Token Booth Clerks Lose Their Booths

New York, NY —

The first phase of the Transit Authority's plan to move clerks out of their token booths starts in 3 weeks, when agents at seven stations in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn will move to other side of their glass dividers.

The TA says its plan isn't about saving money - it's about customer service. By the end of the year, agents in 164 stations that also have full time booths will move out among the people in new uniforms - giving directions and solving problems.

But they won't sell metro cards. The TA says most riders are already buying unlimited cards, which can be bought from vending machines. The TA reversed an earlier plan to close the booths. They'll remain open in case agents need to make phone calls and they'll be painted red to distinguish them from booths that sell metro cards.

But the transport workers union still has safety concerns. The union also believes the redeployment is a contract violation.