NYC Subway Guide

C train conspiracy theories anyone?

Conspiracy theory #1: Was there really a homeless person that started a fire? Did this person break into a locked tower and start a fire to keep warm? Sure, it's possible and totally believable. Let's suspend "reality" now and offer another "explanation." Maybe the snow on the street level was melting because of the salt from the salt spreaders. The salty water then continuously dripped down into the subway onto electrical wires and other electrical components. They then shorted out and caused a fire. Plenty of damage was caused but will it really take 3 to 5 years to repair? This brings us to conspiracy theory #2.

Conspiracy theory #2: The entire subway system will eventually be completely "overhauled." The definition of "overhauled" for this particular post is the system is being prepared for "computer based train control (CBTC)." CBTC is being implemented on the L line first. It's a few years overdue but will finally be operational within a year on the L line. The 7 and G lines and others will be next. Here is where things can get sticky. The damage done by the fire could be repaired but why fix something that will need replacing anyway within a few years? The area may quietly be upgraded to whatever is necessary for CBTC. With budgets already stretched thin, the federal government will most likely be called upon for extra money to repair the fire damage. Later, another request for money may be put in for money when the A and C lines are upgraded for CBTC. There is a chance here to "double dip" for money to fix the fire damage and then more money for CBTC upgrades when in fact the area will only be "fixed" once.

These are just a couple conspiracy theories thrown out there for fun! This is pure fiction and should be treated as such. Come on, have some fun with it! In the meantime, we can all have fun trying to figure out what train to take and where we may end up getting off. Remember what Smokey the Bear said, "Only you can prevent forest fires." They should post that in the subway so the homeless can see it (with the word subway substituted for forest).

posted by Slim @ 3:44 PM