Transportation union president issues WARNING after Hochul vetoes subway crew bill

Key Concepts

• Two-Person Train Crew: The requirement for two employees (conductor and operator) on NYC subway trains.
• Congestion Pricing: A fee charged for driving into Manhattan below 60th Street, generating revenue for the MTA.
• Fare Evasion: The act of riding the subway without paying the fare.
• AI & Automation: The potential displacement of transportation workers due to advancements in Artificial Intelligence and automated systems.
• Just Transition: The concept of providing support and retraining for workers displaced by technological advancements or economic shifts.
• MTA Budget & Spending: The financial aspects of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, including revenue sources and expenditures.

New York Subway Crewing & the Future of Transit Work

Governor Hochul’s Decision on Two-Person Crews

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has decided against permanently mandating two-person crews on New York City subway trains. John Samuelsen, representing the Transport Workers Union, expresses strong disagreement with this decision. He argues that the Governor prioritized other considerations over the safety and security of subway riders and workers. Samuelsen refutes the claim that the decision is financially driven, pointing to the MTA’s current financial stability due to congestion pricing revenue and a shift in funding for capital projects away from the fare box. He asserts the decision is motivated by a desire to reduce headcount within the NYC subway system, prioritizing cost-cutting over public safety – a “societal good.”

Safety Concerns & Real-World Examples

Samuelsen emphasizes the critical safety role of conductors, stating they are “on the subway cars, tracks are right for the conductors.” He highlights several incidents where conductors played a vital role in preventing greater harm. Specifically, he cites an incident three years prior in Brooklyn where a man with smoke grenades and a Glock was subdued thanks to conductor intervention, preventing a potentially far more horrific outcome. He also references the 9/11 attacks, stating conductors were instrumental in evacuating passengers and minimizing casualties. He reports a disturbing statistic of “five assaults a week” on New York City Transit workers, arguing that such a rate would warrant National Guard intervention if it affected any other group. Conductors, he states, do not simply collect fares but “protect transit riders.”

Economic Arguments & MTA Finances

Samuelsen presents an economic counter-argument, stating the cost of maintaining a two-person crew is “a pittance” compared to the MTA’s overall budget. He cites $800 million annually lost to fare evasion and $1 billion spent on “wasteful consultant spending.” He frames the conductor’s presence as a worthwhile investment, given the services they provide to riders. He describes conductors as “custodians of the New York City asset,” ensuring the safety and security of the transit system.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Automation

The discussion shifts to the broader impact of AI on the transportation sector. Samuelsen references a report from the MIT Sloan School of Management estimating that 1.1 million transportation workers could be affected by the rise of AI, with other reports suggesting up to 4 million workers could be displaced. He expresses concern about the lack of a “just transition” plan for workers displaced by automation, drawing a parallel to the decline of the manufacturing sector following NAFTA, where promises of retraining were not fulfilled. He views AI as a potential threat to jobs across the American economy, driven by profit motives without consideration for worker welfare. He questions the practical application of AI in roles requiring human interaction, specifically questioning how an AI-driven bus could assist passengers with boarding and seating.

Contract Negotiations & Fare-Free Buses

Samuelsen reveals that the Transport Workers Union is actively addressing the issue of AI in ongoing contract negotiations across various properties. The New York contract expires on May 15th, 2026, and bargaining is expected to begin soon, with AI expected to be a central topic. He also notes the upcoming implementation of fare-free buses in New York City, suggesting this could be a funding source for other initiatives. While supportive of fare-free buses, he advocates for funding through broader tax code adjustments rather than simply eliminating fares.

Logical Connections & Synthesis

The conversation flows logically from the immediate concern of Governor Hochul’s decision regarding subway crews to the broader implications of automation and the future of transit work. Samuelsen consistently links safety concerns to economic arguments, emphasizing that worker safety is not merely a moral imperative but also a sound investment. The discussion highlights the tension between cost-cutting measures and the need to maintain a safe and reliable public transportation system. The introduction of AI serves as a catalyst for discussing the need for proactive planning and worker support in the face of technological disruption.

The main takeaway is that the future of New York City’s transit system, and transportation work more broadly, is at a critical juncture. The decisions made regarding crew sizes, automation, and worker support will have significant consequences for both public safety and the economic well-being of transit workers. A proactive and equitable approach, prioritizing a “just transition” for workers, is essential to navigate these challenges effectively.