New York Governor Kathy Hochul is under increasing pressure to veto a controversial bill that mandates two-person crews on all subway trains. This legislation, which has been debated for nearly three decades, recently passed both houses of the New York State Legislature, garnering a unanimous vote of 144 to 0 in the Assembly and 57 to 2 in the Senate. The only dissenters were two upstate Republicans, Joe Griffo and Mark Walczyk, who voiced concerns over the implications of the bill.
The requirement for a motorman and a conductor on every train effectively bans one-person train operation (OPTO) and even zero-person train operation (ZPTO), despite advancements in subway technology. The bill’s origins date back to 1995, when former Transit Authority President Alan Kiepper discussed the potential for full automation of the L train with the introduction of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology in 2003.
For years, efforts to implement two-person train operation (TPTO) encountered significant roadblocks. This changed dramatically in June 2023 when the legislation unexpectedly gained traction in Albany. Critics, including transportation analysts and some lawmakers, argue that this mandate unnecessarily ties the hands of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and stifles modernization efforts.
The Transport Workers Union Local 100, which has long supported the bill, argues that maintaining two-person crews enhances safety and job security for its members. Yet, the data suggests that New York’s approach is increasingly out of step with global trends in subway operation. The Marron Institute at New York University reported that among nearly 300 subway systems worldwide, New York is one of the few that still employs two crew members on every train.
Cities like London, Paris, and Berlin, which operate older subway systems, do not require two-person crews. Furthermore, major cities such as Tokyo, Beijing, and Seoul manage larger passenger volumes with single-operator trains. In the United States, cities like Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Los Angeles have successfully implemented OPTO systems.
The report from the Marron Institute highlighted that two-person operation is limited to only a few lines in Toronto and Seoul, and even in Tokyo, there is a shift toward single-operator systems. This data raises questions about the necessity of the bill, with many arguing that writing such a requirement into law represents a significant step backward for New York’s transit system.
As the deadline for a gubernatorial decision approaches, Governor Hochul faces a critical choice that could impact the future of public transportation in the state. Advocates for modernization are urging her to consider the long-term implications of this legislation. They believe that the MTA must have the flexibility to adapt and improve its operations, aligning with global standards and ensuring efficient service for millions of passengers.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Albany as the governor prepares to make a decision that could reshape New York’s subway system for years to come. With the weight of public transport innovation on the line, Governor Hochul’s veto pen may be her most significant tool in this ongoing debate.