Phones in the Subway: Progress or Scourge?
14th Street and 8th Avenue station on the (A/C/E/L) lines
By Lennin Reyes
Bronx Journal Staff Writer
For years, the only way to receive cellular phone service while riding the New York City Subway was by traveling above ground. While this was a perk reserved to those in Upper Manhattan and the outer boroughs, that trend expanded to four underground subway stations in the Chelsea section of Manhattan in September. This service, only reserved for AT&T and T-Mobile users, began at the 14th St/6th Av (F/L/M), 14th St/7th Av (1/2/3), 14th St/8th Av (A/C/E/L) and 23rd St/8th Av (C/E) stations. Within the next five years, all of the underground stations across the city will be wired with a service riders along elevated lines currently enjoy. Riders around the New York City Subway system have different thoughts and concerns regarding this new service.
Chantal Akiyemi, 21, a New York University student, frequently rides the L line at night.
“It’s about time. There have been too many sketchy characters who tend to harass women along the L line at night. This service will allow for improved protection from these characters. The benefits of this new service will definitely outweigh the drawbacks.”
Chantal Akiyemi, 21, an NYU student using her phone on the L line
Pedro Hernandez, 18, of Hunts Point in the South Bronx, often rides the elevated subway lines that have cell phone service. He is pretty concerned about what’s to come.
“I see too many domestic problems being heard in phone conversations on the train. Teenagers will be shouting frequently and blasting ringtones just to show off to friends.”
Ludo Ciccarello, 19, a tourist from Italy, has a suggestion in regards to this service.
“I think the MTA should charge for cell phone service to the stations. That way, people would actually appreciate the things the MTA is doing for their customers.”
On the other hand, Samantha Guzman, 23, of the Bronx, opposes Ciccarello’s idea.
“I hope this program remains for free since everything else is charged. I pray that Sprint jumps on board with this program.”
Meanwhile, Gabriella Moses, 21, a New York University film student, thinks this could cause a trend amongst cell phone users.
“If this program is successful, this would result in more users switching to either AT&T or T-Mobile.”
Commuters Using Cellular Phones on NYC Subway, Courtesy of Runs with Scissors
Ellen Deters, 29, a tourist from the Netherlands, has an appreciation for this new service.
“I wish the subway system back home [in the Netherlands] had cell phone service underground.”
Christopher Henderson, 21, of Jamaica, Queens, is worried that the MTA would not be able to meet its 2016 deadline for implementation of the cell phone program.
“In the light of recent fare hikes, service cuts, along with the MTA’s sketchy relationship with companies that are contracted by the agency, this is a recipe for delays. The MTA needs to recheck their priorities.”
14th Street/6th Avenue station on the (F/L/M) lines, courtesy of Paul Lowry