Please write approximately 250 words of Summary to the follo

Please write approximately 250 words of Summary to the following article:

Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/15/nyregion/subway-ridership-falls-as-mta-scrambles-to-improve-service.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FTransportation%20Department

Solution

Author Marc Santora in his article titled “Subway Ridership falls as M.T.A Scrambles to improve Service” discusses about the decline in the number of public transport users specially subways & busses, their reasons and action plans of concerned authorities to tackle this situation. This decline is a point of concern because it unfollows the general historic trend. Historically, the number of New York subway riders went on increasing year by year because of population increase and more job opportunities despite poor service of subway. But recently there is a decrease of about 1.8 % in the September month as compared of last year despite having increase in job opportunity. This data raised a question over the quality of service provided by subways. Apart from subways, there is also a decline of about 6.8% in September month in bus service user which is more as compared to subway.

The main reasons for this fall includes the delay and poor service provided by public transport and users have more reliable and comfortable options like ride-hailing apps & bike sharing services. Some authorities also mentioned the change is due to change in work habits, life style and generation shift as new generation don’t want to use public transport. The steep decline in bus users is due to traffic problem which is supported by a data that there is a decrease of 12% in average vehicle speed during last five years.

Respective authorities shares their financial burden and plans to improve public transport services. Transport authority shares a data which reports loss of $281 million by 2021 if they follow same fare structures as of now. Subway authorities share their Subway action plan to improve subway conditions which requires more fund and can result in high fares. Government also proposed congestion pricing plan that would charge the drivers for entering in congested places in cities and thereby solves traffic problem. While other authorities refuses this plan and suggested to increase taxes or fares and tolls. However, final plan is not decided yet.