On Tuesday, some cell phone users will get service on four subway platforms on the west side of Manhattan, the Times reports. AT&T and T-Mobile users waiting for C or E trains at 23rd Street or the A, C, E or L at 14th Street; for the 1, 2 or 3 at 14th Street; or the the F, M and L at 14th Street will be able to text and yak away. FML indeed. The privilege will cut off once a train enters a tunnel. It’s a pilot program that the MTA hopes to extend if it’s a success. It seems odd the MTA would be spending money [SEE CORRECTION] on this at all since no decent person ever has thought, “gee, I wish people had cell phone service on subway platforms.” And, you know, there are other things on which the MTA could spend money.
CORRECTION: Cell phone service is coming at no cost to the MTA. A private company, Transit Wireless, is paying almost $47 million over 10 years to develop, control, and maintain service.