that complaints come from riders despite the fact that they keep "paying more and more."

"That's gotta change and I'm insisting that they develop this grading system and I'm going to introduce a resolution to that effect here at the Council," Vacca said.

Straphangers, meanwhile, said they were divided about the idea.

"I think it's an excellent idea, we pay enough for it," one woman said.

WCBS 880's Rich Lamb On The Story

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"I think it's useless. I mean, nothing ever comes of it," another added in protest.

Nevertheless, Vacca insisted he's going to push for the grades.

"I've been in subway stations myself where rats cross right in front of me. Yes, that bugs me. I don't like seeing rats cross in front of me when I'm waiting for a train. I don't like seeing subway tracks totally flooded as I'm standing there and see underground leaks coming through. I don't like seeing graffiti or tiles -- that I don't know when they were cleaned last," he said.

What do you think?  Share your thoughts in the comments section below...

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