Mitigating Underground Pollution: An Act to Transition the NYC MTA Subway System to Maglev Technology
This is an act calling for the conversion of New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) infrastructure to Maglev technology. Thus, this act would mitigate the recorded levels of pollution observed in underground Subway systems. New York City policymakers have historically neglected the air quality in the city’s underground subway system. Citizens who rely on public transportation are routinely exposed to adverse health risks. Thirteen notable aerosolized pollutants have been discovered by researchers in the NYC atmosphere. The demographic of subway riders is comprised predominantly of working-class minorities. This forces taxpayers to pay more for healthcare programs, otherwise avoided through preventative measures. Moreover, routine overt neglect becomes intentional upon reaching a certain point. The city of New York must promptly address this reoccurring problem.
Defining the Problem
New York City subway cars are a barbaric method of public transit. The cars are expensive, unreliable, filthy, and inefficient; when compared with modern alternatives. New York City’s pollution leads to health risks. Minorities are disproportionately affected by this problem, according to polling demographics. NYC Subway trains produce multiple hazardous aerosols. The brake dust is unregulated, and includes heavy metal particles. The particles also come from wheel-wear, a lack of ventilation, and endless construction. Despite billions of dollars of budget for the city’s infrastructure, no attempts have been made to correct, nor monitor the pollution underground subway systems. New York City policymaker’s negligence produces a factor of elevated risk in public transit.
Moreover, New York’s underground subway systems harbor homeless encampments, rats, and an encroaching grime that transcends on the city. Citizens are routinely subjected to these hazardous aerosols unhealthy conditions. Subway riders are subjected to infrastructure expansion without just compensation for the ascension of their fares. New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) increased its fares during the pandemic by $0.15—from $2.75 to $2.90, (MTA). The MTA’s unmerited persistent expansion does not consider the detriments to those expected to pay. Citizens are paying more while receiving the same subpar quality, continuing to subject themselves to daily increased level of risk.
Empirical evidence shows that New York City subway systems are the filthiest in the nation. The NYU Grossman School of Medicine produced a study in 2021 that tested “300 air samples during rush hour in stations in Manhattan, Philadelphia, Washington, Boston,” (NYULangone). The NYU study reveal subways contain “up to 77 times the typical concentration of potentially dangerous particles in outdoor, aboveground city air, (Rosap). The study measured 58 total stations, yet concluded that “no station’s readings reached the severe levels of contamination seen in New York’s worst transit lines,” (Rosap). New York City must embrace available technologies that would improve the conditions of its citizens. Man’s inherent right to liberty umbrellas the right to breath clean air. Government negligence has resulted in toxic air, increasing the long term cost of healthcare for the city of New York.
Public air purification systems anterior to crisis would preclude a need for authoritative policies. New York City, and its policies drastically changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The SARS-Cov-2 spike protein, despite its deliberate release, exposed the importance of clean air and ventilation. The COVID-19 pandemic placed the power of major cities in the hands of policymakers. The government’s erroneous handling of the pandemic placed clean air preparation on the political agenda for New Yorkers. Securing the ability to purify public air will combat against future policy-based tyrannies.
What is in New York City’s Air?
New York City’s underground subway air contains an atmosphere of heavy metals, as discovered by NYU’s research. These seven metals include (1) Iron, (2) Copper, (3) Barium, (4) Chromium, (5) Silicon, (6) Magnese, and (7) Zinc, (Rosap). Subway riders report noticeable odors when entering the subway station. The subway system’s seemingly innocuous scents pose a threat to the lives of New Yorkers. The effects are drawn out over time, therefore more difficult to determine a particular ailment’s pathogenesis. Some elements of concern—like Copper aerosols—remain unregulated, passing under their radar of authoritative regulative bodies.
Further, the MTA conducted a project-level analysis of the potential and regional air quality impacts that could result from construction of the Second Avenue Subway. The analysis reported additional elements in the subway atmosphere. These additional six elements included (8) carbon monoxide, (9) respirable particulate matter, (10) nitrogen oxide, (11) ground level ozones, (12) lead, and (13) sulfur dioxide.
A closer look at the thirteen aerosolized pollutants recorded in the NYC subway system’s atmosphere reveal an evident detriment to public health. These pollutants include:
(1) Iron - (Metal Fume Fever, Discolored Eyes).
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services State warns in a Hazardous Substances Fact Sheet that, “[e]xposure to Iron oxide fumes can cause metal fume fever. This is a flu-like illness with symptoms of metallic taste, fever, and chills, aches, chest tightness, and cough. Prolonged or repeated contact can discolor the eyes causing permanent Iron staining,” (NJ.gov). The state of New Jersey writes that “Repeated exposure to Iron Oxide fume or dust can cause pneumoconiosis (Siderosis) with cough, shortness of breath and changes on chest x-ray,” (NJ.gov).
(2) Copper – (Metal Fume Fever, Unregulated)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that “[e]xposure to copper fume causes upper respiratory tract irritation, metallic taste, nausea, and metal fume fever.” But the health agency assures has reported “no ill effects resulted from exposures to copper fumes at concentrations up to 0.4 mg Cu/m3 [Luxon 1972] and that there is little evidence that copper presents a serious industrial hazard, either from acute of chronic poisoning,” (CDC). As a result, the CDC has no short-term guidelines on atmospheric copper dust.
(3) Barium – (No Antidote, Only Treatment)
New York legislators should note of the presence of Barium in NYC subways. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines those exposed to Barium “victims.” The agency warns that “[t]here is no antidote for barium;” only treatment for itself effects. Treatment includes, “regulation of serum potassium levels and respiratory and cardiovascular support.”
The CDC reports that “[a]cute exposure to very high levels of barium may induce gastrointestinal effects, cardiac dysrythmias, abnormal blood pressure, muscle weakness, and paralysis,” (CDC). The CDC assures “Victims of barium poisoning who were exposed only by inhalation do not pose contamination risks to rescuers.” The CDC’s guidelines suggest decontamination zones for individuals exposed to Barium inhalation; writing, “if victims can walk, lead them out of the Hot Zone to the Decontamination Zone.” The CDC guidelines on barium inhalation indicate “[v]ictims who are unable to walk may be removed on backboards or gurneys; if these are not available, carefully carry or drag victims to safety,” (CDC).
(4) Chromium - (Carcinogen, Extreme Toxicity)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the substance is “harmful to the skin, eyes, blood, and respiratory system. Workers may be harmed from exposure to chromium and its compounds,” (CDC). OSHA declares Chromium to be of “extreme toxicity” with “designation as a human carcinogen,” (OSHA).
(5) Silicon - (Silicosis)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that “[b]reathing in dust from crystalline silica-containing materials can lead to lung disease. Silica dust particles become trapped in lung tissue causing inflammation and scarring,” (CDC). The agency warns that “[t]he particles also reduce the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen. This condition is called silicosis. Silicosis results in permanent lung damage and is a progressive, debilitating, and sometimes fatal disease.”
(6) Manganese - (Manganism)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) writes that “[e]xposure to manganese dust or fumes can also lead to a neurological condition called manganism,” (CDC). Manganism’s symptoms are “similar to those of Parkinson’s disease,” including “trembling, stiffness, slow motor movement and potentially severe depression, anxiety and hostility,” (CDC). Duration plays a factor in its exposure, warns the agency.
(7) Zinc – (Metal Fume Fever)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that “Inhaling large amounts of zinc (as zinc dust or fumes from smelting or welding) can cause a specific short-term disease called metal fume fever, which is generally reversible once exposure to zinc ceases.” The CDC guidelines of long-term zinc exposure is that “very little is known about the long-term effects of breathing zinc dust or fumes,” (CDC).
(8) Carbon Monoxide – (Deprives Oxygen)
OSHA reports that “[c]arbon monoxide is harmful when breathed because it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain and other vital organs of oxygen,” (OSHA). The agency warns that “[l]arge amounts of CO can overcome you in minutes without warning — causing you to lose consciousness and suffocate, (OSHA).
(9) Respirable Particulate Matter (PM)
California’s Air Resources Board (ARB) notes that “airborne particulate matter (PM) is not a single pollutant, but rather is a mixture of many chemical species,” (ARB). California’s ARB adds that particulate matter is “a complex mixture of solids and aerosols composed of small droplets of liquid, dry solid fragments, and solid cores with liquid coatings,” (ARB). The CDC warns that no portion of particulate matter is beneficial when inhaled, thus should be addressed.
(10) Nitrogen Oxide - (Respiratory Irritant, Known Problem)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that nitrogen oxide “may contribute to the development of asthma and potentially increase susceptibility to respiratory infections,” (EPA). The EPA is working to combat these effects, writing, that the “EPA identifies areas where the air quality does not meet the national NO2 standards. For these areas, state, local, and tribal governments develop plans to reduce the amount of NO2 in the air,” (EPA).
(11) Ground Level Ozone - (Cell Damage, Immune System Inflammatory Agent)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) wrote that “the chemical and toxicological property of ozone as a strong oxidant, being able to induce oxidative damages to cells and the lining fluids of the airways, and immune-inflammatory responses within and beyond the lung,” (NIH). The NIH warns that “Worldwide, ozone is responsible for several hundreds of thousands of premature deaths and tens of millions of asthma-related emergency room visits annually,” (NIH).
(12) Lead - (Brain Damage, Central Nervous System Damage)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that lead causes “[d]amage to the brain and nervous system, [s]lowed growth and development, [l]earning and behavior problems, [h]earing and speech problems,” resulting in “[l]ower IQ, [d]ecreased ability to pay attention, [u]nderperformance in school,” (CDC). The CDC adds “Lead is also stored in bones. It can take decades for lead stored in the bones to decrease,” (CDC).
(13) Sulfur Dioxide – (Respiratory Irritant, Mucus Inducing)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wrote that, “[s]ulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a colorless gas with a characteristic, irritating, pungent odor. Exposure to sulfur dioxide may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat,” (CDC). The CDC warns that exposure produces “nasal mucus, choking, cough, and reflex bronchi constriction,” (CDC).
The official regulatory guidelines of dangers posed by inhaling these elements and pollutants is reason enough to mitigate daily exposure. The CDC suggests a Hierarchy of Controls to reduce and remove hazards from the workplace. This hierarchy includes, elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), (CDC). The CDC assures that “Using this hierarchy can lower worker exposures and reduce risk of illness or injury,” (CDC). Yet, the MTA expects residents to accept the risks without question. Subway riders are forced to breath these metallic particles daily, as they wait long train times due to routine maintenance and unforeseeable circumstances. Working-class minorities are the principle individuals subjected to these hazardous conditions.
Policy Alternatives
New York must update its city’s public transit subway infrastructure to reflect this importance. New York City’s subway system infrastructure can be updated without passing additional costs to New Yorkers. The State of New York has approved budgets that can be redistributed to reduce pollution in subway systems. Redistributive policy can be achieved by constructed policy alternatives. As Kraft denotes, “[c]onstructing policy alternatives is perhaps the most important stage in the policy analysis process,” (Kraft, M., p. 119). Policymakers must exhaust every potential mechanism to institute a lasting improvement to the quality of underground air for posterity.
First, the most expensive and effective alternative would be to update NYC subways to magnetic systems. New York City’s subway infrastructure overhaul would be achieved through incremental policymaking. Second, subway brakes can be updated to lessen brake dust. Third, enhanced ventilation can be implemented. Fourth, a system to monitor particles can be installed. Fifth, A strong explicit end date when the project is completed should be named. Sixth air purification zones can be setup to provide subway riders with clean air. Lastly, information can be given to the public keeping them engaged throughout the process.
In summary, New York City must:
· Update subway systems to magnetic infrastructure
· Update the quality of subway brake pads
· Improve ventilation to mitigate metallic dust
· Consistently monitor particulate levels
Evaluative Criteria
Evaluative criteria takes into account all angles of application before its implementation. Kraft and Furlong write that “[e]valuative criteria are the specific dimensions of policy objectives…that can be used to weigh policy objectives or judge the merits of existing policies or programs, (Kraft & Furlong, p. 181). These evaluative criteria include Effectiveness; Efficiency; Equity & Ethics; Liberty; and Feasibility. Many evaluative elements play a role in the best course of action when proposing public policy. Effectiveness weighs the results of various efforts. Efficiency looks at cost-benefit analysis. Equity & ethics attempt to forecast the results based on culture and behavior. Liberty calculates the incentive to obtain freedom by self-interest. But liberty is “often clouded by ideological beliefs about the role of government,” (Kraft & Furlong, p. 183). Feasibility determines the viability of multiple criteria from various positions.
Effectiveness
Subway pollution’s problem is supported by empirical data and first-hand experience on its existence. New Yorkers who rely on subway systems for transportation know first-hand the smell entering the subway. Worse, many subway riders can distinguish the second smell emitted when the train arrives. and when it arrives. New Yorkers should not be forced to become acclimated to these contaminants. Creditable institutions have produced studies that reveal heavy metal particles from a variety of sources. This problem must be met with a multi-faceted solution.
New York University (NYU) produced a study that concluded “iron (Fe)
particles were the dominant element, accounting for over 40% by mass,” (NCBI). The study revealed “other transition metals include[d] Cu, [Copper]; Ba, [Barium]; Cr, [Chromium]; Si, [Silicon]; Mn, [Manganese]; and Zn, [Zinc].” According to the study, the source of the contaminants came from “wear and friction processes at the intersection of rail–wheel–brake;” yet cited that “ambient air, ballast, and construction work in the tunnels could also be potential sources for the mineral particles,” (NCBI).
In order to be effective, the initiative must target specific attributes. These include, but are not limited to: wheels, brakes, rails, construction, ballast, atmosphere, and pollutants. Secondly, the transition to Maglev technology must occur within a defined duration. Oftentimes policy initiatives without definitive end dates become permanent programs that detract from their original purpose.
Efficiency
The NYC MTA must address the cost-benefit of improving the air quality of NYC subway systems. This act sources the majority of its funding through redistributive policy. The cost-benefit proves worthy of consideration, as the budget has already been appropriated for nonessential interests. Regulatory policy would force infrastructural changes, thus improving the underground environment. New York City relies on its underground subway system for public transit. Policymakers introducing these changes will boost profit, offering another value to its utility. New York City’s MTA continues to increase the cost of subway fares without a benefit to compliant citizens.
New York City policymaker’s laxity has led to the acceptance of lethal posions in the subway environment. New York City’s The Rules of the City’s Chapter 53 describes air asbestos penalties (CodeLibrary). Chapter 53 §53-02 imposes fines on violators ranging from $1200–$2400. Citizens have not been informed of these provisions for human error. Total Medicaid enrollment is at its highest point in history, since first recorded in 1966, (Statista). This does not discount Medicaid, but brings question to the correlative balance between industrial revolution and policy. The government’s lack of efficient standards combined with proper regulatory policy has increased cost to the citizen. Recipients of Medicaid are forced to undergo medical treatment for policy-induced ailments and illnesses. Citizens without Medicaid will be forced to pay higher taxes without receiving anything. Medicaid should not be exploited as an instrument for policymakers to evade societal priorities.
Equity (Redistributive) & Ethics (Distributive)
1. Ventilation – (Redistributive)
Researchers from Nanjing, China have researched the pollution levels of Chinese subway systems. The scientists found that “[v]entilation is the principal measure for optimizing the complex physical environment in a subway station,” (NCBI). The researchers noted a redistributive effect, they called a dual effect. The team wrote that “[v]entilation exerts a notable dual effect on environmental health in a subway station,” (NCBI). Citizens riding the subway benefit disproportionately from the environment of the surrounding community. The study concluded that ventilation produces a redistributive element—pollution. The source of the pollution must be addressed to reduce its redistributive effects throughout the city of New York.
2. $6.76 Billion Federal Railroad Administration Grant – (Redistributive)
On November 23, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the Biden Administration had awarded $6.76 billion “for downstate passenger rail projects that are critical to ensuring the region’s economy continues to thrive and expand,” (Governor). New York City’s federal budget for passenger rail projects could be allocated to fund the beginnings of subway purification. New York City must appropriate its budget in manner that supports its citizens. Upgrading NYC subways to Maglev technology would be possible with annual allocations redistributed from railroad infrastructure policy.
3. Empire AI Consortium - (Redistributive)
The FY 2025 Executive Budget includes $250 million to create the Empire AI Consortium; “a partnership of New York’s public and private-research institutions, that will establish a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence computing center to promote research and development,” (Governor). The state of New York notes that “[i]n addition to capital grant funding proposed in the Executive Budget, Empire AI will be supported with $125 million from private partners and $25 million from the State University of New York (SUNY),” (Governor).
4. AI to Target Subway Far Evasion. (Redistributive)
In April 2024, New York City announced an A.I. legislative package to recoup MTA losses by turnstile evaders. Citizens are expected to silently accept expansive increases the price of its subway fares, without explanation. This conflict in civic-state relations highlights an apparent problem that must be addressed. The city’s plan to use A.I. to target citizens could simultaneously be utilized for particulate monitoring and air purification.
Liberty
Health is essential for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Citizens using underground subways should not be forced to endure a health risk. Policymakers’ current neglect infringes on the freedoms of passengers using public transit. New York City has the resources to better protect the liberties of each citizen. The State has a Constitutional obligation to represent the best interests of the constituents. This violation of individual liberty currently stands unaddressed. Redistributive policy would ensure these monumental infrastructural changes will not impact the financial liberty of New Yorkers.
Thomas Jefferson wrote that “the true barriers of our liberty in this country are our State governments; and the wisest conservative power ever contrived by man, is that of which our Revolution and present government found us possessed,” (Jefferson, T., p. 4655). Citizens must not allow the State of New York to fall to a condition warned of in antiquity. The government and its citizens must heed warning given from the Founding Fathers.
Feasibility
Political & Administrative Feasibility
The political and administrative feasibility is apparent: this technology is already being used for alternative interests. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has been utilized New York City subway systems to measure particulates for decades without citizen consent. The DOE uses perfluorocarbon tracers to preclude bioterrorist attacks and create strategic responses (BNL). Alternatively, this can be viewed as an infringement on the liberties of the citizen. Not enough space permits the expansion of this topic, as this policy seeks to support the reduction of daily pollution. The bottom line is that Perfluorocarbon tracers are more invasive than particulate measurement technology. New York City already has the resources to invest their research to reduce particulates in the atmospheres of public transit. New York City needs to reallocate their appropriated budget, thus redistributing the costs.
Social Feasibility
Social benefits are welcomed by this policy. Subway pollution unjustly targets working-class minorities. The city’s consistent neglect of safety regulations invoke consideration to the reasoning behind their omission of justice. Data from Where We Live NYC reveals that “White New Yorkers use the subway and buses less than other racial and ethnic groups (49% as compared to between 54% and 64%). The organization’s data shows that “Asian/PI (12%) and White (13%) New Yorkers are more likely to walk to work than Black (5%) or Hispanic (9%) New Yorkers,” (WWL). Pew Research Center indicates that based on their polling “[a]mong urban residents, 34% of blacks and 27% of Hispanics report taking public transit daily or weekly, compared with only 14% of whites,” (Pew). The city of New York must note the high capacity of citizens that are affected by this problem. Resources are available to provide a solution, yet the problem remains beyond the interest of NYC policymakers.
Technical Feasibility
The technical feasibility supports the policy initiative to overhaul NYC’s subway system.
Maglev Technology
Maglev magnetic levitation technology is already available, and has been since the 1960s (Maglev). Maglev high-speed superconductor trains are already being planned for use in America. Maglev is being used successfully internationally. The Department of Energy (DOE) reports that “[t]he first commercially operated high-speed superconducting Maglev train opened in Shanghai in 2004, while others are in operation in Japan and South Korea. In the United States, a number of routes are being explored to connect cities such as Baltimore and Washington, D.C.,” (DOE).
Isolated Infrastructure
Brake dust can be regulated and reduced. Subway brakes must be upgraded to minimize the dust particles that are emitted by its daily use. This technology exists. Ceramic brakes are “virtually dustless,” the best choice for environmental consideration and the assurance of health, (BuyBrakes). New York City subways can implement gradual upgrades to the existing infrastructure while transitioning to Maglev technology.
AirTrains often utilize isolated infrastructure to mitigate passage pollution, as they are often connected directly to the airport itself, (NewarkAirport). Air-restricting barriers could be constructed around the area that the subway arrives. Barriers would prevent dust from kicking up onto the platform as the train arrives. Moreover, dust-restricting barriers would allow for air purification zones to be constructed. These air purification zones would be governed by laser detection analysis systems.
Laser Detection Analysis
Dyson technologies uses “laser measurement for constant particulate concentration analysis," (Dyson). This technology is capable of detecting "volatile organic compounds (VOC's) and oxidizing gases such as NO2,” (Dyson). Dyson utilizes HEPA filters to capture “99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns,” (Dyson). Dyson’s technology is available for home air and office purification. The New York City MTA should implement this existing technology into the public subway infrastructure. Dyson has already incorporated its Dyson Airblade V technology into commercial infrastructure, (TotalRestroom). New York City can utilize this technology to create purification zones for subway riders awaiting the subway car.
Biblical Feasibility
Scripture supports this policy initiative and the preservation of the natural environment. The Old Testament clearly states, “[d]o not pollute the land where you are. Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell, for I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites,” (Numbers 35:33; NIV). God reminds us again, “[t]herefore do not defile the land which you inhabit, in the midst of which I dwell,” (Numbers 35:34a; NKJV). God reminds us that His land is not our to defile. As Jeremiah scribed, “I brought you into the fruitful land to eat its fruit and its good things. But you came and defiled My land, and My inheritance you made an abomination,” (Jeremiah 2:7; NASB).
Alternative Policy Options
Policy Proposals
There have many different instances of bills proposed, and laws amended. The combination of policy proposals reflect the similar character required for an effective solution. The environment needn’t be considered, as the goal of this policy is human health. Legislators have produced strikingly similar bills bringing attention to this public concern. From Res.No.0482 to S.3434, S.2127, and S.6089; there exists an observable need for representation on the subject of clean air. The MTA’s Chapter 11 reveals New York City’s Second Avenue Subway analyzed further pollutants.
Alternative policy proposals include
· Res.No.0482/Res.No.0122
· S.3434/A.6265
· MTA’s Chapter 11
· S.2127-A
· S.6089/A.6414
· Maglev Technology
o Superconductor Maglev Technology
§ Northeast Maglev SCMAGLEV
Res.No.0482-2023/Res.No.0122-2024
Res.No. 0482-203 calls “the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation requiring the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to publish air pollution data for each subway station and mitigate the highest concentrations of air pollutants,” (NYC). The resolution acknowledges that lower income Black and Hispanic citizens are most likely to be impacted by this pollution. Res.No.0122 was revealed on February 28th, 2024, reiterating the same bill proposal.
S.3434/A.6265
The Senate and State Assembly produced S.3434 and A.6265 on March 12th, 2021, proposing a reduction in subway noise pollution. The Senate and State Assembly recognized that pollution was a problem in New York City, specifically in underground subways. The governor promptly signed the bill, making it law. Policymakers mustn’t discriminate on the specific form of pollution they wish to address.
MTA Chapter 11
Chapter 11 of the MTA notes, that “[s]ix primary air pollutants are of concern in New York City: carbon monoxide (CO), respirable particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5—which are particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometers and 2.5 micrometers in diameter, respectively), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ground-level ozone (including volatile organic compounds [VOCs] and NOx), lead, and sulfur dioxide,” (MTA). The proposal contends “[t]he Clean Air Act requires each state to submit a SIP [State Implementation Plan] to the EPA demonstrating attainment of NAAQS [National Ambient Air Quality Standards],” (MTA).
S.2127-A
On January 18th, 2023 discusses emission standards, a rising trend in regulation. Although not specific to subway systems, it reveals correlative concern for the well-being of the community.
S.6089/A.6414
The Senate and State Assembly introduced S.6089 and A.6414 on March 28th, 2023. This 13-page bill calls for zero-emission busses and other vehicles. Subway cars are classified as other vehicles, therefore must be factored into this initiative. As the modern political trend calls for zero-emissions, so must New York Subways fall under this compliance.
Maglev Technology
Maglev technology is magnetic levitation technology and has been available for decades. It is currently being utilized in China, Korea and Japan, (Maglev). While this technology is expensive—as would rebuilding its current infrastructure—New York City is worth the investment. Maglev boasts better “fuel conservation, noise pollution reduction, pavement maintenance savings, safety benefits,” (NortheastMaglev). Residents of foreign nations already enjoy the experience of breathing cleaner air. New Yorkers deserve to travel to work without being forced to encounter hazardous particles, capable of causing lifelong ailments.
The Northeast Maglev is currently underway. The company cites a savings of $6 billion per year from wasted time. Northeast Maglev asserts that “[t]he average DC commuter spends 102 hours/year in traffic delays. We are looking to change that. With the SCMAGLEV, you will be able to take back your time,” (NortheastMaglev). Maglev’s newest model the SCMAGLEV features include consuming “30% less energy than other high-speed maglev trains, and 50% less than a commercial airliner,” (NortheastMaglev).
Conclusions
The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Subway system must incrementally move toward Maglev magnetic infrastructure. The NYC MTA can take additional steps to mitigate the known thirteen aerosolized pollutants. These steps include addressing brakes, ventilation, laser detection analysis, air purification zones, and isolated infrastructure. Ceramic brakes must be utilized to minimize dust. A ventilation system must be installed; the alternative to environmental risks are the lungs of the passengers. Magnetic infrastructure is not an immediate option, and will require a period of transition. Clean-air zones need to be constructed until this occurs whereby specific areas can filter air. Ventilation can be incorporated into this transition, alongside real time particulate measurements. These changes will be financed by redistributive policy, whereby annual infrastructure budget can be allocated to improve subway systems.
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