Updated 07/16/2010 07:18 PM
Council Members, Union Workers Urge State To Keep Subway Booths Open
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With layoffs looming for 200 subway booth workers, City Council members and advocates joined union leaders at City Hall on Friday to urge the passage of a state bill to block the cuts.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says closing dozens of booths is a must to help close its massive budget gap.
Critics contend the agency is unfairly targeting workers and riders, and advocates for the disabled say the danger for them is too great.
"If we get trapped on the platform, an elevator is not working to even the mezzanine level, all we can do is press the call button in the elevator," said Gabriella Amari, an advocate for the disabled. "If there's nobody in the booth to receive that call, we're stuck."
"The fact that the MTA is not listening to reason and is putting people's security at risk is really something we should not tolerate," said Manhattan Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito.
The bill, which was passed by the State Senate, is awaiting State Assembly action.
The cuts could come after the MTA Board meets on July 28.