The Straphangers Campaign picks the best and worst subway events of 2012

The transportation advocacy organization namechecks Hurricane Sandy, fare hikes and subway crime in its annual report.

By Amy Plitt Thu Jan 3 2013

For the third year running, transit advocacy group the Straphangers Campaign has released its list of the best and worst things to happen to New York City transit this year. Unsurprisingly, Hurricane Sandy made the "worst" list—both in terms of the damage that the system suffered, and in terms of the estimated $1 billion it will cost to fix lingering issues from the storm. But Sandy also, improbably, topped the "best" list: Straphangers noted that the subways were up mere days after the storm hit, calling the feat "transit at its best, with managers and workers moving mountains."

Other crummy events that made the list: the forthcoming fare hikes, which were approved in late December and will take effect in March; the rise in subway crime; and the resignation of MTA chairman Joe Lhota, who may or may not be running for mayor this year. (And by that we mean he totally will be. Probably.)

But it wasn't all bad, right? Positive subway developments include the long-awaited transfer between the uptown 6 and the B, D, F and M at Broadway–Lafayette St; the expansion of Select Bus Service; and the launch of Riders Alliance, a new advocacy group.

What say you, readers? What were your best and worst subway moments of 2012?