Stats and shocks on the streets of New York

New York: America’s Busiest City (BBc2)

WE’VE seen New York in countless movies and TV shows.

But this new three-part series promised a look at the reality behind the fiction.

It started on a high – literally – with Countryfile’s Anita Rani atop the Empire State Building. For the most part, though, it was a right-downon-the-streets view.

Or, in the case of the railway terminal being built beneath Grand Central Station, 13 storeys beneath those streets.

It’s a $10 billion project that’s been going on quietly for 10 years to boost the capacity of the city’s overstretched transport network.

Grand Central, with its 46 platforms, sees a train arrive every 46 seconds. And that, actually, was one of the programme’s downfalls – just too many stats.

Yes, 5.5 million people use the subway every day and 50 million visit Times Square annually to see its 230 giant neon advertising displays.

We were drowning in figures meant to make us go: ‘Gee whiz’.

Some did hit home, however, such as the fact that it can cost $1 million to get a badge required to operate one of the city’s famous Yellow Cabs.

While that was stunning, the admission from one cabbie to black, wheelchair-bound presenter Ade Adepitan that he probably would have driven past him if it wasn’t for the cameras, was downright shocking.

All aboard! the Country Bus (BBc4)

THERE was quite a contrast from the bustling city of New York to a bus ride across the Yorkshire Dales.

The latest in “slow TV”, it was two hours of stunning scenery at a leisurely pace. Would that sheep get out of the way? Would anyone get on at the next village?

Strangely addictive – I’ll have a return ticket, please!