MTA Graduates 63 New Subway Train Operators as NYC Transit Continues a Slow Rebound
The Metropolitan Transit Authority The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that 63 new subway train operators graduated following their successful completion of training at the New York City Transit Learning Center in Brooklyn.
These operators will help New York City Transit tackle crew shortages and bolster the frequency of subway service. This marked the end of months of intensive training for operators that began in the summer of 2021. The graduation took place as New York City Transit Subway ridership hovers between 50% and 60% of pre-pandemic levels.
“As the city continues to return to normal, we have prioritized bringing great people aboard by increasing class sizes and aggressively recruiting,” said New York City Transit Interim President Craig Cipriano. “New Yorkers need access to fast, safe and reliable subway service to get to work, school and family activities. I am really excited to welcome this new group to our team.”
“Everyone knows the staffing challenges that the MTA has experienced, and we’ve accelerated training and filled larger classes so we can provide increased service for New Yorkers,” said Vice President and Chief Officer of Service Delivery Herb Lambert. “Our subway operators keep the city moving and are leading New York City on the way back.”
The new employees join the hundreds of bus and train operators along with conductors who recently completed their training. To date, the MTA has hired 425 train operators and 341 conductors, including those who have already graduated or will do so in the months ahead — part of a deliberate effort by the MTA to rapidly grow the number of bus operators, subway train operators and conductors. A hiring freeze, necessitated by a fiscal crisis that developed during the pandemic, depleted the ranks of train operators with many veteran workers retiring or leaving their frontline posts.
New Neighbor: Former Le Penguin Storefront turns Italian as “Casa Me” comes to Sconset Square
As both interior and exterior renovations continue, Casa Me has quietly announced their arrival into the Downtown Westport community through a small poster on their soon-to-be front doorway. The former location of Le Penguin’s French Bistrot, Casa Me describes itself as a cafe, restaurant, and bar space. No word yet on when the new neighbor plans to open their doors. WestportLocal.com photo
Quiet Sunset on Church Lane
With Franny’s Farmacy, Savannah Bee, and now Nic + Zoe all closed for business - Church Lane was quiet as the sun began to set over Church Lane’s newly vacant storefronts. WestportLocal.com photo
New Neighbors: “Mexicue” brings Mexican + Barbecue to Main Street in former Bobby Q’s building
Filling newly renovated storefronts, Mexicue has announced their opening in Westport with a second floor restaurant space at 38 Main Street. The restaurant group has several locations in New York City, one in Washington, DC, and one in Stamford - with Westport and a Bethesda, Maryland location both being their newest openings. The company’s website describes it as a fusion of barbecue and traditional Mexican meals that began in a Manhattan food truck by founder Thomas Kelly.
The restaurant brings barbecue back to one of Westport’s most famous spaces - the former home of Bobby Q’s barbecue. The locally owned barbecue joint closed in 2016 as part of a natural end to their decade+ run in the community, with owner Bob LeRose adding to the downtown dinner scene while helping found the Blues, Views, and BBQ festival. LeRose passed away in August after a battle with cancer, however his passion for the community lives on through the many groups he supported throughout the years.