Key Takeaways

• Gov. Hochul can veto the two-person crew bill before year’s end
• The bill forces a second staff member on every subway train
• Critics warn it will hike costs and slow down service
• Lawmakers have debated this issue for three decades
• A veto could prevent needless spending and delays

New York’s subway system faces a questionable rule that would require a two-person crew on every train. The idea seems simple: more staff means safer rides. However, the reality is far more complex. The Legislature has tossed this proposal around for thirty years without clear proof it will help. Now, Gov. Hochul holds the power to stop it. She needs to use her veto pen.

First, the two-person crew rule adds big expenses. Every extra worker means more salaries, benefits, and training costs. With tight budgets, the subway could lose funding for repairs and upgrades. Second, stations might face delays. More staff shifts lead to scheduling headaches. Trains could sit idle while crews change. Riders risk longer waits and crowded platforms.

Most importantly, the rule distracts from real safety issues. Instead of fixing aging signals and cleaning equipment, officials would chase headcounts. This misplaced focus could harm riders for years. Therefore, Hochul should veto this bill and push for smarter fixes.

How the Two-Person Crew Rule Hurts Riders

Moreover, a two-person crew rule could slow service during rush hour. Imagine waiting on a late train, only to learn it needs one extra employee before it can move. In addition, hiring more workers takes time. Training and background checks could leave seats empty. That means fewer trains on the tracks when New Yorkers need them most.

Furthermore, the city would face higher fares or tax hikes. The subway system already runs on a shoestring. Adding salaries for hundreds of new workers is costly. Without new revenues, the MTA might cut maintenance budgets. Suddenly, track repairs and station upgrades could stall. Riders would pay more for less reliable service.

Also, the rule ignores modern tech solutions. Today’s trains use cameras, sensors, and automated announcements. These tools can alert crews to stalled doors or medical emergencies. They often work faster than a second person walking car to car. Investing in technology could solve safety issues without bloating the payroll.

The Long Fight Over Subway Staffing

For thirty years, legislators have debated whether to mandate two-person crews. They argue it protects workers and passengers. Opponents say it wastes money and delays trains. Despite endless hearings, no clear proof shows extra staff improves safety. Yet the bill keeps resurfacing.

Backers claim a second crew member can handle emergencies faster. They point to rare incidents where one person couldn’t act quickly. While well-meaning, these cases are few and far between. On most trips, the operator does fine alone. In fact, major transit systems worldwide run trains with one operator and no second staff member onboard.

On the other side, transit experts warn of higher costs. They note the MTA budget struggles even now. Adding hundreds of jobs would force cuts elsewhere. In recent years, the MTA delayed signal upgrades and station renovations. A two-person crew rule could push these essential projects further away.

In the middle, riders feel stuck. They want safe trains and clean stations. They don’t care about staffing rules. If safety or service falls, they blame politicians, not crew sizes. This constant back-and-forth has left subway users waiting for real fixes since the 1990s.

What Comes Next

Gov. Hochul has until the end of December to act. If she vetoes the two-person crew bill, the Legislature could override her choice. That needs a supermajority, which seems unlikely given the rising costs. Still, lawmakers could try.

If Hochul signs the bill instead, the MTA must start planning. That means budget revisions, recruiting plans, and shift changes. These tasks could drag into next year, affecting the whole system. Riders might notice slower service while the staff reshuffle happens.

Instead, the governor could propose alternative measures. She might call for more CCTV cameras, better emergency links, and training upgrades. These actions target safety without inflating the workforce. In addition, funding could shift to track repairs and signal modernization—both proven to cut delays and accidents.

By refusing the two-person crew rule, Hochul would force lawmakers to craft smarter solutions. She could set up a task force to study modern tech upgrades. She could ask transit experts to suggest cost-effective safety improvements. This path respects both riders and workers, while avoiding unnecessary spending.

Moreover, a veto would send a clear message: the state values efficiency and real progress. It would show that lawmaking must rest on data, not decades-old debates. Most importantly, it would protect subway riders from higher costs and longer waits.

Next Steps for Riders and Reformers

Now, riders and transit advocates can make their voices heard. They should write letters or email the governor’s office. They can ask local representatives to reject any override votes. They can push for a task force on technology and service upgrades.

Meanwhile, community groups could host meetings to discuss real safety needs. They might gather data on station cleanliness, lighting, and emergency response times. By focusing on tangible issues, they can shift the debate away from crew sizes.

Transit unions also have a role. They can back technology upgrades that aid safety and ease workload. They can negotiate training programs in place of staffing mandates. By working toward common goals, they strengthen trust between workers, lawmakers, and riders.

Finally, media outlets can keep the spotlight on this fight. They can track budget changes, interview experts, and report on service impacts. Public awareness will pressure politicians to act wisely.

In the end, the choice rests with Gov. Hochul. She can veto the two-person crew bill and steer New York toward real solutions. Or she can sign it and risk more costs and delays. The subway system—and its millions of daily riders—deserve better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a two-person crew really necessary for safety?

Studies show modern tech often handles emergencies without extra staff. Many major cities run trains with one operator safely. Investing in cameras and sensors can boost safety more cost-effectively.

How much would a two-person crew rule cost?

Adding hundreds of positions means millions in salaries and benefits. The exact total depends on hiring pace, but experts warn it could force cuts to vital repairs and upgrades.

Can the Legislature override a gubernatorial veto?

Yes, but it requires a high majority vote. Given rising cost concerns, an override seems unlikely. However, lawmakers could still attempt it.

What alternative safety measures exist?

Improving emergency communication, boosting CCTV coverage, and upgrading signals can cut accidents and delays. Training programs and better station lighting also make a big difference. Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/11/17/veto-this-subway-featherbedding/