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Service Advisories

Weekend work affecting 13 subway lines

by Benjamin Kabak
written by Benjamin Kabak on May 23, 2015

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, many of this weekend’s service changes extend through Tuesday morning. Give yourself some extra time. You know the drill.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 22 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, South Ferry-bound 1 trains run express from 14 St to Chambers St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 22 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, Van Cortlandt Park-242 St bound 1 trains run express from Times Sq-42 St to 72 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 22 to 6:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, and from 11:45 p.m. Monday, May 25 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, Flatbush Av-Brooklyn College bound 2 trains run express from 14 St to Chambers St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 22 to 6:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, and from 11:45 p.m. Monday, May 25 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, Wakefield-241 St bound 2 trains run express from Times Sq-42 St to 72 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 22 to 6:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23, from 11:45 p.m. Saturday, May 23 to 8:00 a.m. Sunday, May 24, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday May 24 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 25, Crown Hts-Utica Av bound 4 trains skip 138 St-Grand Concourse.


From 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 23 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, Woodlawn-bound 4 trains run local from Grand Central-42 St to 125 St.


From 6:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23 to 11:30 p.m. Monday, May 25, 5 trains are suspended in both directions between E 180 St and Bowling Green. Take the 2 and/or 4 instead. 5 shuttle trains operate all weekend between Eastchester-Dyre Av and E 180 St. 6 service is extended to Bowling Green.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 22 to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 7 trains are suspended in both directions between Flushing-Main St and Mets-Willets Point. Shuttle buses operate between Flushing-Main St and Mets-Willets Point. Transfer between trains and shuttle buses at Mets-Willets Point.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 22 to 6:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, and from 11:45 p.m. Monday, May 25 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, Inwood-207 St bound A trains run express from 59 St-Columbus Circle to 125 St.


From 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25, 168 St-bound C trains run express from 59 St-Columbus Circle to 125 St.


From 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25, Brooklyn-bound C trains run express from 59 St-Columbus Circle to Canal St.


From 3:45 a.m. Saturday, May 15 to 10:00 p.m. Monday, May 25, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound D trains are rerouted on the N line from 36 St to Coney Island-Stillwell Av.


From 12:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, E trains run local in both directions between Roosevelt Av and Forest Hills-71 Av.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 22, to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound F trains are rerouted via the E line from Roosevelt Av to W 4 St-Wash Sq, and then via the A to Jay St-MetroTech. F trains run express from Roosevelt Av to Queens Plaza.


From 12:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, F trains run local in both directions from Roosevelt Av to Forest Hills-71 Av.


From 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, Astoria-Ditmars Blvd bound N trains are rerouted via the R line from Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr to Canal St.


From 12:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound N trains stop at 45 St and 53 St.


From 11:15 p.m. Friday, May 22 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound Q trains run express from Prospect Park to Kings Hwy.


From 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 57 St/7 Av-bound Q trains are rerouted via the R line from Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr to Canal St. 57 St/7 Av-bound Q trains stop at Jay St-MetroTech, Court St, Whitehall St, Rector St, Cortlandt St, and City Hall.


From 6:30 a.m. to 12 Midnight, Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25, R service is extended to the Jamaica-179 St F station.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 22 to 6:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, and from 11:45 p.m. Monday, May 25 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 36 St-bound R trains stop at 53 St and 45 St.

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Service Advisories

Weekend work affecting 16 subway lines

by Benjamin Kabak
written by Benjamin Kabak on May 15, 2015

I picked a busy week to take vacation. This week’s Amtrak incident is horrific, and it’s led to many more unanswered questions and issues with national rail service. The fallout will reverberate for some time. We’ve learned as well that the city’s subway system is dirtier than the MTA claims — though that’s hardly a surprise to anyone who rides regularly. I’ll have full pieces on this and more starting Monday when I return from vacation.

If you’ve wondered where I’ve been, I’ve spent the past week in Berlin and Stockholm. I’ve posted a series of photos on both my Instagram account and Facebook page. The Stockholm Tunnelbana is breathtaking, but Berlin’s Ghost Stations are just an incredible piece of fascinating history.

Those running the Brooklyn Half tomorrow don’t have subway advisories to combat early in the morning, but the weather doesn’t sound too cooperative. Stay dry; run hard. I’ll see you all on Monday.

(As an administrative note, many of you noted mistakes in last week’s service advisory post. These are sent to me via NYC Transit, and I just copy and paste them for this post. If there are errors, take it up with Transit, and check signs in your local subway station before planning weekend journeys.)


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 15 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, Manhattan-bound 2 trains run express from Franklin Av to Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr.


From 6:30 a.m. to 12 Midnight Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, Manhattan-bound 3 trains run express from Franklin Av to Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 15 to 7:30 a.m. Sunday, May 17, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday, May 17 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, Manhattan-bound 4 trains run express from Franklin Av to Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 15 to 6:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16, from 11:45 p.m. Saturday, May 16 to 8:00 a.m. Sunday, May 17, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday May 17 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, Woodlawn-bound 4 trains skip 138 St-Grand Concourse.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 15 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, 5 trains are suspended in both directions between Eastchester-Dyre Av and E 180 St. Free shuttle buses operate all weekend between Eastchester-Dyre Av and E 180 St, stopping at Baychester Av, Gun Hill Rd, Pelham Pkwy, and Morris Park. Transfer between trains and shuttle buses at E 180 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 15, to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, Pelham Bay Park-bound 6 trains run express from 3 Av-138 St to Hunts Point Av.

  • To Brook Av, Cypress Av, E 143 St, E 149 St, and Longwood Av, take the 6 to Hunts Point Av and transfer to a Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall bound 6.
  • From these stations, take a 6 to 3 Av-138 St and transfer to a Pelham Bay Park-bound 6.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 15 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, May 17, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday, May 17 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, Brooklyn-bound A trains run express from 125 St to Canal St.


From 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, Brooklyn-bound C trains run express from 125 St to Canal St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 15 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound D trains are rerouted on the N line from 36 St to Coney Island-Stillwell Av.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 15 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, World Trade Center-bound E trains run express from 34 St-Penn Station to Canal St.


From 12:15 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and May 17, and from 12:15 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer bound E trains run express from Queens Plaza to Roosevelt Av.


From 12:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, Jamaica Center- Parsons/Archer bound E trains run local from Roosevelt Av to Forest Hills-71 Av, and World Trade Center-bound E trains run local from Forest Hills-71 Av to Queens Plaza.


From 12:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, Jamaica-179 St bound F trains run local from Roosevelt Av to Forest Hills-71 Av. Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound F trains run local from Forest Hills-71 Av to 21 St-Queensbridge.


From 5:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, Chambers St-bound J trains run express from Broadway Junction to Myrtle Av.


From 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 15 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, L trains are suspended in both directions between 8 Av and Lorimer St. Use AJM, M14, and free shuttle buses.

  • L service operates between Lorimer St and Rockaway Pkwy.
  • M service is extended to the 57 St F station, days and evenings.
  • Free shuttle buses operate between Lorimer St and the Broadway G station, stopping at Bedford Av, Marcy Av JM, and Hewes St J/M.
  • Transfer between free shuttle buses and JM trains at Marcy Av or Hewes St.
  • A free MetroCard transfer is available from the Broadway G to the Lorimer St JM station.
  • Consider using the A or J to/from Manhattan via transfer at Broadway Junction or the M via transfer at Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs.
  • M14A buses provide alternate service along 14 St between 8 Av and 1 Av, and connect with the JM at Delancey-Essex Sts station.


From 6:30 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, May 16, and 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday, May 17, M service is extended to the 57 St F line station.


From 5:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 17, Manhattan-bound Q trains run express from Kings Hwy to Prospect Park.


From 6:30 a.m. to 12 Midnight, Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, Forest Hills-71 Av bound R trains run express from Queens Plaza to Roosevelt Av.

Rockaway Park Shuttle
From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 15 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, the Rockaway Park Shuttle is suspended. Shuttle buses provide alternate service between Rockaway Park and the Beach 67 St A station, stopping at Beach 105 St, Beach 98 St, and Beach 90 St. Transfer between shuttle buses and A trains at Beach 67 St.

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Service Advisories

Weekend work affecting 18 subway lines

by Benjamin Kabak
written by Benjamin Kabak on May 8, 2015

I apparently picked a good weekend to head out of the country as nearly every subway line has an alert due to some weekend work, and I can’t remember a weekend quite as busy as this one. Anyway, as you may have figured, I’m on vacation for the next week. I’ll try to check in here as I have time, but I’ll likely not be posting much. You can follow me on Instagram for scenes from my travels. I’ve already taken multiple U-Bahn trips in Berlin and will be riding Stockholm’s Tunnelbana next week. Meanwhile, here are those numerous service advisories.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 8 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, South Ferry-bound 1 trains run express from 96 St to Times Sq-42 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 8 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, May 10, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday, May 10 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, Brooklyn-bound 2 trains run express from 96 St to Times Sq-42 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 8 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, 3 trains operate to/from New Lots Av all weekend, replacing the 4 in Brooklyn. 3 trains run express in Manhattan.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 8 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, 4 trains are suspended in both directions between Bowling Green and New Lots Av. 23 trains provide alternate service. Transfer between 4 and 23 trains at Fulton St. Downtown 4 trains run local from 125 St to Grand Central-42 St.


From 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9 and from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday, May 10, Flatbush Av-Brooklyn College bound 5 trains run local from 125 St to Grand Central-42 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 8, to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, Pelham Bay Park-bound 6 trains run express from 3 Av-138 St to Hunts Point Av.

  • To Brook Av, Cypress Av, E 143 St, E 149 St, and Longwood Av, take the 6 to Hunts Point Av and transfer to a Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall bound 6.
  • From these stations, take a 6 to 3 Av-138 St and transfer to a Pelham Bay Park-bound 6.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 8 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, May 10, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday, May 10 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, Inwood-207 St bound A trains skip Spring St, 23 St, and 50 St. Trains run every 15 minutes.


From 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, 168 St-bound C trains skip Spring St, 23 St, and 50 St. Trains run every 15 minutes.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 8 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound D trains are rerouted on the N line from 36 St to Coney Island-Stillwell Av.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 8 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, 168 St Queens-bound E trains skip Spring St, 23 St. Trains run every 15 minutes.


From 12:15 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and May 10, and from 12:15 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer bound E trains run express from Queens Plaza to Roosevelt Av.


From 12:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, Jamaica Center- Parsons/Archer bound E trains run local from Roosevelt Av to Forest Hills-71 Av, and World Trade Center-bound E trains run local from Forest Hills-71 Av to Queens Plaza.


From 9:45 p.m. Friday, May 8, to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, Jamaica-179 St bound F trains are rerouted via the M line from 47-50 Sts/Rock Ctr to Roosevelt Av.


From 12:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, Jamaica-179 St bound F trains run local from Roosevelt Av to Forest Hills-71 Av. Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound F trains run local from Forest Hills-71 Av to 21 St-Queensbridge.


From 5:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, Chambers St-bound J trains run express from Broadway Junction to Myrtle Av.


From 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 8 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, L trains are suspended in both directions between 8 Av and Lorimer St. Use AJM, M14, and free shuttle buses.

  • L service operates between Lorimer St and Rockaway Pkwy.
  • M service is extended to the 57 St F station, days and evenings.
  • Free shuttle buses operate between Lorimer St and the Broadway G station, stopping at Bedford Av, Marcy Av JM, and Hewes St J/M.
  • A free MetroCard transfer is available from the Broadway G to the Lorimer St J/M station.
  • Transfer between free shuttle buses and JM trains at Marcy Av or Hewes St.
  • Consider using the A or J to/from Manhattan via transfer at Broadway Junction or the M via transfer at Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs.
  • M14A buses provide alternate service along 14 St between 8 Av and 1 Av, and connect with the J/M at Delancey-Essex Sts station.


From 6:30 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, May 9, and 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday, May 10, M service is extended to the 57 St F line station.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 8 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound N trains skip 49 St.


From 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 9 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, Astoria-Ditmars Blvd bound N trains run local from 59 St to 36 St in Brooklyn.


From 10:45 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, Manhattan-bound Q trains run express from Kings Hwy to Prospect Park.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 8 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, May 10, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday, May 10 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound Q trains skip 49 St.


From 6:30 a.m. to 12 Midnight, Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, Forest Hills-71 Av bound R trains run express from Queens Plaza to Roosevelt Av.


From 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, Brooklyn-bound R trains skip 49 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 8 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, May 10, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday, May 10 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, 36 St-bound R shuttle trains stop at 53 St and 45 St.

Rockaway Park Shuttle
From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 8 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, the Rockaway Park Shuttle is suspended. Shuttle buses provide alternate service between Rockaway Park and the Beach 67 St A station, stopping at Beach 105 St, Beach 98 St, and Beach 90 St. Transfer between shuttle buses and A trains at Beach 67 St.

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Service Advisories

Weekend work affecting 14 subway lines

by Benjamin Kabak
written by Benjamin Kabak on May 2, 2015

So here’s a funny one for you: The MTA sent out a press release on Thursday that, on Monday morning, they’re closing one platform on the 89th busiest subway station in the city for four months. Due to rehab work at 103rd St., the southbound platform at the 6 train’s stop in East Harlem will be out of service until September. The work includes repairs to the draining system, platform edges, floor tiles, ceilings, and walls. You would think though that a project of this scope would include a little bit more advanced notice.

During this closure, the northbound platform will remain in service, and the MTA is urging its customers to take the M101, M102 or M103 buses to 96th St. for the subway. My guess is that the northbound platform is next, but Transit hasn’t said yet. Meanwhile, 14 subway lines are undergoing changes due to weekend work. Here they are:


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 1 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, South Ferry bound 1 trains run express from 145 St to 96 St.


From 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, 3 trains are suspended in both directions between Franklin Av and New Lots Av.

  • Free shuttle buses operate all weekend between Crown Hts-Utica Av and New Lots Av, making all station stops.
  • Transfer between 23 and 4 trains at Franklin Av.
  • Transfer between 4 trains and free shuttle buses at Crown Hts-Utica Av.
  • 4 trains run local between Franklin Av and Crown Hts-Utica Av all weekend.


From 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 1 to 7:30 a.m. Sunday, May 3, and from 11:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, 4 trains are suspended in both directions between Crown Hts-Utica Av and New Lots Av. Free shuttle buses operate all weekend between Crown Hts-Utica Av and New Lots Av, making all station stops.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 1 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, May 3, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday, May 3 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, Crown Hts-Utica Av bound 4 trains run express from 125 St to Grand Central-42 St. Woodlawn-bound 4 trains run express from Grand Central-42 St to 14 St-Union Sq.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 1 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, 5 trains are suspended in both directions between Eastchester-Dyre Av and E 180 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 1, to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall bound 6 trains run express from 125 St to Grand Central-42 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, May 1, to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, Pelham Bay Park-bound 6 trains run express from 14 St-Union Sq to Grand Central-42 St.


From 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 2, to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, Brooklyn-bound A trains run local from 168 St to Canal St. Inwood-207 St bound A trains run local from Canal St to 59 St-Columbus Circle.


From 6:30 a.m. to 12 Midnight Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, C trains run every 15 minutes.


From 3:45 a.m. Saturday, May 2 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday, May 3, Norwood-205 St bound D trains are rerouted on the N line from Coney Island-Stillwell Av to 36 St.


From 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 2, to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, Brooklyn-bound D trains run local from 145 St to 59 St-Columbus Circle.


From 12:15 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and May 3, and from 12:15 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer bound E trains run express from Queens Plaza to Roosevelt Av.


From 12:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, Jamaica Center- Parsons/Archer bound E trains run local from Roosevelt Av to Forest Hills-71 Av, and World Trade Center-bound E trains run local from Forest Hills-71 Av to Queens Plaza.


From 9:45 p.m. Friday, May 1, to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, Jamaica-179 St bound F trains are rerouted via the M line from 47-50 Sts/Rock Ctr to Roosevelt Av.


From 12:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, Jamaica-179 St bound F trains run local from Roosevelt Av to Forest Hills-71 Av. Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound F trains run local from Forest Hills-71 Av to 21 St-Queensbridge.


From 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 1 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, L trains are suspended in both directions between 8 Av and Lorimer St. Use AJM, M14, and free shuttle buses.

  • A free MetroCard transfer is available from the Broadway G to the Lorimer St J/M station.
  • L service operates between Lorimer St and Rockaway Pkwy.
  • M service is extended to the 57 St F station, days and evenings.
  • Free shuttle buses operate between Lorimer St and the Broadway G station, stopping at Bedford Av, Marcy Av J/M, and Hewes St J/M.
  • Transfer between free shuttle buses and J/M trains at Marcy Av or Hewes St.
  • Consider using the A or J to/from Manhattan via transfer at Broadway Junction or the M via transfer at Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs.
  • M14A buses provide alternate service along 14 St between 8 Av and 1 Av, and connect with the J/M at Delancey-Essex Sts station.


From 6:30 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, May 2, and 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday, May 3, M service is extended to the 57 St F line station.


From 5:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, Manhattan-bound Q trains run express from Kings Hwy to Prospect Park.


From 6:30 a.m. to 12 Midnight, Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, Forest Hills-71 Av bound R trains run express from Queens Plaza to Forest Hills-71 Av.

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Service Advisories

Service increases for December; service changes for the weekend

by Benjamin Kabak
written by Benjamin Kabak on April 25, 2015

In its latest Board committee materials, the MTA let slip some news. The 7 line extension, that Moby Dick of subway expansion projects, won’t be ready for revenue service officially until the third quarter of this year. That means it could open as early as July and as late as September 30. We’ll find out soon enough when that date will be.

That’s the bad news, but the good news is that Transit is adding service to a few subway lines this fall. The 2, 7, L and M lines will all see new service while the D will lose a round trip due to the MTA’s self-established load guidelines. Here’s how the agency put it in a press release on Friday:

The most significant increase will be seven new weekday round trips between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the L line, which experienced the greatest ridership growth at all hours in 2014. The new service will reduce the average time between trains to 5 minutes for the entire period between the morning and evening rush hours. NYC Transit last added service on the L line in fall 2014 with 56 more weekend round trips and an increase in weekday evening service.

The 7 line will see two additional new round trips on weeknights between 8 p.m. and 10:20 p.m., reducing the average time between trains to under 4½ minutes. The 2 line will also add two new weeknight round trips between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., reducing the average time between trains to 7½ minutes The M line will add one round trip on weekdays, reducing the average time between trains to 7½ minutes between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m…

Following [the loading] guidelines, weekday service on the D line will decrease by one round trip split between the morning and evening rush hours. This will increase the average time to 10 minutes between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. for Brooklyn-bound D trains and between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. for Bronx-bound D trains.

The MTA says these changes will cost $1.6 million per year — a pittance compared to the agency’s overall budget — and the service increases show that Transit is “making the most of its resources to deliver service that accurately reflects ridership in growing areas.” I’m not so keen on decreasing service on the D, even by only a train, but by and large, this is all good news.

Meanwhile, after the jump, this weekend’s service changes.

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Service Advisories

L-pocalypse arrives as weekend work affects 14 subway lines

by Benjamin Kabak
written by Benjamin Kabak on April 18, 2015
A gap across the East River will leave L train riders scrambling for alternate service. (Click to enlarge)

A gap across the East River will leave L train riders scrambling for alternate service. (Click to enlarge)

So there’s really no good way around this, but for the next five weeks, there’s no L train service between Brooklyn and Manhattan. This is unavoidable work, but it’s definitely not ideal. The L’s weekend ridership across the river is nearly as high as it is during the week, and the alternative subway service options — the G to Queens, the J to Lower Manhattan, and sometimes the M through Manhattan — aren’t exactly up to standards. The MTA should run the M to Midtown at all hours during this shutdown, but accordingly to their website, this option is available only during the day.

The work, according to Transit, will involve a “number of critical repair, cleaning, and maintenance jobs necessary to keep the line in a state of good repair.” It will also involve “replacement of components, inspection and servicing of fire safety systems, water remediation, pump room improvements, and asbestos abatement.”

All in all, though, this is a tough time for this work (though no time is convenient). With temperatures forecast to be in the 70s on Saturday, Smorgasburg will kick into gear but without an L train. Some vendors have organized a shuttle service, but it too is sporadic at best. So this is the new normal between now and the weekend of May 15.


From 11:30 p.m. Friday, April 17 to 4:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, 1 trains are suspended in both directions between 96 St and 242 St-Van Cortlandt Park. AC trains, M3, M100, and free shuttle buses provide alternate service. For service between 96 St and 168 St, use free shuttle buses or the AC at nearby stations. For service between 168 St and 191 St, use the M3 or free shuttle buses. For service between Inwood-207 St and Van Cortlandt-242 St, take free shuttle buses. Transfer between buses and A trains at Inwood-207 St and between A and 1 trains at 59 St-Columbus Circle.


From 6:30 a.m. to 12 midnight, Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and April 19, 3 trains are suspended in both directions between Franklin Av and New Lots Av. Use 4 trains and free shuttle buses instead. Free shuttle buses operate all weekend between Crown Hts-Utica Av and New Lots Av, making all stops. Transfer between 23 and 4 trains at Franklin Av. Transfer between 4 trains and free shuttle buses at Crown Hts-Utica Av. 4 trains run local between Franklin Av and Crown Hts-Utica Av all weekend.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 17 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 19, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday, April 19 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, Crown Hts-Utica Av bound 4 trains run express from Grand Central-42 St to 125 St. Woodlawn-bound 4 trains run express from 14 St-Union Sq to Grand Central-42 St due to CPM ADA platform work at 23 St.


From 11:30 p.m. Friday, April 17 to 7:30 a.m. Sunday, April 19, and from 11:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, 4 trains are suspended in both directions between Crown Hts-Utica Av and New Lots Av. Free shuttle buses provide alternate service all weekend between Crown Hts-Utica Av and New Lots Av, making all 3 Line station stops.


From 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, April 18, and from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19, 5 trains run every 20 minutes between Eastchester-Dyre Av and Bowling Green.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 17, to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall bound 6 trains run express from 125 St to Grand Central-42 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 17, to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, Pelham Bay Park-bound 6 trains run express from 14 St-Union Sq to Grand Central-42 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 17 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, A trains are suspended in both directions between Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd and Rockaway Blvd. Free shuttle buses provide alternate service via 80 St. Howard Beach/Far Rockaway-bound A trains skip 88 St.

  • For service to 88 St, take the A to 80 St and transfer to free shuttle buses.
  • For service from 88 St toward the Rockaways, take a Brooklyn-bound A to 80 St and transfer to a Howard Beach/Far Rockaway-bound A.
  • A service operates between Inwood-207 St and Howard Beach/Far Rockaway.
  • Free shuttle buses operate between 80 St and Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd, stopping at 88 St, Rockaway Blvd, 104 St, and 111 St. Transfer between shuttle buses and A trains at 80 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 17, to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, April 18, Norwood-205 St bound D trains run express from 145 St to Tremont Av.


From 3:45 a.m. Saturday, April 18 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday, April 19, Norwood-205 St bound D trains are rerouted on the N line from Coney Island-Stillwell Av to 36 St.


From 12:15 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19, and from 12:15 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer bound E trains run express from Queens Plaza to Forest Hills-71 Av.


From 12:15 a.m. Saturday, April 18 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, Jamaica Center- Parsons/Archer bound E trains skip 75 Av and Van Wyck Blvd. To 75 Av, take the E to Union Tpke and transfer to a Manhattan-bound E or F. To Van Wyck Blvd, take the E to Jamaica-Van Wyck and transfer to a World Trade Center-bound E. From these stations, take the E or F to Union Tpke or 71 Av and transfer to a Jamaica Center-bound E.


From 12:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, World Trade Center-bound E trains run local from Forest Hills-71 Av to Roosevelt Av.


From 10:45 p.m. Friday, April 17 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, Jamaica-179 St bound F trains skip 75 Av, Briarwood-Van Wyck Blvd, and Sutphin Blvd.


From 12:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound F trains run local from Forest Hills-71 Av to Roosevelt Av.


From 5:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer bound J trains run express from Myrtle Av to Broadway Junction.


From 11:30 p.m. Friday, April 17 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, L trains are suspended in both directions between 8 Av and Lorimer St.

  • L service operates between Lorimer St and Rockaway Pkwy.
  • M service is extended to the 57 St F station, days and evenings.
  • Free shuttle buses operate between Lorimer St and the Broadway G station, stopping at Bedford Av, Marcy Av J/M, and Hewes St J/M.
  • Transfer between free shuttle buses and J/M trains at Marcy Av or Hewes St.
  • Consider using the A or J to/from Manhattan via transfer at Broadway Junction or the M via transfer at Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs.
  • M14A buses provide alternate service along 14 St between 8 Av and 1 Av, and connect with the JM at Delancey-Essex Sts station.


From 6:30 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Saturday April 18, and 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday, April 19, M service is extended to the 57 St F line station.


From 10:45 p.m. Friday, April 17 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, Manhattan-bound Q trains run express from Kings Hwy to Prospect Park.


From 6:30 a.m. to 12 Midnight, Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, Forest Hills-71 Av bound R trains run express from Queens Plaza to Forest Hills-71 Av.

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Service Advisories

Weekend work affecting 12 subway lines

by Benjamin Kabak
written by Benjamin Kabak on April 11, 2015

No word if the Mayor plans to attempt a subway ride this weekend. If so, he’ll have to contend with the following service changes.


From 6:45 a.m. Saturday, April 11 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 12, Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall bound 6 trains run express from Parkchester to Hunts Point Av.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 10 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, Flushing-Main St bound 7 trains run express from Queensboro Plaza to Mets-Willets Point. For service to 33 St, 40 St, 46 St, and 52 St, take the Flushing-Main St bound 7 to 61 St-Woodside and transfer to a 42 St-Times Sq bound 7. From these stations, take a 42 St-Times Sq bound 7 train to Junction Blvd, 61 St-Woodside, or Queensboro Plaza and transfer to a Flushing-Main St bound 7.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 10 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 12, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday, April 12 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, Brooklyn-bound A trains run express from 59 St-Columbus Circle to Canal St.


From 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, Euclid Av-bound C trains run express from 59 St-Columbus Circle to Canal St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 10 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound D trains are rerouted on the N line from 36 St to Coney Island-Stillwell Av.


From 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 11 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound D trains run local from DeKalb Av to 59 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 10 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, World Trade Center-bound E trains run express from 34 St-Penn St to Canal St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 10 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday, April 12, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound F trains skip Avenue U.


From 10:45 p.m. Friday, April 10 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, Jamaica-179 St bound F trains skip 75 Av, Briarwood-Van Wyck Blvd, and Sutphin Blvd.


From 5:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, Jamaica Center-Parsons Archer J trains run express from Myrtle Av to Broadway Junction.


From 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday April 11, and 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday, April 12, M service is extended to the Chambers St J station. After Essex St, M service is rerouted via the J line to Chambers St, making stops at Bowery and Canal St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 10 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound N trains skip 49 St.


From 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 11 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound N trains run local from DeKalb Av to 59 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 10 to 6:00 a.m. Sunday, April 12, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday, April 12 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound Q trains skip 49 St.


From 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, Bay Ridge-95 St bound R trains skip 49 St.

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Service Advisories

A Nostalgia Train for Opening Day; weekend work for 13 subway lines

by Benjamin Kabak
written by Benjamin Kabak on April 3, 2015

Opening Day means a run of the Lo-V trains up the Lexington Ave. IRT. (Photo courtesy of NYC Transit)

Whether it be Passover, Good Friday and Easter, or Opening Day, Transit's weekend work stops for no holiday. Speaking of Opening Day, on Monday at 11:30, you can ride the Nostalgia Train from Grand Central to Yankee Stadium for Masahiro Tanaka and the Bombers' return to the Bronx. I won't be on that train as I'm likely taking a later one, but I know more than a few of you may try to hop on that for the photo op. Meanwhile, the following, as always, come to me from the MTA. Travel accordingly.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 3 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, Van Cortlandt Park-242 St bound 1 trains run express from Chambers St to 14 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 3 to 6:00 a.m. Sunday, April 5, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday, April 5 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, Wakefield-241 St bound 2 trains run express from Chambers St to 14 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 3 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 5, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday, April 5to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, New Lots Av-bound 4 trains run express from 125 St to Grand Central-42 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 3 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall bound 6 trains run express from 125 St to Grand Central-42 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 3 to 4:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, Pelham Bay Park bound 6 trains run express from Parkchester to Pelham Bay Park.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 3 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 5, and from 11:45 p.m. Sunday, April 5 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, Brooklyn-bound bound A trains run express from 59 St-Columbus Circle to Canal St.


From 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5, Euclid Av-bound C trains run express from 59 St-Columbus Circle to Canal St.


From 3:45 a.m. Saturday, April 4 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday, April 5, Norwood-205 St bound D trains are rerouted on the N line from Coney Island-Stillwell Av to 36 St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 3 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, World Trade Center-bound E trains run express from 34 St-Penn St to Canal St.


From 11:00 p.m. Friday, April 3 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, World Trade Center-bound E trains run local Forest Hills-71 Av to Queens Plaza. Jamaica Center-Parsons Archer bound E trains run local from Queens Plaza to Roosevelt Av.


From 10:45 p.m. Friday, April 3 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, Jamaica-179 St bound F trains skip 75 Av, Briarwood-Van Wyck Blvd, and Sutphin Blvd.


From 11:30 p.m. Friday, April 3 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound F trains run local from Forest Hills-71 Av to 21 St-Queensbridge and Forest Hills-71 Av bound F trains run local from 21 St-Queensbridge to Roosevelt Av.


From 6:45 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday April 4, and 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday, April 5, M service is extended to the Chambers St J station. After Essex St, M service is rerouted via the J line to Chambers St, making stops at Bowery and Canal St.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 3 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, N trains are rerouted via the R line in both directions between Canal St and 59 St in Brooklyn.


From 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 3 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, N trains are suspended in both directions between Times Sq-42 St and Queensboro Plaza. Take the 7 or Q instead. N trains operate in two sections:

  • Between Coney Island-Stillwell Av and Times Sq-42 St. Trains run local in both directions via the R line between 59 St, Brooklyn and Canal St.
  • Between Queensboro Plaza and Astoria-Ditmars Blvd.
  • For service between Queens and Manhattan, take the 7 and transfer between trains at Times Sq-42 St and/or Queensboro Plaza.
  • For service to/from 49 St and 57 St-7 Av, take the Q.
  • For service to/from 5 Av/59 St and Lexington Av/59 St, use the nearby 59 St 456 station. Transfer with the 7 at Grand Central-42 St or the N at 14 St-Union Sq.


From 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 4 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, Q trains run local in both directions between 57 St-7Av and Canal St.


From 6:30 a.m. to 12 midnight, Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5, R trains are rerouted via the D line between DeKalb Av and B’Way-Lafyette St, and via the M between B’Way-Lafyette St and Queens Plaza.

  • N trains will make all R station stops between DeKalb Av and Times Sq-42 St. Q trains make all R station stops between Canal St and 57 St-7 Av. Transfer between NQ and R trains at Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr or 34 St-Herald Sq.
  • Transfer between R and F trains at 34 St-Herald Sq or Roosevelt Av. For R stations along Broadway, use nearby stations along 6 Av instead.
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MetroCardService Advisories

An option for an even MetroCard balance; lots of weekend changes

by Benjamin Kabak
written by Benjamin Kabak on March 28, 2015

The MTA has made it easy to zero your pay-per-ride card. (Via I Quant NY)

We start tonight, begrudgingly but admirably, with I Quant New York. Last year, this website made a huge deal about the amount of money you could put on a MetroCard for an even amount with the bonus. It was something blown completely out of proportion as the ability to refill a MetroCard essentially ad nauseam prevents monetary loss by anyone paying attention. Cards that expire with money left can be transferred to an active card by any station agent no matter how begrudgingly accepting they are of this aspect of their job.

But the drum was beaten nearly to death, and in a victory for transparency, the MTA has added a new option to the MetroCard Vending Machine that allows you to buy a card that will leave $0.00 left over. Once the MTA started instituting bonuses of varying percentages at odd dollar amounts, the math became too complex to perform on a whim in front of a machine, but the agency — whether to capture dollars via unused fare media or otherwise — hadn’t introduced the concept of an even-amount purchase. Now, you can spend $27.25, get a $3 bonus and have 11 rides (so long as you don’t use the AirTrain). Voila. It’s magic.

In other news, there are a lot of service changes this weekend. In fact, the only weekend lines without some sort of advisory are the L and the G trains — a reality that probably fits Alanis Morisette’s weird definition of irony. But while the number of advisories seems steep, these aren’t terrible. Except for certain changes to the 7, J/M and 1 trains, the changes don’t touch most subway riders. It will be OK. And even though a bunch of North Brooklyn businesses are raising a stink about upcoming L train work, there’s no better time to take trains out of service than on the weekends. That the weekends are becoming more and more popular is an issue in and of itself, but for now, this is the solution. After the jump are this week’s changes.

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Fare HikesService Advisories

An FAQ for Sunday’s fare hike; weekend work for 13 lines

by Benjamin Kabak
written by Benjamin Kabak on March 21, 2015
I heard New York, but New York doesn't heart fare hikes. (Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit)

I heard New York, but New York doesn’t heart fare hikes. (Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit)

On Sunday, March 22, at 12:01 a.m., for the fifth time since 2008, the MTA is raising fares. On the one hand, the agency is attempting to overcome years of institutional deflation following the introduction of the unlimited ride cards that left today’s average fare lower in inflation-adjusted dollars than it was in 1996. On the other hand, New Yorkers are facing fare hike fatigue, and it’s unlikely to stop until Albany steps in as the MTA has budgeted for biennial hikes to align roughly with inflation for the foreseeable future. In advance, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in.

So what’s the new fare anyway?

It’s complicated. (It always is.) For the second hike in a row, the per-swipe cost is going up. One swipe will now deduct $2.75 from your MetroCard, and there’s an 11% bonus on all purchases above $5.50. The cost per ride for pay-per-ride cards then comes out to $2.48.

I’m not very good at math. What’s 11% of $2.75 and how do I find even amounts?

Have no fear; the MTA’s MetroCard Calculator is here. The key number to remember is $22.30. That’ll get you an even number of rides with the bonus and without any leftover amount. I’m sure we’ll see countless articles about this on various aggregator websites. It’s not that exciting.

How about the unlimiteds?

The 7-day card will cost $31, up a buck, and the 30-day card will jump to $116.50, up $4.50. For those who buy 7-day cards, the breakeven point is 13 rides per week, and for 30-day cards, the breakeven point is 48. If you ride 13 times or more in 7 days or 48 times or more in 30 days, you should be spending on unlimited cards and not pay-per-rides cards. Those totals are down considerably from where they were a few years ago.

Can I stockpile MetroCards?

While I remember stockpiling tokens as a kid with my parents in advance of each fare hike, the MTA no longer allows New Yorkers to hoard underpriced MetroCards. You can spend as much as you want now on pay-per-ride cards, and that money won’t expire. But if you buy a card on Saturday, you must activate it by March 29 to get full value, and you must begin using seven-day cards by April 4 and 30-day cards by April 27 to get any value.

Unused cards can be sent back to the MTA for a refund of the purchase price. Cards that you use in between that grace period gap will shut off at the end of the time period, and you can mail them back to the MTA for a pro-rated refund. For 7-day cards, that’s $4.29 per unused day, and for 30-day cards, that’s $3.73 per day. The refunds generally take around three weeks to process. (For example, if you activate a 30-day card on March 31, it will work until April 27. You can then mail it back for a refund of $7.46.)

I can’t believe there’s another fare hike. What can I do to stop it?

Complain to your legislators; write to Governor Cuomo. Ultimately, the politicians are in charge of transit policy and funding, and if they’re not going to step in, they deserve to hear all about it.

With that, let’s get to the good stuff. After the jump, weekend service charges for 13 subway lines.

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