Rail Worker Retires at 91
- 11 years ago
Thomas Merrick started working for the New York Transit System in 1948. After 65 years, the 91-year-old station superintendent has retired.
Considering New York's transit system has been around for a long time, you can imagine many employees would have been there for a while.
Thomas Merrick started working for the New York Transit System in 1948. After 65 years, the 91-year-old station superintendent has retired.
His starting wage was 90 cents an hour, which he says was a decent living back then.
Considering train fare was only a nickel compared to it’s 2.50 price tag today, he’s probably not exaggerating.
Throughout his tenure he’s witnessed a lot of changes to the city’s transit operations.
Some, like the numerous token and card payment systems automated fare collections over the years.
Other changes including the switch from bars to bulletproof glass on the teller booths tell a more serious story about how the times have been changing.
Merrick served on one of the subway beautification committees, giving him a chance to meet New York’s 102nd mayor, Robert Wagner.
Professionally, he climbed the ranks from a Coney Island station teller to Station Superintendent,, a position he was awarded in 1984.
Of the experience he said, “You should take one day at a time and if you enjoy your work, it will motivate you to continue working.”
Considering New York's transit system has been around for a long time, you can imagine many employees would have been there for a while.
Thomas Merrick started working for the New York Transit System in 1948. After 65 years, the 91-year-old station superintendent has retired.
His starting wage was 90 cents an hour, which he says was a decent living back then.
Considering train fare was only a nickel compared to it’s 2.50 price tag today, he’s probably not exaggerating.
Throughout his tenure he’s witnessed a lot of changes to the city’s transit operations.
Some, like the numerous token and card payment systems automated fare collections over the years.
Other changes including the switch from bars to bulletproof glass on the teller booths tell a more serious story about how the times have been changing.
Merrick served on one of the subway beautification committees, giving him a chance to meet New York’s 102nd mayor, Robert Wagner.
Professionally, he climbed the ranks from a Coney Island station teller to Station Superintendent,, a position he was awarded in 1984.
Of the experience he said, “You should take one day at a time and if you enjoy your work, it will motivate you to continue working.”