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NYC Transit Offers 'Late Line' For Commuters

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Dec 1, 2008 7:27 pm US/Eastern

NYC Transit Offers 'Late Line' For Commuters

If Trains, Buses Are Delayed And You Are Late To Work, You Can Now Officially Get A Note For Your Employer

City Working On Online 'Late Line' For Commuters To Use

Reporting
Scott Rapoport
NEW YORK (CBS) ― Consider it a "Get out of trouble with your boss" card.

Did you know if you're late to work because of bus or train delays you could get a "lateness letter" from New York City Transit to show your employer?

Be it by car, cab, bus or train, no matter how hard we try to get to work on time you know it's bound to happen.

Many of us have heard of this kind of back and forth in our office:

"You're late again, Linda."

"Yes. I know."

"Save it, Linda. If you're late one more time I'm gonna have to let you go."

But what if you had a full-proof excuse -- like your subway was running late -- and you had a note from the NYC Transit Authority to prove it.

"It would be a nice option. It would be a good opportunity to show you're not lying," one commuter told CBS 2 HD.

Well, it turns out the transit agency does issue official notes for folks who've been running late for school or work because of subway delays -- notes that verify it's not your fault.

"It's possible. It's been possible in NYC transit for decades," said Paul Fleuranges, vice president of New York City Transit.

Here's how it works: Just call (718) 330-3322 or (718) 330-1234 and give them the pertinent info -- the day you traveled, what train you were on, which way you were going and they'll check it out.

"If Scott Rapoport calls us and says, 'I was late today. My bosses at channel 2 want to know why. I was on the 'A' train. I was delayed 20 minutes.' We'll send Scott Rapoport a delay verification form and you can give it to your boss," Fleuranges said.

He said it can take up to two weeks to get the note, but, hey, straphangers told CBS 2 HD it would be worth the wait.

"Sounds great. Hey, whatever. If it makes people get to work and not get fired ... great," a rider said.

Commuters ... take note.

The transit agency says it sends out 34,000 notes a year and is currently working on developing an online system.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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