NYC’s Transport Authority Puts The Breaks On Its Subway Alert Updates On Twitter
The New York City subway system can be a little finicky at times, but the service update system on Twitter is always there to tell you whether you can take the commute on your way to brunch or whether to book an Uber instead.
Not anymore, as the Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) is no longer providing service alerts on Twitter. These include live updates on train suspensions for different routes that would help someone plan their schedules better.
In a farewell post, the organization cited that the platform “is no longer reliable for providing the consistent updates riders expect.”
For the MTA, Twitter is no longer reliable for providing the consistent updates riders expect.
— MTA (@MTA) April 27, 2023
So as of today, we’re saying goodbye to it for service alerts and information.
But we're not saying goodbye to you, our customers! There are lots of ways to get real-time updates. ⬇ï¸
A report from Bloomberg stated that the MTA had left due to a rise in the costs of Twitter’s APIs, and it was now asking the transport authority to fork up US$50,000 a month. Shanifah Rieara, the MTA’s acting chief customer officer, told the publication that the agency doesn’t think paying that amount “would be the best use of resources.”
Twitter first shut down its API earlier this year after keeping its old one free for use, until recently. However, the new changes ask individuals to cough up US$100 a month to utilize it, and larger entities will have much higher sums to pay, as in the case of MTA.
The transport company isn’t the first to make such a move, as previously, Microsoft pulled advertising from Twitter and announced that it would no longer be using the platform. It also removed access to Twitter from its marketing management tools.
If you’re worried about the subway breaking down the next time you’re out, the MTA asks that you check its official website or download MYmta and TrainTime apps for updates. In addition, you can also monitor its WhatsApp account or sign up for SMS alerts to stay up-to-date with the train network.
[via Engadget and Washington Post, ID 1411757 © Jimmy Lopes | Dreamstime.com]
