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New York Today: The Land of Squeaky-Clean Subway Cars | New York Today: The Land of Squeaky-Clean Subway Cars |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Updated, 8:18 a.m. | |
Good morning on this rainy Tuesday. | Good morning on this rainy Tuesday. |
In a corner of Queens, the subway cars smell of lavender. | In a corner of Queens, the subway cars smell of lavender. |
Walls are wiped of graffiti and grime. Poles are de-boogered. Seats are left sparkling. | Walls are wiped of graffiti and grime. Poles are de-boogered. Seats are left sparkling. |
Welcome to the New York City Transit Corona Maintenance Facility, where subway cars come to be deep-cleaned. | Welcome to the New York City Transit Corona Maintenance Facility, where subway cars come to be deep-cleaned. |
“You see that shine coming through?” asked Corey Skinner, a cleaner, on a recent morning while scrubbing rust off the doors of a 7 train. “We call that bright work. We take a lot of pride in that.” | “You see that shine coming through?” asked Corey Skinner, a cleaner, on a recent morning while scrubbing rust off the doors of a 7 train. “We call that bright work. We take a lot of pride in that.” |
I recently traveled to the transit depot to answer a question that has been on my mind since my very first subway ride: How does the M.T.A. clean the subway cars? | I recently traveled to the transit depot to answer a question that has been on my mind since my very first subway ride: How does the M.T.A. clean the subway cars? |
The process, I found out, demands tenacity, a full body suit and gallons upon gallons of Fabuloso. | The process, I found out, demands tenacity, a full body suit and gallons upon gallons of Fabuloso. |
Unlike the subway tracks, which are cleaned with giant battery-powered vacuums, or the platforms, which are occasionally power-washed, subway car interiors are cleaned by hand. | Unlike the subway tracks, which are cleaned with giant battery-powered vacuums, or the platforms, which are occasionally power-washed, subway car interiors are cleaned by hand. |
Mr. Skinner, 47, walked us through the steps. We watched as he wiped windows, scraped gum, erased graffiti and cleaned dancers’ footprints off the ceiling — with care and special tools. | Mr. Skinner, 47, walked us through the steps. We watched as he wiped windows, scraped gum, erased graffiti and cleaned dancers’ footprints off the ceiling — with care and special tools. |
“The doors are like wood,” he said as he carefully polished them with a Doodlebug scrub brush and a Chicopee wipe. “You got to get into the grain of the door, so it pulls up all the rust and corrosion.” | “The doors are like wood,” he said as he carefully polished them with a Doodlebug scrub brush and a Chicopee wipe. “You got to get into the grain of the door, so it pulls up all the rust and corrosion.” |
Our eyes began to water. | Our eyes began to water. |
“That’s the bleach,” he said. Or perhaps at fault was the deodorizer, the steel cleanser or a Genie Wipe, used to erase graffiti and powerful enough to “peel the skin off your fingertips,” Mr. Skinner said. | “That’s the bleach,” he said. Or perhaps at fault was the deodorizer, the steel cleanser or a Genie Wipe, used to erase graffiti and powerful enough to “peel the skin off your fingertips,” Mr. Skinner said. |
The cocktail of chemicals is needed to rid the cars of the residue of thousands of commuters and kill some of the more than 1,688 micro-organisms — most of them harmless — that a recent study found germinating in the subway. | The cocktail of chemicals is needed to rid the cars of the residue of thousands of commuters and kill some of the more than 1,688 micro-organisms — most of them harmless — that a recent study found germinating in the subway. |
This top-to-bottom scrub happens every two and a half months or so, during the car’s regularly scheduled maintenance, at one of 13 facilities around the city. | This top-to-bottom scrub happens every two and a half months or so, during the car’s regularly scheduled maintenance, at one of 13 facilities around the city. |
Once a month, the trains are washed and scrubbed on the outside. | Once a month, the trains are washed and scrubbed on the outside. |
We can attest that the work drastically improves the subway cars’ appearance, which has slightly declined over all during the last year, according to the M.T.A.’s data. | We can attest that the work drastically improves the subway cars’ appearance, which has slightly declined over all during the last year, according to the M.T.A.’s data. |
Maybe it was the cleaning fumes, but the freshly polished seats looked particularly inviting. We even grabbed a polished pole, without worry, for the first time. | Maybe it was the cleaning fumes, but the freshly polished seats looked particularly inviting. We even grabbed a polished pole, without worry, for the first time. |
It takes three and a half hours for a cleaner, working alone, to get a subway car this clean, Mr. Skinner told us. | It takes three and a half hours for a cleaner, working alone, to get a subway car this clean, Mr. Skinner told us. |
It’s solitary work, done overnight, he said, and it can sometimes feel like a Sisyphean task. | It’s solitary work, done overnight, he said, and it can sometimes feel like a Sisyphean task. |
“I take the 7 train to work, so a lot of times I see what I’m about to get,” he said. | “I take the 7 train to work, so a lot of times I see what I’m about to get,” he said. |
The train he was polishing was almost ready. Before it returned to the city’s greasy tangle of tracks, he took a moment to walk us though the cars and admire his handiwork. | The train he was polishing was almost ready. Before it returned to the city’s greasy tangle of tracks, he took a moment to walk us though the cars and admire his handiwork. |
“I love that smell,” he said. | “I love that smell,” he said. |
Here’s what else is happening: | Here’s what else is happening: |
You’ll also be getting a wash: on again off again showers are on tap today. | You’ll also be getting a wash: on again off again showers are on tap today. |
Today’s high: 45. | Today’s high: 45. |
The rain continues through tomorrow afternoon, when the sun will finally reappear and bump the mercury up to 61. | The rain continues through tomorrow afternoon, when the sun will finally reappear and bump the mercury up to 61. |
• When the L train shuts for repairs early next year, it will transform the streets in Lower Manhattan into the busiest bus route in the country. [New York Times] | |
• Bronx residents oppose Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan to build a jail in their neighborhood, fearing it will undo decades of hard work and triumph. [New York Times] | • Bronx residents oppose Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan to build a jail in their neighborhood, fearing it will undo decades of hard work and triumph. [New York Times] |
• A jury in New York will hear the story of a South African crime lord and the team of former military men he hired to do his dirty work. [New York Times] | • A jury in New York will hear the story of a South African crime lord and the team of former military men he hired to do his dirty work. [New York Times] |
• Marcus Molinaro, a Republican and the Dutchess County executive, has announced his bid for governor. [New York Times] | • Marcus Molinaro, a Republican and the Dutchess County executive, has announced his bid for governor. [New York Times] |
• As Richard A. Carranza steps into his new position as schools chancellor, we take a look at some of the biggest issues he will face. [New York Times] | • As Richard A. Carranza steps into his new position as schools chancellor, we take a look at some of the biggest issues he will face. [New York Times] |
• Mayor de Blasio signed an executive order requiring that the mayor approve the appointment or removal of the head of the Department of Investigation for the city’s school system. [New York Times] | • Mayor de Blasio signed an executive order requiring that the mayor approve the appointment or removal of the head of the Department of Investigation for the city’s school system. [New York Times] |
• Pamela Harris, a Brooklyn assemblywoman who was indicted in January on fraud and corruption charges has resigned. [New York Times] | • Pamela Harris, a Brooklyn assemblywoman who was indicted in January on fraud and corruption charges has resigned. [New York Times] |
• Frustrated drivers flooded social media with complaints about New York City’s decision to retain parking rules on an unusually slushy spring day. [New York Times] | • Frustrated drivers flooded social media with complaints about New York City’s decision to retain parking rules on an unusually slushy spring day. [New York Times] |
• Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo declared a state of emergency at the New York City Housing Authority and ordered a monitor to oversee repairs to the agency’s deteriorating buildings. [New York Times] | • Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo declared a state of emergency at the New York City Housing Authority and ordered a monitor to oversee repairs to the agency’s deteriorating buildings. [New York Times] |
• Mayor de Blasio hinted at a “vacancy fee” for landlords who leave their storefronts vacant in an attempt to receive top-dollar rent. [Curbed NY] | • Mayor de Blasio hinted at a “vacancy fee” for landlords who leave their storefronts vacant in an attempt to receive top-dollar rent. [Curbed NY] |
• Did you know that in 1981 the M.T.A. introduced a fleet of white subway cars in a futile attempt to combat graffiti? [Untapped Cities] | • Did you know that in 1981 the M.T.A. introduced a fleet of white subway cars in a futile attempt to combat graffiti? [Untapped Cities] |
• More than 50 British tourists, most of them teenagers, were hospitalized in Washington over the weekend after getting sick in New York, officials said Monday. [New York Post] | • More than 50 British tourists, most of them teenagers, were hospitalized in Washington over the weekend after getting sick in New York, officials said Monday. [New York Post] |
• Unsurprisingly, Yankees fans outnumber Mets fans in the city, a new Quinnipiac Poll shows. [AM New York] | • Unsurprisingly, Yankees fans outnumber Mets fans in the city, a new Quinnipiac Poll shows. [AM New York] |
• Today’s Metropolitan Diary: “Matzo for Birds” | • Today’s Metropolitan Diary: “Matzo for Birds” |
• For a global look at what’s happening, see Your Morning Briefing. | • For a global look at what’s happening, see Your Morning Briefing. |
• A production of Shakespeare’s “Henry V” by the Public Theater’s Mobile Unit at the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center in St. Albans, Queens. 1 p.m. [Free] | • A production of Shakespeare’s “Henry V” by the Public Theater’s Mobile Unit at the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center in St. Albans, Queens. 1 p.m. [Free] |
• Two short documentaries about the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Marching to Freedom Land” and “Martin Luther King Jr.: We Shall Overcome,” are screened at the Stapleton Library in Staten Island. 6 p.m. [Free] | • Two short documentaries about the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Marching to Freedom Land” and “Martin Luther King Jr.: We Shall Overcome,” are screened at the Stapleton Library in Staten Island. 6 p.m. [Free] |
• “Queer Insider: How to Survive Putin’s Russia,” a discussion with Lyosha Gorshkov at the Tompkins Square Library in the East Village. 6 p.m. [Free] | • “Queer Insider: How to Survive Putin’s Russia,” a discussion with Lyosha Gorshkov at the Tompkins Square Library in the East Village. 6 p.m. [Free] |
• Enjoy a concert of classical music at Columbia University in Morningside Heights. 6 p.m. [Free] | • Enjoy a concert of classical music at Columbia University in Morningside Heights. 6 p.m. [Free] |
• Learn how to fix your bicycle at a bike repair class at La Plaza Cultural Community Garden in the East Village. 6:30 p.m. [Free] | • Learn how to fix your bicycle at a bike repair class at La Plaza Cultural Community Garden in the East Village. 6:30 p.m. [Free] |
• Yankees host Rays, 4 p.m. (YES). Nets at 76ers, 7 p.m. (YES). Islanders host Flyers, 7 p.m. (MSG+2). Rangers at Devils, 7 p.m. (MSG+, MSG2). Phillies at Mets, 7:10 p.m. (SNY). Knicks host Magic, 7:30 p.m. (MSG). | • Yankees host Rays, 4 p.m. (YES). Nets at 76ers, 7 p.m. (YES). Islanders host Flyers, 7 p.m. (MSG+2). Rangers at Devils, 7 p.m. (MSG+, MSG2). Phillies at Mets, 7:10 p.m. (SNY). Knicks host Magic, 7:30 p.m. (MSG). |
• Alternate-side parking remains in effect until Thursday. | • Alternate-side parking remains in effect until Thursday. |
• For more events, see The New York Times’s Arts & Entertainment guide. | • For more events, see The New York Times’s Arts & Entertainment guide. |
You now know how to clean a subway car, but what about your apartment? | You now know how to clean a subway car, but what about your apartment? |
With spring in the air, it’s time to rotate your mattress, empty out your refrigerator and face those really tough decluttering decisions. (Will I wear these cutoff shorts again? Do I keep this old printer?) | With spring in the air, it’s time to rotate your mattress, empty out your refrigerator and face those really tough decluttering decisions. (Will I wear these cutoff shorts again? Do I keep this old printer?) |
We can’t give you advice on whether it’s time to replace your bath mat, but as you begin to tidy up, here are a few other spring cleaning resources. | We can’t give you advice on whether it’s time to replace your bath mat, but as you begin to tidy up, here are a few other spring cleaning resources. |
The New York Times put together a smarter guide to cleaning your living space. Some pro tips include: advice on cleaning a burned pot, how to make a tightly tucked hospital corner for your bed, and a list of some of the best cleaning supplies. | The New York Times put together a smarter guide to cleaning your living space. Some pro tips include: advice on cleaning a burned pot, how to make a tightly tucked hospital corner for your bed, and a list of some of the best cleaning supplies. |
This Q. and A. with the guide’s author offers extra advice on dealing with dirty roommates, managing pet hair, and the tasks that every clean person does every day. | This Q. and A. with the guide’s author offers extra advice on dealing with dirty roommates, managing pet hair, and the tasks that every clean person does every day. |
If you live in a tiny apartment, here are some tools to make cleaning easier. | If you live in a tiny apartment, here are some tools to make cleaning easier. |
You can also clean with foodstuffs like ketchup, softened butter and wine — and while you’re looking for cleaning supplies in the refrigerator, consider giving it a deep clean. | You can also clean with foodstuffs like ketchup, softened butter and wine — and while you’re looking for cleaning supplies in the refrigerator, consider giving it a deep clean. |
And here are a few apps that can help you manage your checklist. | And here are a few apps that can help you manage your checklist. |
Think you’ve crossed off everything? Here are five things you probably missed. | Think you’ve crossed off everything? Here are five things you probably missed. |
New York Today is a morning roundup that is published weekdays at 6 a.m. If you don’t get it in your inbox already, you can sign up to receive it by email here. | New York Today is a morning roundup that is published weekdays at 6 a.m. If you don’t get it in your inbox already, you can sign up to receive it by email here. |
For updates throughout the day, like us on Facebook. | For updates throughout the day, like us on Facebook. |
What would you like to see here to start your day? Post a comment, email us at nytoday@nytimes.com, or reach us via Twitter using #NYToday. | What would you like to see here to start your day? Post a comment, email us at nytoday@nytimes.com, or reach us via Twitter using #NYToday. |
Follow the New York Today columnists, Alexandra Levine and Jonathan Wolfe, on Twitter. | Follow the New York Today columnists, Alexandra Levine and Jonathan Wolfe, on Twitter. |
You can find the latest New York Today at nytoday.com. | You can find the latest New York Today at nytoday.com. |
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