amNewYork Metro, in conjunction with the MTA, present “Ask the MTA,” a column where MTA officials answer your questions about transit service in New York City. If you have a question for the MTA about subways, buses, commuter rails and more, email askthemta[@]amny.com.
Q: Will the MTA expand the Wide Aisle Gate program to other stations besides Atlantic Av – Barclays Ctr? Ethel B., Queens
A: At least two additional stations will be getting new Wide Aisle Gates installed later this year, building on the success of gates already operating at the Atlantic Avenue and Sutphin Avenue stations. Lessons learned from this pilot will inform design of future gates both to increase accessibility and deter fare evasion. – Quemuel Arroyo, MTA Chief Accessibility Officer
Q: What are the rules when it comes to bringing items onto the subway? Is there a size limit for couches and furniture? Damany F., Brownsville
A: According to the MTA’s Rules of Conduct – which are available on our website — there are three main criteria when it comes to permitted items on the subway:
- Must not be so large as to extend outside the window or door of the train car,
- They must not interfere with passenger traffic or impede service, and
- Cannot pose a danger to other customers.
The only items banned outright are wheeled carts exceeding 30 inches in width or length, like the kind you’d find in grocery stores. Strollers being used to transport children are of course allowed.
As for furniture, we understand that New Yorkers sometimes need to use transit to get pieces home. However, we advise them to limit these trips to off-peak hours or the weekend when trains are less crowded. Fellow riders would not be happy to see you and your new couch during rush hour. – Shanifah Rieara, Acting MTA Chief Customer Officer
Q: How do we report items lost on buses and where can we go to file a claim? Michael C., Gramercy Park
A: Items lost on a bus or turned in to a Bus Operator are initially delivered to that bus or operator’s bus depot and later transferred to our Lost Property Office located inside the 34th St-Penn Station stop on the A/C/E lines. If you’ve lost something on the subway or bus, you can call 511 or file an online claim at lostandfound.mta.info. It’s important to use as much detail as possible. We’ll let you know if anything matching the report is turned in.
Retention periods vary from three to 36 months based on the item’s description and value. After that, unclaimed items are either donated, auctioned, or destroyed if in poor condition. – Ron Young, Manager – Operations Support, New York City Transit Department of Subways
Q: Where can I find a schedule for upcoming nostalgia train rides? Bill R., Yonkers
A: The full schedule of upcoming rides for the year is published on the New York Transit Museum website. While summer dates are sold out, you’ll have another chance to check out our vintage fleet in September at the Parade of Trains. No tickets necessary – entry is free with your subway fare. See you there! – Concetta Bencivenga, Director, New York Transit Museum
