State of Emergency declared for New York City Subway

Gov Andrew M Cuomo declared a state of emergency for the subway system on Thursday and said he would sign an executive order to accelerate efforts to improve service, including undertaking badly needed repairs and obtaining new cars and equipment. Cuomo said the dismal performance of the system was no longer acceptable and said he had ordered Joseph J Lhota, the new chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, to provide a reorganization plan for the agency within 30 days, to "design an organization that performs a function" rather than continuing as it has, he said. Lhota must also review the agency's capital plan within 60 days, the governor added, pledging that he would direct an addition $1bn for capital improvements.