Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Congestion Pricing

With Transit System Crumbling, Fox 5 Zeroes in on Sander’s Shiny Shoes

fox5grab.jpgThe crack news team at Fox 5 has gotten to the root of the MTA's financial troubles: Chief Lee Sander's commuting habits.

Watch as "gotcha" guy John Deutzman catches Sander getting a shoe shine (a shoe shine!) at Grand Central after being driven to work in an MTA Police cruiser, then grills the head of the most complex transit system in the United States on how often he rides the train.

Granted, since he is the head of the most complex transit system in the United States, Sander should probably not be caught off guard so easily. Maybe a response explaining the depth of the problem and what it will take to fix it, beyond fare hikes, would be in order -- a politically palatable version of: "Look. I don't think New Yorkers care about my shoe shine. You can be angry with me if you
want. I know that fare hikes are tough to swallow. But if you want to be
outraged, be angry that the Big Three are in the Senate today lobbying for a $25 billion bailout while the MTA and transit systems across the state and the
US are going broke. Be angry that Albany killed congestion pricing. That the city and state stopped paying their fair share to the MTA...," etc.

Still, is this the best the media can do? If so, why not follow Richard Brodsky to work? Or Joan Millman? Or Deborah Glick? Corner one of those guys sitting in traffic and ask them what they plan to do for the transit-riding public now that the service cuts and fare hikes Sander warned of are all but imminent.

Since the craven pols and media clowns are intent on distraction and directing public anger away from where it belongs, maybe MTA improvements in transparency, accounting and messaging are the only means to take these issues away.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

OPINION: Can Regional Governance Break New York Out of Its Constant State of Transit Emergency?

The New York region needs to fundamentally change the way it governs its transit system, our contributor writes.

December 20, 2024

Friday’s Headlines: ‘So, How Was Your Day?’ Edition

You didn't come here to find out about yesterday's crime news. Instead, here's the livable streets news!

December 20, 2024

Albany Should Use ‘Underutilized’ Transit Fund For LIRR, Metro-North Discounts: Report

An "underutilized" pot of state transportation funds could help lure more New York City residents onto the LIRR and Metro-North, according to a new report.

December 19, 2024

See It: The McGuinness Road Diet Works — But Only Where the City Installed It

The road diet works, exposing the need to extend it all the way.

December 19, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: Snow and Tell Edition

The Sanitation Department is even better prepared for winter. Plus other news.

December 19, 2024
See all posts