A New York County Supreme Court judge issued a ruling last week requiring the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to keep subway station booths staffed even when employees miss their eight‑hour shifts because of emergencies. The decision, delivered by Judge Nicholas Moyne, bars the MTA from leaving booths empty during such call‑outs, a move aimed at preserving rider assistance services.
The order follows a lawsuit filed by Transport Workers Union Local 100 together with a disability advocacy group. The plaintiffs challenged the MTA's practice of allowing booths to go unattended when staff members are absent for emergency reasons, arguing that the lack of personnel compromises assistance for passengers, particularly those with disabilities.
Judge Moyne's ruling obligates the MTA to maintain a presence at each booth throughout the full shift, regardless of unexpected employee absences. The court emphasized that the eight‑hour staffing requirement must be met to ensure consistent access to help and information for commuters navigating the subway system.
The MTA, which operates the city's extensive transit network, now faces the task of adjusting its scheduling and backup protocols to comply with the court's directive. The decision underscores the legal responsibility of transit agencies to provide uninterrupted support services, especially for riders who rely on station staff for accessibility assistance.