Seatless Trains a Reality!

Posted on August 2nd, 2008 by The SUBWAYblogger in Rider Strategy, This just in

Holy crap! Was the MTA listening to us?

Remember back in June when we were talking about how cool it would be to have train cars without seats (aka standing room only)? Yeah, guess what?

They’re doing it! (Read Here)

In about 6 months, retrofitted cars will hit the rails as part of a pilot program. Among the trains involved in the pilot program, 4 out of 10 cars will be the standing room only cars.

These cars will have all flip-up seats. Back in June, one of SUBWAYblogger’s commenters suggested that the seats lock in the upright position during rush hour. Then, at other times, they could unlock, and people can sit down. Well, that’s exactly what they are going to do!

Apparently, the Straphangers Campaign thinks that the public will oppose the seatless cars, but I couldn’t disagree more.

The seatless cars allow 18% more riders during rush hour. There will be less jockeying for position as well because certain people (you know who you are) won’t be battling for seats.

Can’t wait to find out what lines are involved.

13 Comments
Tags: flip up, mta, pilot program, seatless, straphangers campaign, subway, subway trains, train cars

Max said on August 2nd, 2008 at 1:17 pm

Awesome. Chicago is doing this too.

Now build articulated trains with gangways people can stand in. Boom, 10% more room.
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Todd said on August 2nd, 2008 at 1:48 pm

I’m all for changing the cars. No seats = Todd not falling asleep and ending up in Queens.
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pluto said on August 2nd, 2008 at 8:03 pm

YES! That was my idea and I’m glad they will be implementing it. Now how do I go about collecting my consulting fee?

I’m guessing this will show up on the L or 4,5,6 trains. Hopefully the Port Authority will follow in suit soon. The PATH could definitely use this system for the morning commute.
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pluto said on August 2nd, 2008 at 8:09 pm

oh and what is the Straphangers Campaign thinking? Yeah some people will be upset… the 5-10% of riders that actually get seats. It’s like saying we shouldn’t ban cigarette smoking on the subway because there are a few smokers out there…. ???
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M said on August 2nd, 2008 at 11:18 pm

This is a terrible idea! After a long days work you have to stand and not even get a chance to sit down? Pardon my french but that is bullshit! As if the trains aren’t crowded enough, people can do what I do and wait for the next damn train instead of trying squeeze 10 people into one square inch. For God’s sake!
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watson374 said on August 3rd, 2008 at 3:26 am

I’m afraid I disagree with M. Seatless cars are a good idea. Besides, what is the chance of getting a seat during rush hour? Mind you, the seats will be usable during non-peak times. Please also realize that people want to go home, eat dinner and rest FAST, not hang around for a nice subway ride.

Please also note that this is experimental.
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Mike said on August 3rd, 2008 at 8:29 am

I saw this on the news last night and was so excited. I’m all for it. No more stinky homeless man sleeping on all the seats during my morning commute!
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threetoedsloth said on August 4th, 2008 at 2:50 pm

While I can see how this could relieve some congestion, the no-seats-during-rush-hour plan could be rough on people like me who get woozy and pass out at the drop of a hat. I usually don’t get a seat during rush hour anyway, but still it would be nice to know that whenever I start getting dizzy there’s a seat nearby that I can potentially collapse into…
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Smotri said on August 6th, 2008 at 9:14 am

What are mothers-to-be, the frail, the injured, supposed to do? Bad idea.
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Kismet said on August 6th, 2008 at 1:37 pm

HORRIBLE IDEA! How about more trains and better use of space in the trains? OH WAIT BUT EXCUSE ME! I had the insane notion that the MTA really gives a crap about riders. This idea comes completely out of greed!
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The SUBWAYblogger said on August 6th, 2008 at 3:27 pm

@Smotri- That’s why only 4 of the 10 cars in a train will be seatless. The standingly challenged can go to the remaining 6 cars.

@Kismet- I must be greedy then because I want to not have to wait while overloaded train after overloaded train blows by me.
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watson374 said on August 7th, 2008 at 8:40 am

Well said, SUBWAYblogger! This idea is excellent, BUT it is both experimental and limited.

MTA understands that their trains are overloaded. So add more space.

Besides, how many extra trains can they run?
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Hellopigzz said on August 11th, 2008 at 5:26 pm

Those seats are flipped up and locked during rush hour, but seeing as how MTA employees are too lazy to change rollsigns on the side of cars sometimes, what makes you think that those 4 cars will have their seats properly locked up during rush hour?
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