Following the lead of the New York Football Giants and Jets, the MTA will be selling personal licenses to guarantee a seat on New York City subways and buses.
Upon entering a bus or subway, the seat license holder will show a card to anyone occupying a seat. That person will be required to give up the seat to the license holder.
"We realize there may be some kinks to be worked out, but we intend to have staff for enforcement and that will create new jobs, so this is a double asset to the city in creating revenue and employment," said an MTA spokesperson.
Starting November 1st licenses will be sold on a first-come first- served basis to guarantee a seat on all buses and subways in New York City for a fee of $1000. The MTA PSL holder will have the right to resell the seat at market value one year after issuance.
"Just as the Jets and Giants created personal seat licenses for the benefit of their fans, we are creating seat licenses for the benefit of the people of New York City who will enjoy special treatment at a modest price especially during rush hour.
We are also considering a tie-in with the Department of Parks & Recreation to sell personal seat licenses for sitting on benches in parks and playgrounds.
"We feel this places New York City in the forefront of urban planning and revenue creation," the MTA spokesperson concluded.
Carole Stuart is the publisher of Barricade Books and is herself the author of several books.