If the subway makes you late, you can get an excuse letter from MTA

NYC transit riders scramble to explain delays

June 5, 2017 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Late again? You can get a verification letter from MTA proving your train was late. AP file photo

Share this:

If subway delays make you late for school, work or appointments, you can request an excuse letter from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

MTA said on its official Twitter feed Monday that disgruntled riders can fill out an online form if they need to verify that their train was late (anytime within the past three months). The form can be found at http://enterprise.mtanyct.info/DelayVerify/delayRequest.aspx.

You’ll need to fill in your name, the date and time of the delay and the subway lines and stations involved.

MTA has actually provided this service for several years but the recent uptick in delays has increased the demand for excuse letters.

The subway system’s performance has dropped significantly, with delays more than doubling during the last five years, according to a review of MTA data by the New York Times.

One late commuter who filled out the form on Monday was disappointed to be told by MTA’s automated response that she would receive a reply within 10 business days.

“Ten days!” she said. “I’ll be fired by then.”

It may not take that long, however. Most requests made online are processed in two days, an MTA spokesperson said, though some can take up to 10 days. Requests by phone or mail can take two weeks, so it pays to file online.