Res. No. 1209 Title Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority-New York City Transit to ensure the presence of at least one elevator operator in each elevator used in Washington Heights subway stations at all times. Body By Council Members Martinez, Liu, Avella, Barron, Clarke, Jackson, Reed, Rivera, Seabrook, Serrano and Quinn Whereas, The Metropolitan Transportation Authority-New York City Transit (MTA-NYCT) operates five subway stations on the A, 1, and 9 lines in Washington Heights that require the use of elevators to transport riders between the street entrances and the subway platform; and Whereas, The MTA employs fifty uniformed transit workers to operate these elevators at all times to help manage crowding and ensure rider safety at these elevators; and Whereas, In their 2003-2004 budget, the MTA-NYCT proposes to eliminate 22 elevator operators in an effort to save 1.146 million dollars; and Whereas, MTA Chairman Peter Kalikow promised that there would be no service cuts following a fare increase from $1.50 to $2 that occurred in 2003; and Whereas, transit rider groups and neighborhood residents have expressed grave concerns of the safety of elevators without operators who discourage criminal activities; and Whereas, the presence of elevator operators also helps disabled and elderly passengers navigate these stations; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the New York City Council calls on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority-New York City Transit to ensure the presence of at least one elevator operator in each elevator used in Washington Heights subway stations at all times. LS# 3644 12/08/03 KCS