MTA refurbishes and removes seats from E train to squeeze more riders in cars
Updated interior of E train, photo via MTA on Flickr
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Tuesday revealed the first cars refurbished and reconfigured under their “NYC Subway Action Plan.” The authority has removed some seats on a few E train cars to allow more riders to board and limit delays caused by overcrowding. The redesigned trains are part of a 100-car pilot created to increase capacity; seat removal is expected to increase capacity by between 80 and 100 passengers. Subway delays continue to be problematic for commuters: an analysis from City Comptroller Scott Stringer this week found the economic cost of subway delays could range from $170 million per year to $389 million in lost wages and productivity for businesses.
The new cars also feature new braking and acceleration controllers, improved stanchions and handrails for better safety, LCD screens with more information and LED lighting. Plus, the interior and exterior wrapping of the pilot trains indicate which cars have less seating. In a press release, MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota, said the pilot program provides a safe and reliable ride for straphangers. “We do not have time to waste when it comes to improving the customer experience and service for our riders,” Lhota said. “This pilot goes directly to the heart of that goal by attacking a significant cause of failures on these cars and making a fast, targeted improvement.”
According to the authority, the next pilot program will take on the 42nd Street-Times Square shuttle and trains on the Line, removing seats to create more standing room.  Also, more cars will be added to the Eighth Avenue C lines to increase capacity.
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