I never heard of the Boots Theory before now, but I don't think it applies to the MTA. They buy the top of the line. And will build their own parts if it doesn't exist. It's not unusual for subway cars to run for millions of miles and last decades. The R32's were deployed in the 1930's and lasted until the early 2000's [0].
I am a New Yorker, and have seen the MTA do maintenance at night or over a weekend. Or, if things are desperate, during the day.
I don't know the real issues either, but always assumed politics played a big part.
I am a New Yorker, and have seen the MTA do maintenance at night or over a weekend. Or, if things are desperate, during the day.
I don't know the real issues either, but always assumed politics played a big part.
[0] -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R32_(New_York_City_Subway_car)