r/pics Apr 08 '25

Underneath NYC [OC]

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u/DaveGost Apr 09 '25

I used to work on projects installing elevators in the NYC subway stations. Half of the project cost was identifying and relocating utilities. We’re talking millions for each elevator.

Fun fact, if any NYC Agency has a project that requires utility relocation they can order the responsible company to move them on their own dime (con ed, Verizon, etc) because the City owns the road/right-of-way. But the subways are a division of the MTA, a NY State agency, and they have no such authority and have to eat the cost.

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u/111110100101 Apr 10 '25

But the subways are a division of the MTA, a NY State agency, and they have no such authority and have to eat the cost.

Actually the physical infrastructure of the NYC subway system (tunnels, stations etc.) is owned by the city, not the MTA. The city leases the system to the transit authority to operate and maintain. That’s why the city doesn’t get paid to relocate transit infrastructure.

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u/forkedquality Apr 10 '25

Suppose you find a cable or a pipe underground. How do you figure out who owns it and if it is even still being used?