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The end of New York's pay phones

Pay Phones - Level 0

The end is near for New York's public pay phones. Workers are removing them. In the coming months, they will all go. They used to be on every street corner. A New York City spokesman said the pay phones are too old and use too much sidewalk space. He added removing them is good for people walking on the streets.

Most New Yorkers won't know the phones are going. Younger people may need instructions to use them. Most Americans have a mobile phone. Local people complained about the old pay phones because they take up too much sidewalk space. This space could help people with disabilities and young families.

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Pay Phones - Level 1

The end is near for New York's public pay phones. Workers are removing 30 of them from the city's streets. In the coming months, the other phones will go. They used to be on every street corner. A New York City spokesman told CNN that the pay phones are outdated and, "take up much-needed sidewalk space". He added: "Removing these booths is a win for pedestrians who navigate these crowded blocks."

Most New Yorkers may not notice the phones are going. Younger people may need instructions to use them. They may not know pay phones need coins. Over 95 per cent of Americans have a mobile phone. The spokesman said many local people complained about the old pay phones. People say they are dangerous and take up much needed sidewalk space. This space could help people with disabilities and families with small children.

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Pay Phones - Level 2

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The end is coming for New York's public pay phones. Workers are removing them all from the city's streets. Pay phones used to be on every street corner in the city. Workers have started the removal work by taking away 30 phones from one area of the city. In the coming months, the other phones will go. A New York City spokesman told the CNN news agency that: "The antiquated and outdated pay phone booths take up much-needed sidewalk space. Removing these booths is a win for pedestrians who navigate these crowded blocks."

Most New Yorkers may not notice the phones are going. Younger people may have to read the instructions to use a pay phone. They may not know pay phones need coins. Public phones are no longer needed. Over 95 per cent of Americans have a mobile phone. New Yorkers no longer want the pay phones. An official said he received many complaints from local people about the old pay phones. People say they are dangerous and take up much needed sidewalk space. This space could better help people with disabilities and families with small children.

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Pay Phones - Level 3

The end is coming for New York's public pay phones. New York City officials say workers are currently removing all public pay phones from the city's streets. Pay phones used to be everywhere in the city - on every street corner and in every park and public place. Engineers have started the removal work by taking away 30 pay phones from the Hell's Kitchen area of the city. In the coming months, the remaining phones will go. New York City spokesman Corey Johnson told the CNN news agency that: "The antiquated and outdated pay phone booths take up much-needed sidewalk space. Removing these booths is a win for pedestrians who navigate these crowded blocks."

Many New Yorkers probably won't even notice the phones are going. Most younger people have never used one. They may have to read the instructions to use a phone, and scramble for coins to feed it. Modern technology means the public phone is no longer needed. Over 95 per cent of Americans have a mobile phone. Mr Corey said New Yorkers no longer want the phones. He said: "My office has received numerous community complaints from local residents about these antiquated pay phones, which present public safety and quality of life issues. Additionally, they take up sorely needed sidewalk space that could better serve people with disabilities and families with strollers."

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