Wednesday, October 14, 1998

Thanks for reading this

The gentle tones of Southern hopsitality are not the sounds we associate with New York, but now the City, as those who live there call it, is really getting serious about overcoming its image as the rudeness capital of the country.

The Associated Press says the latest civility effort focuses on toll collectors. Workers at bridges and tunnels face disciplinary hearings before the Metropolitan Transportation Authority if they forget to say "thank you" to customers. "Have a nice day" is considered an acceptable alternative.

MTA Bridges and Tunnels Division spokesman Frank Pascual says, "Customers expect a 'thank you.' It's an acknowledgment that we're thanking customers for using the facility."

But the union representing the toll-takers sees the matter another way.

"This is harassment. It's a colossal waste of money," says Joseph Mauro, vice president of the Bridge and Tunnel Officers union.

No word on whether toll collectors thanked Mauro for his representation.