| Releases
& Statements
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 10, 2007
Contact: Sarah Krauss
(212) 669-4193; (917) 541-0936
Release #: 043-2007
Public Advocate Gotbaum Releases Videocast Demanding Answers from the MTA
MANHATTAN -- Public Advocate Gotbaum today released a new videocast today, demanding answers from the Metropolitan Transit Authority for the subway outages yesterday. Public Advocate Gotbaum sent the MTA a letter more than three years ago, demanding that they update their pumping and communication systems. A full transcript of the new videocast is listed below. To view the videocast, go to: www.pubadvocate.nyc.gov.
TRANSCRIPT
[Black title screen comes into focus displaying, “Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum / Improving Access to City Services” and “MTA Subway Failure / 8-8-07." Fades into BG speaking behind podium of City Hall’s ‘Red Room.’]
BG: “Thank you, thank you. First of all, I think that this shows that a failure to plan, is a plan for failure. And, today, what happened is an outrage.”
[Transitions to BG still speaking at podium but camera angle from the side.]
BG: “It was very clear that neither system worked: There were garbled messages. People didn’t know what to do. People were told to go to the train that wasn’t working. People were told to get on the bus. The busses were jammed full. So it was a complete failure and a complete breakdown. And what I’m really concerned about is the safety of New Yorkers.
“We need to be better prepared for safety or safety problems. If this is going to happen in a predictable rain storm, what will happen in an unpredicted disaster?”
[Picture switches to still frame of BG speaking next to City Speaker Christine Quinn. Captions read, “City Speaker Christine Quinn,” “and / Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum,” and “Demand answers from the MTA.”]
BG: “The nerve of the MTA asking for a fair hike while this is going on. People are absolutely outraged. They were outraged even before this happened today, can you imagine…?"
[Black titles screens fade in and read, “If you have any questions,” “Call / (212) 669-7200,” and “Or visit: www.pubadvocate.nyc.gov”]
You can also view the videocast at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZsH1V2_DqE.
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