TWU Lines Up Wide-Spread Political Support to Bring Cash Back to the Booths

Local 100’s leadership team has marshaled a wide cross-section of support from elected state legislators to pressure the MTA to bring back cash transactions to the station booths.

 

Cash transactions were paused during the pandemic in an attempt to mitigate transmission of the virus. But while cash transactions have returned to the LIRR and Metro North, the MTA has not returned it to the subways in an effort to force passengers to use its contactless OMNY fare collection system or MetroCard machines.

 

TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano and Stations Division Vice President Robert Kelley lashed out at the MTA’s decision to service the suburbs while leaving subway riders in the lurch.

 

“Are they better than subway riders? Are they more deserving of this level of customer service?

It’s an insulting outrage,” TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano said. Vice President Kelley added that the MTA’s action unfairly burdens working class New Yorkers and the working poor.

 

Politicians agree. In support of Local 100’s position, forty two (42) legislators, including 24 State Senators and 18 Members of the New York State Assembly, signed on to a letter to MTA CEO Patrick Foye demanding a return of cash transactions. “With over 25 of New York City residents considered unbanked or underbanked, with that percentage significantly higher in many communities, the proposed cashless fare-paying system raises deep concerns. This proposal will be financially burdensome and detrimental to many of our constituents.”