NYC Expands Subway Wireless Access, Michael Bublé Sings In Subway Station

Video from MichaelBubleTV

New York City subway commuters can now make calls and access the Internet on mobile devices in 36 underground subway stations. The first phase of the city project brings wireless access to some of the busiest travel hubs, including stations at Rockefeller Center and Times Square. Transit officials hope to expand the access to 40 additional stations in Manhattan and other boroughs by the first quarter of next year. The project will be funded entirely through fees paid by wireless carriers. 

Meanwhile, singer Michael Bublé brightened up a morning commute today when he performed "Who's Lovin You" with the a capella group Naturally 7 in the subway station below Lincoln Center. The song is from his newly released album.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Fare Hike

The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority's fare hike went into effect at midnight on March 3, including a monthly ticket increase for Long Island Rail Road riders of as much as 15.3 percent, depending on destination and trip type, along with a quarter increase in most subway and bus fares. LIRRfares rose an average of 9 percent, along with Metro-North train fares. Subway and bus rides increased from $2.25 to $2.50 for a single ride, and express buses will cost $6. Other notable increases include a seven-day MetroCard hitting $30, up from $29, and a monthly MetroCard going up from $104 to $112. Customers are now charged $1 for every new MetroCard they purchase, and tolls have also gone up. Toll increases range from $4.80 to $5.33 for E-ZPass customers and from $6.50 to $7.50 for cash customers.

The images above were taken at 42nd Street in Times Square, 5th Avenue-Bryant Park and Grand Central stations.

Subway Ad - The Rockettes in Radio City Christmas Speactacular at 47th Street - Rockefeller Center Station

The 47th Street/Rockefeller Center Subway Station (BDFM line) prominently displays an ad for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The ad features the Rockettes, who were first formed in 1925 as the Missouri Rockets in St. Louis. By 1932, the precision dance team ended up in New York City on the stage of the brand new Radio City Music Hall. Today, the Rockettes, famous for its high-kicking chorus line, are still going strong. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular celebrates the 85th Anniversary of the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in midtown Manhattan, now through December 30th.

How To Ride The Subway (Tips From The Daily News)

The Daily News recently published an article titled, How To Ride The Subway. The video features NY1's Jamie Shupak and news scribe Meena Hart Duerson. Photos above were taken inside a 6 train and the York Street station in Brooklyn.

"If You See Something, Say Something"

Two years ago, the Department of Homeland Security launched a national "If You See Something, Say Something" public awareness campaign to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism and violent crime, and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper state and local law enforcement authorities. The campaign was originally used by New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which has licensed the use of the slogan to DHS for anti-terrorism and anti-crime efforts. In New York City, the slogan is found in subway cars, as well as in subway station steps as depicted in the iPhone photo above.

Bowling Green Subway Station (IRT Control House)

This beautiful structure in Lower Manhattan is the entrance to the Bowling Green subway station, also known as the Bowling Green IRT Control House or Battery Park Control House. Located near the southern end of Broadway, this subway entrance was designed by Heins & LaFarge and built in 1905 on the west side of State Street, across from the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House. Along with its twin, the old control house for the 72nd Street station, this building is a reminder of the glory of New York's first subway, the Interborough Rapid Transit Company, predecessor to the current routes. Although most of the original subway's entry points had steel and glass kiosks, the important stations like this one were marked with brick and stone control house, called such as they helped control the passenger flow. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.