Despite its loud gloom, its indecent crowding, its filth and uriniferous odors, New York City's swift, nickel-fare, 244-mile municipal subway system is the envy of other U.S. cities. This week, as every week, New Yorkers wondered why.
The C.I.O. Transport Workers Union, led by Communist-line Mike Quill, had threatened to strike (TIME, March 4). When Mayor William O'Dwyer and public opinion stood firm, Mike Quill finally backed down. But the city's victory was only partial—it had just gained a calm opportunity to ponder the subway's physical and financial fix.
Nickels were not paying the subway's keep: by July 1, the city's...
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