All aboard the MTA rescue

In presenting his plan to fix the ailing subways, MTA Chairman Joe Lhota didn’t garble the message the way a train conductor would. We are “failing our customers,” he put it bluntly. Darn right: soaring delays and derailments and breakdowns and packed platforms. To reverse the terrible trends, Lhota offers an emergency to-do list clearly crafted by someone who knows the system inside and out.

Boosting inspections of signals and cars to prevent breakdowns. Combatting the littering that causes track fires and clogs drains. Communicating far more clearly with riders about problems, in real time. Experimenting, smartly, with ripping out seats on some cars to fit more straphangers.

And so on — more than 30 good ideas, all of which won praise from Gov. Cuomo (Lhota’s boss) and Mayor de Blasio. No small feat, that.

Now comes the bigger test: Translating on-paper plans into urgent action that alleviates’ riders pain, and quickly.

As chair, Lhota is a part-time boss. He’s still searching for an executive director. Get one, soon — and put the most important priorities, like signal and track inspections, first.

Set out clear goals and timetables. Lhota says for starters he wants to get the subways back to the not-so-good-old days of 2016, before the most recent spike. He must be held to the promise.

Last, get the money. Oh, right, the money — to hire the people to make the change happen.

Cuomo and de Blasio are on opposite sides of a third rail when it comes to finding the $456 million in immediate operating cash and $380 million for added capital investments.

The governor, who runs the system, is ready to fork over half. The mayor, who doesn’t run the system, says no way, no how. Sorry, Bill. Joe can’t do a half plan. De Blasio argues that, since 2011, the state has ripped off the MTA the exact amount, $456 million, that Lhota says he needs.

He’s right that Albany should make good on every stolen penny — but wrong that that absolves City Hall of its obligation. Lhota’s operating bill isn’t a one-time occurrence. He’ll need the same amount (in fact more) next year.

Besides, for years, the city has underpaid the MTA for student MetroCards, half-fare cards for seniors and the Access-A-Ride program. Is the mayor going to pay arrears?

The nickel and diming of the MTA by both the governor and the mayor has to end. Start by coming forward, 50-50, on this desperately needed fix.