Plum Crazy

The study seems like a good idea to me. I think we all know it's stressful and uncomfortable to ride in severly overcrowded subway cars, but it can't hurt to document the actual effect on people's health. Especially if it will help advocates in their efforts to gain more service and system improvements.

Personally, I think it's just a way to spend that tax money that they just can't live without. It's funny how Congress screams and cries about tax cuts and how they'll have to cut services to make up for it, then you see something like this. Unbelievable.

Jon - That would require the British government to raise the penalties sufficiently. If they don't, there is still no economic incentive for service providers to put on extra cars. The government could do that without a study.

Fatman - Well, in fairness, it is the British government doing the study, not the U.S. So Congress can scream and cry however they like, it isn't relevant to this story.

I'm not talking about using the results to increase service in Britain only. They'd apply anywhere, including in NYC. While it's true that the government could increase service without a study, the results will be helpful anyway and could bolster the arguments of groups wanting more service. "It's bad for your health - not just uncomfortable!"

So the biggest dangers are stress and anxiety?
Sounds like they need to dispense 30 minute valim with each fare purchase. Something tells me aromatherapy won't go over quite as well.