Paul Bubnyis editor of RealEstate New York

NEW YORK CITY-The Metropolitan Transportation Authority intendsto become "best in class" among large older transit systemsworldwide even as it focuses on accommodating population growth inNew York City and the metro area. Elliot Sander, MTA executivedirector, detailed a seven-pronged program for realizing this goalat a luncheon today sponsored by the Associated Builders and Ownersof Greater New York. Sander also told the ABO audience that theauthority would soon unveil a long-term vision for meetingincreased demand over the next 25 to 40 years, thus helping toretain major employers in the city.

MTA's efforts to surpass the transit agencies of London, Parisor Toronto will focus on work force development, institutionaltransformation, customer service, finance, safety and security,sustainability and projects and programs, Sander said. He notedthat the authority has successfully resolved would-be labordisputes over the past several months, and just received a reportfrom a blue ribbon panel chaired by Richard Ravitch, former MTAchairman, with 61 recommendations on developing its 67,457-employeework force. Sander urged ABO members to read the report, which isavailable on MTA's website.