In a clever ploy to generate revenue, the MTA Metro-North has teamed up with Grand Central to offer audio tours of the historic terminal. The self-guided tour will be offered in English, Spanish and French and will include an introductory speech by Mayor Bloomberg. Visitors can opt to have the "express" or "local" tour, which vary from 30 minutes to an hour or longer. Discounted tickets at $4 will be available to seniors, but regular prices will be $5 for adults, $3 for students and $1 for children under 12. While the tour seems rather interesting, offering an architectural history and fun facts/anecdotes about the terminal, it seems like a transparent attempt for the MTA to get more money. It would be great if it helped subway prices go down, but knowing the MTA, it won't.
To read more... http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Grand-Central-Terminal-to-Offer-Official-Audio-Tours-110430219.html
In case Grand Central wasn't crowded enough, now we'll have to wade through tourists with headphones wandering around? I agree, another way for the MTA to salvage some money while they throw it away on fancy signs instead of real track improvements.
ReplyDelete