NYC Transit Chief Thomas Prendergrast

NYC Transit President Thomas Prendergast is sending tradesmen and workers to fix 8 subway stations in four boroughs, according to the Daily News.  All stations in question have benefited from major renovations in recent years, but were denied the follow-up care needed to keep them in ship-shape.

The president, who started his job in December, is now ready to improve the system despite the looming budget shortfalls.

He also vows to improve rush-hour service on the Lexington Avenue line.

Being underground this week, on a rainy stormy weather, could have been a comforting thought, or at least not the worst part of my reporting day. It usually feels safer. In the case of riding the N train to Borough Park, Brooklyn, the concept of safety and the N line are running in parallel lines.

The Daily News reported last year, that the New Utrecht Ave. station was among the 19 stops where renovations have been deferred due to a rise in construction costs.

“On New Utrecht Ave., below the elevated D line – where 10 stations are on the list of postponed renovations – there were similar fears. Earlier this year, big chunks of wood fell from the track. Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Borough Park) said he was creating a profile of every borough subway station, highlighting problem areas. “It doesn’t take millions to keep people out of dangerous situations,” Hikind said.”

Getting the main entrance to be waterproof can be a good place to start.