John Samuelsen, international president of the Transport Workers Union of America, has defended the cost of New York City's subway system, comparing it favorably to other transit networks and highlighting the value proposition for riders. Samuelsen, who oversees unions representing 165,000 transit workers across the U.S. and Caribbean, stated that a $3 flat fare from Coney Island to Yankee Stadium is a "good deal" when considering the cost of alternatives, even a slice of pizza in the city.
Speaking on public perception of the subway, Samuelsen pointed to the constant scrutiny fueled by social media, noting that an average of five transit workers are assaulted weekly in New York City. He suggested that a similar rate of assaults on teachers would prompt greater public outcry and action.
Funding for the Second Avenue subway expansion is being provided by congestion pricing revenue, a source of funding Samuelsen believes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has not seen before. He called for a broad citywide discussion on the allocation of these funds.
Samuelsen also expressed concerns about the increasing role of artificial intelligence in the transit sector, stating that his union is engaged in a "constant battle against artificial intelligence." He cited "postmodern urbanists" who he believes are actively working to replace transit workers with robotic systems.
Beyond the subway, Samuelsen addressed the need for significant investment in air traffic control, emphasizing the necessity of hiring more controllers and increasing their pay to ensure retention. He highlighted that for many workers, the desire for improved quality of life, including better work-life balance and adequate time off for family events, is as important as wages. This focus on work-life balance, he explained, is about preventing burnout and maintaining personal well-being.
Samuelsen, who still resides in his working-class Brooklyn neighborhood where his father grew up, began his career as a subway track worker and became an organizer in 1993. He recalled his first subway ride as a child, taking the train from Avenue U and East 16th Street to Nazareth High School.