MTA Heroes

Weeks of December 9th & December 16th, 2009

Please Post Prominently and Distribute Widely

INSIDE

“You are the
greatest symbol of
the public sector
rebuilding itself. Be
proud, but do me a
favor — don’t be
satisfied,” Jay
Walder, MTA CEO,
Chair at Medals
Awards ceremony.
Medals of Excellence Ceremony
Celebrating NYCT’s Heroes, Distinguished Employees
By Sylvia Isabel, Corporate Communications

How was work today? Transit workers probably have the most interesting
Nostalgia Train, responses to this perennial question. We have wonderful lost-and-found tourist
Page 3 stories, of course. But then, there are the real stories—births, near disasters,
people on the tracks, fires, choking and belligerent customers. You name it,
Citizenship
we got it. Besides several Heimlich maneuvers to save choking co-workers
and putting out fires, this year’s heroes, distinguished service and
Celebration, Page 4
commendation honorees performed far above the call of duty.

Winter Weather You may recall Transit’s special deliveries—the Subway worker who
Service, Page 4 delivered a baby on the R line (Whitehall Street Station) this past summer; and
the bus operator who delivered a baby on a Brooklyn bus the next day. Both
Health Plan stories were featured in the media. Well, there’s more. One train operator
Changes, Page 5 stopped her train inches from a man laying on the tracks in Harlem. Yes, we
save lots of people who end up on our tracks! A disturbed and distraught man
Job Vacancy found on the tracks at Hewes Street Station on the M line was also rescued and
Notices, Page 5-6 calmed by Subway personnel. At Woodlawn Terminal, a team of workers
cleaned, sanitized and fumigated, in record time (11 minutes!), a 10-car train
with two cars in really bad shape after some unsightly, messy episodes took
Back Issues: click
place on the floors, walls, seats and ceiling.
here for Weekly
News back issues. Another team of workers helped an unruly and belligerent customer on the 1
at Times Square despite the man spitting in their faces. At 2 am at Pacific

Weekly News, weeks of December 9th & 16th, 2009 Page 2

Street Station, a train worker put out a fire on a train car and evacuated customers. With organized
spontaneity, a team of bus workers put out a Casey Stengel Depot fire, saving lives, equipment and
uninterrupted service. And to top it off, we had an ‘Auditing hero’ who was astute enough to challenge a
utility bill and eventually recover $385K in Con Ed overcharges! Take that to the bank!

“Today we recognize ordinary people who did extraordinary things,” said Tom Webb, VP Workforce
Development, in his welcoming remarks at the recent Medals of Excellence Ceremony held at 2
Broadway. “This is a heritage unique only to us. We (New York City Transit) built this city relying only
on the workers. So many of our people are everyday heroes,” he said. Twenty-six out of nearly 47,000
employees were honored: 4 Heroism (Buses), 20 Commendations (19 Subways; 1 Buses) and 2
Distinguished Service Awards (CPM). “These 26 individuals add up to 335 years of service!” Webb
added.

The occasion provided the first opportunity for the agency’s two new leaders—MTA Chairman and CEO,
Jay H.Walder and NYCT President Thomas F. Prendergast— to visit and mix freely with employees
and their families at the same event.

“It feels good to be back.The Transit system is what makes New York special,” said Walder. ”We think of
the steel and MetroCards that identify the system. But, it is not about steel and MetroCards. It is about
the people. I remember 1983, it was an extreme eye-opener of fires, scary rides, grafitti and uncertainty.
Look at us today. NYCT is the heart and soul of the City’s resurgence. I want everyone here to be proud.
You are the greatest symbol of the public sector rebuilding itself. Be proud, but do me a favor—don’t be
satisfied. As we age, what we want is to be better. Go on this journey with me to hit higher levels of
customer satisfaction and new technologies. We can replace the parts but not the people. It is my deepest
belief that our greatest asset is our people.”

President Thomas Prendergast added: “I’m glad and honored to be here and standing with you. It’s true
that in those prior years we may have failed to realize that our most important asset is our people. As
mentiond earlier, you realize that your real destiny is in the hands of the employees. In a military-type
organization where each job is clearly defined, today’s honorees found ways to stretch the limits and
make decisive moves that made a difference. On my tour, we had two accidents. In those days, we truly
suffered. There may have been thousands of near misses that didn’t happen because of what you did—you
made all the difference. It is with a great deal of humility that I thank you for the quality of your service.”

This program is considered the most important event to honor employees who were deemed the ‘best of
the best.’ It followed a traditional format. Chaplain Brenda Roberston sang the National Anthem.
Father Lucas filled in for Chaplain Harry Berkowitz and gave the Invocation. Tributes from the unions
came from Andreeva Pinder, TWU, Local 100 and Joseph Helm, Subway Surface Supervisors
Association. A catered breakfast was served. Each honoree was photographed with the chief executives.

Congratulations to the following honorees: Distinguished Service (CPM)—Zhi-Wei Lin and Delsie
Rojas; Commendations (Subways)—John Biscaino, Denise Clarke, Tyrone Cloud, Dale Cook,
Robert Donnelly, Miguel Figueroa, Joseph Grech, Yovanny Hernandez, Cecil Kingston, Igor
Labinsky, Burim Marke, Sheila Mosley, Kenneth Natal, Jose Pena (Buses), Scott Prendergast,
Anthony Santana, Robert Schmit, Lawrence Singh, Bretta Sykes, Anthony Webb; and Heroism
(Buses)—Kevin Cusack, Milton Hilario, Michael Napodano, John Watts.

A big ‘Thank you’ goes to Workforce Development Managers: Joseph Loperfido, Larry Sampson, and
Jessica Kavoulakis; and Thalia Panton, AVP, for producing a wonderful program.

Page 2 of 6


Nostalgia Trains
Riding the Nostalgia Shoppers' Special, you can
expect to see a variety of subway cars in service
from the 1930s to the 1970s, that ran along the
Rolling on Sundays lettered lines from the Grand Concourse to
Coney Island. Ceiling fans, padded seats and
incandescent light bulbs were state-of-the-art for
Vintage Trains Return for Holidays these cars.
Only on December Sundays
By Sylvia Isabel, Corporate Communications

What could be more memorable than a chance to
relive that classic New York City Subway ride?
Here’s your opportunity—only on a Sunday, in
December, that is. The vintage train features the
classic dark olive green exterior. The memorable
interior is a neutral palette of grey tones, white
metal poles, red/maroon plastic covered seats;
the wicker seats are there this year too! All of
the iconic elements are there— from ceiling
fans, incandescent light bulbs, leather The cars were removed from service 30 years
straphangers, porcelain handholds and vintage ago and replaced by the stainless steel, climate-
graphics on posters including Miss Subways, controlled trains that our customers have
Chicklets and Lucky Strikes. And the best thing become accustomed to. Many subway riders
of all is the view—front of the train track view! have never experienced the charm of wicker
seats and ceiling fans, but they are back for the
The Nostalgia train ride kicked off in festive remaining Sundays between the hours of 10 a.m.
style wth the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, and 5 p.m., on December 20 and 27.
including a MetroCard deal to see their show.
For details, go to http://bit.ly/Rckttes Hop on More Vintage Trains…
board and re-live those days with this year’s
1930s-era Nostalgia Shoppers' Special, which If you can’t make the December Sunday
will run along the V Line between Long Island ‘Nostalgia’ rides, you can still indulge your
City, Queens and Lower Manhattan. But you passions for these and other vintages trains.
must have patience and vigilance to catch this Many are usually housed at the New York
train. Remember, do your shopping near the V Transit Museum in Brooklyn Heights where
subway line! To see the photo shoot of the they have honored positions along with original
Rockettes kick-off with Transit staff, go to token turnstiles and other memorabilia, as static
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nyctransit/tags/mt displays. For the miniature train enthusiast, a
a/ must see is the Annual Holiday Train Show at
the Museum's Gallery Annex at Grand Central
"With a little bit of luck and good timing, riders Terminal featuring a working layout and a
will be able to catch a ride on this classic selection of vintage model trains dating from the
subway train at stations along the V line 1800's.The layout, which this year features
between Queens Plaza and Second Avenue." Lionel's brand new MTA LIRR's M7 cars, will
said Steven Feil, MTA New York City Transit's be on view now through January 18, 2010.
Senior Vice President of the Department of
Subways. For hours and directions, please call 212-878-
0106 or go to MTA.info/transit museum.

Page 3 of 6


Citizenship Celebration When Winter Weather Hits
Congratulations to Santhosh Alex of HPEM Look for Posted Service Changes
MetroCard Operations (High Production
Encoding Machines) for becoming a US citizen It happens every year. Sooner or later winter
recently. He was sworn in at a Central Islip, weather gets especially messy, and when it does
Long Island court. Alex said his ‘American your subway line may not operate normally, or
Dream’ began according to the printed schedule. To keep
as a child customers informed, Corporate
growing up in Communications/Marketing has created a
Mavelikara, colorful and informative poster designed to alert
India’s state riders to what to expect.
of Kerala.
There he
Periods of heavy snow, ice and freezing rain
commenced his
require that out-of-service trains be stored in
studies at the
subway tunnels overnight rather than be left
University of
sitting in outside yards. While this insures that
Kerala. He then moved on to the University of
trains are ready for their next assignment to rush
Pune, near Mumbai, where he earned a Master’s
hour service and that car interiors maintain a
Degree in Computer Management. Alex
comfortable temperature, the idle trains must be
explained that his wife Mary became a citizen in
stored on tracks that would normally be used for
1999 and their daughter, Emily, was a born
express service.
citizen. So, he said it was his turn to step up.
Of course, we try to maintain as much train
To celebrate the wonderful occasion, coworker
service as possible, but during instances of
Lanette Smith-White (the famed ‘Transit Cake
severe winter weather, service on the A, E, D, F,
Queen’-see her profile next edition!) baked a
special cake designed with India’s and US’ flag, N, Q, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Lines may run local for
US Constitution and Declaration of segments of their routes. Service on some
Independence representing his personal journey. weekday lines including the B, V, and W may
“God Bless America. I have great co-workers also end earlier than regularly scheduled. These
and a great country to live, study and progress and other service adjustments are explained on
in life,” said Alex. (Thank you to Diana Leavy NYC Transit's Cold Weather service posters,
for this heads up. Send announcements to which are currently being posted in subway
weeklynewsmailbox@nyct.com) – Sylvia Isabel stations and cars throughout the system. The
information is also included online on the NYC
Employee Citizenship Transit Service Advisory page.

Many American state and local government When the forecast calls for severe winter
agencies employ non-citizens. Only the Federal weather, subway and bus customers should
government agencies require US citizenship for allow for additional travel time and, remember,
all of its employees, according to US Labor service alerts are posted on the MTA home page
Department. NYCT employee citizenship data at www.mta.info. To download a PDF version of
collection began in November 2003. Since then, the poster, click here.
NYCT has hired 13,800 employees indicating
US citizenship (this includes naturalized 2010 Health Plan Changes
citizens) and 2,100 employees indicating Everyone should have received the mailers by
Permanent Resident status. Prior to 2003, there now explaining health plan changes. This is a
were no means of tracking this information, reminder that you may change your plan now.
according to HR officials. You may or may not see rate changes in your

Page 4 of 6


medical plan deductions. It all depends on your CAAT, COMTO Holiday Events
title: Manager Employee Contribution Memo; Everyone is welcome to attend these exciting
Non-Rep Career and Salary, Non-Rep Oper, holiday events:
OSA, and TSO SSII Employee Contribution CAAT (Committee for African Americans in
Memo; or SSSA and TSO Oper and Queens Transit) is offering discount tickets on several
Division Employee Contribution Memo. The dates to see Fela!, the award-winning new
NYSHIP Choices Guide 2010 is available on musical based on the life of Afro-beat legend
TENS. For more information contact NYSHIP Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. It’s all set for December
directly by: Logging onto www.cs.state.ny.us ; 21, 27, 28, 2009 and January 3, 2010. Proceeds
Calling 1-877-769-7447 .Visit TENS/Human will benefit the CAAT Scholarship fund. Tickets
Resource Home Page: Benefits/NYSHIP/Active range from $42-$87. Call 212-947-8844, use
Employees – Health Benefits – code#FECHR1127. Call Solenia @646-252-
Medical/hospital/ Prescription Drugs. Contact 3770 or Karen @ 646-252-3165.
Employee Benefits by: Calling 1-347-643-8550
(from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through COMTO (Conference of Minority
Friday) E-mailing: employeebenefits@nyct.com Transportation Officials) is hosting a Toy Drive
Logging onto http://myaccess.nyct.com and Holiday party, December 18 @ VuDu
Lounge, 1487 1st Avenue, between 77th & 78th
Streets, 6-9pm. Donation is $10 or a new,
Health Club Membership Deadline unwrapped toy. Proceeds benefit Transit
Reminder to managers, and non-represented Workers for Children. Call Dwayne @ 347-
employees, members of the Civil Bar Assn., 694-1670.
Civil Service Technical Guild-Ch. 2 (DC 37, (Send your listings to
Local 375, the organization of Staff weeklynewsmailbox@nyct.com)
Analysts, SSSA, TWU Local 106 (TSO),
and UFLEO—Open enrollment for the
NYCT Health Club membership payroll
deduction program will be held from
Q uote of the Week: "The most exciting
happiness is the happiness generated
by forces beyond your control.” -
December 7, 2009-January 4, 2010. Check
TENS for specific club details or call Ogden Nash
Carrol Cargill @ 347-643-8335.

Job Vacancy Notices
December 11, 2009 - January 4, 2010
Asst. Electrical Engr. Rep Subways Division/Unit: Car $53,216 - $69,435 $46,275
Job Vacancy # 005267 Equipment

Electrical Engineer II Subways Division/Unit: Car $75,105 - $90,734 $65,309
Electrical Engineer III Equipment $84,016 - $99,045 $73,057
Job Vacancy # 005273
Mechanical Engineer II Subways Division/Unit: Car $75,105 - $90,734 $65,309
Mechanical Engineer III Equipment $84,016 - $99,045 $73,057
Manager, Classification and Administration Division/Unit: $67,000 -$105,900 (F)
Examination Human Resources
Assoc. Staff Analyst (TA) Administration Division/Unit: $64,778 - $83,872 $56,329
Assoc. Staff Analyst (OA) Human Resources $67,314 - $87,159

Page 5 of 6


Staff Analyst I (TA) $49,351 - $58,427 $42,914
Staff Analyst I (OA) $51,287 - $60,716
Staff Analyst II (TA) $57,305 - $63,822 $49,830
Staff Analyst II (OA) $59,549 - $66,322
Staff Analyst Trainee SS 1 (TA) $38,665 - $40,982 $33,622
Staff Analyst Trainee SS 1 (OA) $40,179 - $42,588
Staff Analyst Trainee SS 2 (TA) $41,757 - $46,397 $36,310
Staff Analyst Trainee SS 2 (OA) $43,395 - $48,215
Staff Analyst I (TA) Administration Division/Unit: $49,351 - $58,427 $42,914
Staff Analyst I (OA) Human Resources $51,287 - $60,716
Staff Analyst II (TA) $57,305 - $63,822 $49,830
Staff Analyst II (OA) $59,549 - $66,322
Director, Maintenance of Way Workforce Development $71,500 -$113,000 (E)
Training Division/Unit: Workforce
Job Vacancy # 005316 Development
Director, Operations Training Workforce Development $71,500 -$113,000 (E)
Division/Unit: Workforce
Job Vacancy # 005317 Development
Mtce. Supv. (Car Equip) II Workforce Development $79,400 - $83,360
Job Vacancy # 005318 Division/Unit: Workforce
Development
Mtce. Supv. (Signals) II Workforce Development $79,400 - $83,360
Job Vacancy # 005319 Division/Unit: Workforce
Development
Manager, Applications Executive V.P. Division/Unit: $71,500 -$113,000 (E)
Job Vacancy # 005321 Technology & Info Services
Confidential Secretary I Regional Bus Company $47,182 - $64,464
Job Vacancy # 005322 Division/Unit: Central Maintenance
Facility
Computer Spc. (SW) 1 DC37 Ben Subways Division/Unit: Electronics $78,184 - $84,736 $67,986
Computer Spc. (SW) 2 DC37 Ben Maintenance $81,451 - $91,245 $70,827
Computer Spc. (SW) 3 DC37 Ben $87,959 - $99,232 $76,486
Computer Spc. (SW) 4 DC37 Ben $94,358 - $113,618 $82,050
Superintendent, AFC Maintenance Subways Division/Unit: Electronics $75,600 -$119,400 (D)
Operation - Buses Maintenance
Manager, Fire Protection and Safety System Safety Division/Unit: $80,900 -$127,800 (C)
System Safety

For more jobs information call Michelle Weakly at 347-643-8450NYCT & MaBSTOA Examination
Hotline: (212) 712-5627.Positions Open to Public: www.mta.info MTA NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT IS
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Weekly News is available on TENS under Transit/MTACC
News and from home online on MyAccess and the NYCT retiree network: http://retiree.nyct.com, click
Retiree Online Home and Newsstand. DO YOU HAVE NEWS FOR THE WEEKLY NEWS? Call 646-
252-6886; fax 646-252-6857 OR weeklynewsmailbox@nyct.com.

Page 6 of 6

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