Paper or Plastic?

When the issue is transferring from the G subway line to the J and M lines in Williamsburg, the choice should be plastic, says a local mass transit watchdog group.

"It's a no-brainer," said Teresa Toro, New York City coordinator for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. "Except, of course, to NYC Transit."

The "no-brainer," Toro explained, is a proposed MetroCard street transfer for subway riders from the G line Broadway station to the J/M line Hewes St. station.

NYC Transit has recently offered a paper-based transfer for Brooklyn riders trying to get to and from Manhattan during L train shutdowns. However, Toro and her group say the old-fashioned paper just
doesn't cut it.

"The MetroCard is much more flexible," she said.

According to the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, about 48% of subway riders still use Pay-Per-Ride or Single Ride MetroCards. Those riders need the proposed transfer system more, the advocates say, than straphangers who can afford to purchase more expensive unlimited ride MetroCards.

The group will hold a press conference today at 11 a.m. at the street level entrance of the Hewes St. station with transit activists, community leaders and elected officials advocating that the change be made.

"We know the MTA budget restraints, and we're not asking for a tunnel or enclosed connection to be built," said Toro. "It's not a lot to ask if someone just wants a transfer."

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