The problem with maintenance is, that it cannot be seen in public. What I imply is, that 2nd Ave or #7-extension are highly visible. Press writes about this and

The problem with maintenance is, that it cannot be seen in public. What I imply is, that 2nd Ave or #7-extension are highly visible. Press writes about this and politicians that are associated with this leave a legacy. The legacy-part would also happen with maintenance (be the one who brings the system into 21. century) - but only after many years would this leak into history-books. Not fast enough to win the next election. Esp. if you are a local politician, who got the local construction for the extension, this might make a difference in incentives.