As the Governor and the Mayor squabble over the subways, those who actually ride the train for more than photo-ops are fed up with the sinking service.
"The errant trash bags, the garbled announcements, the scurrying rats. They all define our shabby system," said Adrian Untermeyer of the Riders Alliance.
"It's the daily indignities," complained one straphanger.
"I'm afraid to ride the subway," said another.
A day after MTA Chairman Joe Lhota detailed a well-received plan to rescue the subways, it was clear he has a long way to go before convincing riders — and even some board members — that relief is just down the track.
"It is currently a rubberstamp for the governor's policies," said board member Andrew Saul. "We have constant confusion and direction, low morale and the loss of many of our best employees."
A Cuomo spokesman dismissed the broadside of Westchester County representative Andrew Saul as politically motivated, noting he represents County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican who ran against Cuomo three years ago.
"It's no surprise (Saul) would use his platform to spout nonsense," the governor's spokesman said. "We're stepping up to the plate with solutions."
Those short-term fixes include better signal and subway car upkeep to reduce delays and breakdowns. And eliminating some seats on some trains to and ease overcrowding.
"Our customers want to get to a situation where they can get from Point A to Point B in the fastest way possible," Lhota said Tuesday.
But it's not going to be a cheap fix — with the MTA and City Hall at odds over Lhota's call that the city bankroll half of the $800 million plan.
The Governor's Allies at Transport Workers Union Local 100 bought airtime calling on Mayor to pay up.
"He can't throw his hands up in the air and walk away," said Tony Utano, with the union. "He can't throw his hands and say 'It's not his problem.'"
The Mayor said that's not happening.
"Why would I want to give up New York City taxpayer dollars, which are not abundant, when the state has not even reimbursed the MTA for the money it took," de Blasio said.
And with the MTA still on shaky financial footing, the agency said it'll continue its pattern of every other year fare increases into 2021.