MTA Struggles to Clean L Train Due to Broken Car Washer
The subway system in New York City has hit a rough patch as trains on the L line continue to be plagued by filth. For months now, the once-spotless subways have been a breeding ground for grime, with riders forced to endure the unpleasant sight of dusty handprints and black stains on their windows.
A major problem arose when the MTA's car washer at the Canarsie train yard broke down during a summer rainstorm, leaving crews without an option to clean the exteriors of the trains. Despite efforts to maintain interior cleanliness, riders are not being spared from the messy reality on the outside.
"It's just horrible that this is the condition of our public transportation right now," said 33-year-old L train rider Gabriella Hermalyn, who has taken to avoiding her usual line in favor of a cleaner alternative. "The Crosstown Line is actually quite nice, especially since they just modernized it - and it's significantly better than the L."
Commuters are getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of effort from MTA officials, who point to the broken car washer as the main obstacle to cleaning the trains. "I know it's tough to keep these things clean, but it's like dirtier than they should be," said 39-year-old commuter Taino Brigs.
The situation is further compounded by the fact that the MTA is raising subway fares in January - a move that many riders feel will not compensate for the lack of quality maintenance. When asked about the plan to fix the car washer, Laura Cala-Rauch, an MTA spokesperson, explained that the agency is conserving taxpayer dollars and maintaining service by focusing on interior cleaning while awaiting the reopening of the exterior wash facility.
The broken car washer has left riders feeling shortchanged, particularly as prices continue to rise. As Hermalyn noted, "It's like garbage condition - the trains. And it's funny because every year the price goes up and up, and yet they do nothing." The MTA's struggle to keep its trains clean highlights the ongoing challenges facing one of America's most iconic public transportation systems.
The subway system in New York City has hit a rough patch as trains on the L line continue to be plagued by filth. For months now, the once-spotless subways have been a breeding ground for grime, with riders forced to endure the unpleasant sight of dusty handprints and black stains on their windows.
A major problem arose when the MTA's car washer at the Canarsie train yard broke down during a summer rainstorm, leaving crews without an option to clean the exteriors of the trains. Despite efforts to maintain interior cleanliness, riders are not being spared from the messy reality on the outside.
"It's just horrible that this is the condition of our public transportation right now," said 33-year-old L train rider Gabriella Hermalyn, who has taken to avoiding her usual line in favor of a cleaner alternative. "The Crosstown Line is actually quite nice, especially since they just modernized it - and it's significantly better than the L."
Commuters are getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of effort from MTA officials, who point to the broken car washer as the main obstacle to cleaning the trains. "I know it's tough to keep these things clean, but it's like dirtier than they should be," said 39-year-old commuter Taino Brigs.
The situation is further compounded by the fact that the MTA is raising subway fares in January - a move that many riders feel will not compensate for the lack of quality maintenance. When asked about the plan to fix the car washer, Laura Cala-Rauch, an MTA spokesperson, explained that the agency is conserving taxpayer dollars and maintaining service by focusing on interior cleaning while awaiting the reopening of the exterior wash facility.
The broken car washer has left riders feeling shortchanged, particularly as prices continue to rise. As Hermalyn noted, "It's like garbage condition - the trains. And it's funny because every year the price goes up and up, and yet they do nothing." The MTA's struggle to keep its trains clean highlights the ongoing challenges facing one of America's most iconic public transportation systems.
! Like, what even is going on with the MTA right now? You're telling me they can't even afford to fix a simple car washer and it's all because they're "conserving taxpayer dollars" 
? No way, that's just a fancy way of saying they don't wanna spend money on keeping our subways clean. It's like, we pay enough in fares already 
. It's not like we're asking for much, just some basic maintenance so we don't have to look at dirty trains all day.
. I mean, I get it, the MTA needs money, but can't we find a way to fund it without sacrificing our public transportation system? This is just so frustrating 
the subway is a total mess 
I mean who wants to ride in a dirty train? 
Not me! 
The MTA needs to step up their game 
and get that car washer fixed ASAP 
it's not like it's rocket science 
. And why do they have to raise fares again? 
?
. The fares are going up again, but it feels like we're not getting anything in return. A broken car washer is not a minor issue, it's a major headache for the whole system. Can't they prioritize cleaning the trains over saving a few bucks? 
and unacceptable. I take the L train daily and it's getting harder to even bear the thought of stepping on that dirty train 
! Like, how can you expect people to ride a train that looks like it just rolled through a dumpster? 
The MTA's struggles with the L train are a classic example of how a broken system can lead to a breakdown in service 
. Riders are getting frustrated because the price of fares is going up, but it feels like nothing is being done to improve the service 
. The Crosstown Line seems to be a better option for now, but what about those who rely on the L train? It's time for the MTA to prioritize and find a solution to this problem 
.
I draw a picture of a dirty train window with a broken washer 
It's not like it's rocket science 
Draw a simple flowchart showing "Prioritize Exterior Cleaning" as the top priority 
the whole city is talking about how dirty the L train is and no one's doing anything about it 
the MTA's all about saving a buck but what's the point if our subway system is basically a dumpster fire 
- have you guys heard about it? Anyway, I was on the L train the other day and OMG, it was like they forgot we exist! The whole train was all grimy and gross 
. It's like they expect us to just deal with this filth because... why? 
. Mark my words, there's more to this than meets the eye...
! How can we expect to be all fancy and modern when our train car washers are broken? 
️. The Crosstown Line is a great example of what could be done with a little TLC 
!