Q: Has the MTA studied the accuracy of its subway schedules? I know that the Straphangers Campaign charts line performance, but has the MTA gathered similar numbers for itself?

A: The MTA has indeed conducted studies of the transit system, though they are less detailed and less specific than the ones you’ve seen from the Straphangers Campaign. In 2003 and 2004, the MTA charted the percentage of subway trains that were within “an acceptable limit” of their scheduled time. The acceptable limit was no more than two minutes after the scheduled time during rush hours, 6 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., and no more than four minutes late from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The MTA looked at trains running during those hours for the first half of 2003 and the first half of 2004. The study found that 88.3% of trains came within the set acceptable limits in the first half of 2003.That dropped to 86.9% in the first half of 2004.

That study looked only at trains running from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Another study examined night trains running from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. It examined what percentage of trains left stops either within five minutes after or less than a minute before their scheduled times. The study found night trains are significantly more off-schedule than day trains. In the first half of 2003, trains were found within acceptable limits 77.4% of the time, compared with 75.9% of the time in the first half of 2004.

Q: Are there rules for musical or artistic performances in the subway system?

A: Yes, there are specific rules for any type of performance in the subway that are set forth by the Police Department. If buskers comply with the rules, they are free to put on their act without having to apply for a special permit or permission. The code that governs performances is Section 1050.6 (c). Key rules, as outlined in documents obtained from the NYPD, include: no performances on the trains; no performances within 25 feet of a token booth; no performances within 50 feet of an entrance; no performances in any areas under construction; no performances creating “excessive noise” as prescribed by city code; no noise that might impede transit employees performing their duties; no use of media devices, such as films, slides, etc.; no use of amplification devices on the platform; no sound while announcements by transit employees are being made; no performances that interfere with pedestrian traffic; no aggressive solicitation of donations, and no performances by unauthorized performers in areas specially set aside for the MTA’s Music Under New York program.

While the rules provide an overview, anybody considering a performance in the subway should probably consult the MTA, NYPD, or the code before embarking underground. Failure to comply with the law can result in a summons or expulsion from the station.