Prospect Park Token Booth Officially History

A few months ago, we wondered out loud which of the two token booths at the Prospect Park subway station was slated for destruction: Lincoln or Empire? Well, we now have our answer, and the winner (loser) is... Empire.

As of this writing, what was formerly the work space of an actual MTA worker is now a pile of rubble. People can still enter and exit the subway at the Empire entrance, but they'll have trouble if they're, say, pushing a large stroller or grocery cart. In order to use the special entrance, they'll need to go around to Lincoln (which makes a certain kind of sense since the elevator is at that end as well).

This is bound to also be a pain for people who live nearby in Crown Heights, and for visitors to the Prospect Park Zoo and Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

PREVIOUSLY
Coming Soon: Empty Token Booth
Possibly Token Booth Closing at Prospect Park Station

Comments

[Noah]

Ugh, this is my side of the station. I'm curious what prompted them to go ahead and tear it down? What benefit does it serve to tear it down now, rather than wait to see if the funds come back to man the station again? Parts? I doubt the MTA is that efficient. Seems shortsighted IMO.

[babs]

So that they can spend more taxpayers' money to build a new one later. Makes sense to me.

[babs]

But probably the official explanation is to prevent homeless people from breaking in and squatting there.

[josh]

Maybe a safety issue. It would make for a few blind spots helping potential muggers in an unmaned entrance. Still ridiculous.

[Bob Marvin]

I think it's most likely that the MTA tore the booth down to make futile any pressure to reopen it.

[vheidi]

I think Bob is right. And
the machines are always "not accepting bills" which isn't too cool. And unless they hook it up to a different power source, the expiration date check macine is defunct too. What service!

[Matthew]

To avoid the machines, it may be useful to check out the semi-new EasyPayXpress metrocards, which will periodically charge your credit card, depending on your preferences (pay per ride or unlimited):

http://www.mta.info/metrocard/EasyPayXpress.htm

[Matt]

Some years ago I lived near an unmanned entrance of the G/R/V in Queens. Invariably the metrocard machines would get jammed up (No Bills Accepted) by thuggy guys who would then sell individual fares using the card-bending trick (explained here: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/24/nyregion/24FOLL.html). I'm not sure if that scam works anymore, but I definitely predict hassles, litter and increased crime at the Empire entrance. And I totally agree with Bob that the MTA destroyed the booth to render protest moot. That's the biggest scam of all.

[Seth]

I also agree with Bob. I never seen the MTA do something so thoroughly and so quickly.