October 4, 2010, New Rochelle, NY – It’s October and that means politicians will be out there campaigning. A favorite spot of theirs is the Manhattan-bound New Rochelle train station platform. This morning proved no different as Republican Bob Cohen was out there glad-handing and handing out flyers. Last week, Amy Paulin did the same with her entourage.
This location guarantees maximum exposure to a large cross-section of people and is a sure-fire way to talk to them and connect.
This tradition may end?
This ‘tradition’ of sorts could end when the MTA fully implements the tap-n-go technology. What has been leaked to the press in the past is that the commuter train platforms will no longer be a free and open access place for everyone because they’ll be ‘fare control areas’.
This new fare collection program will have a pole (or two) where the train rider will have to ‘tap’ their ‘fob’ card that comes with RFID (Radio Frequency ID) technology. Beyond this point, only fare-paying passengers will be allowed on the platform otherwise they could be subject to charges and fines.
Fear not, the tradition won’t end but evolve – just be ready to get your handshakes and flyers at the various street entrances instead.
To see photos, visit my blog at:
http://railientrails.blogspot.com/2010/10/its-election-time-meet-candidates-at.html