Uptown on the A and C lines, the MTA is testing out convenient countdown clocks like the ones used in L train terminals. "I think it's great," said Richard Lehman at 145th St. "I never understood why they didn't do it before." The answer? Because they're expensive and the authority has cash-flow problems—in recent days it's been criticized for its constant and unpredictable service cuts and changes. Timers at four stations—145th, 155th, 163rd and 168th streets—cost $20,000, and and though expansion of the system may be more of a band-aid than a solution, passengers are grateful nonetheless. "It's good to know how long it's going to be because you have other options, different choices," said another rider at a newly-equipped terminal.
Despite the MTA's monetary woes, officials say the signs may be cheap enough to expand to all the lettered lines, though they're not saying when, reports the Daily News. The clocks, which are used in transit systems worldwide like London, Paris and DC, come thanks to new MTA Chairman Jay Walder, who pushed to find a cheaper way to install them.
