Transit

Expect delays on the 4, 5, D, N, and Q lines this weekend

Image via Flickr

February 8, 2019

Expect delays on the 4, 5, D, N, and Q lines this weekend

It's going to be the second weekend without L service between Brooklyn and Manhattan, there will be a slew of skipped stops across many of the lines, and longer than usual wait times on the 4, 5, D, N, and Q trains. Riders of the 2, 3, 6, and G are in luck this weekend with no planned interruptions on the slate for you (though there's always a risk for unplanned hiccups). Read on for the full details and keep frustration at bay this weekend.
Know before you go

Transit

Lyft is providing a free ride to black history museums and cultural sites in NYC this month

Via Flickr

February 7, 2019

Lyft is providing a free ride to black history museums and cultural sites in NYC this month

By Devin Gannon

To celebrate Black History Month, ride-hailing company Lyft is offering one free ride to black-owned businesses, history museums, and memorials in New York City. According to the company, 82 percent of Lyft drivers identify with a minority group, which makes the company "see the importance of celebrating the diversity that we have right around us."
More here

Transit

Subway riders could save up to 9 days a year under the MTA’s Fast Forward plan

Photo via Dan Phiffer on Flickr

February 7, 2019

Subway riders could save up to 9 days a year under the MTA’s Fast Forward plan

By Michelle Cohen

Last May, 6sqft reported on the release of the MTA's ambitious 10-year "Fast Forward" plan to modernize New York City's transit system featuring a state-of-the-art signal system, more accessibility, a new fare payment system and thousands of new subway cars and buses. Perhaps the most ambitious part of the plan is that work previously estimated to take nearly 50 years would be completed within the next decade. But just how much would these marvelous changes improve our daily commute? Transit advocacy organization Transit Center breaks it down for a few of the city's more sluggish examples to show us how much time we might get back to do better stuff than sit on the subway.
More time to wait in line for coffee

NYC has fewer accessible subway stations than MTA claims, report says

Photo via Flickr

February 6, 2019

NYC has fewer accessible subway stations than MTA claims, report says

By Alexandra Alexa

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority currently claims that 114 of its 427 stations—or 24 percent—are accessible. But a new study led by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer’s office shows otherwise. A team of staffers surveyed 42 of the stations that the MTA deems accessible, visiting each station on four separate days at different times of the day. Based on complaints and conversations with advocates, they assessed elevator accessibility, station signage, and features for vision-impaired riders. As Curbed first reported, their findings show that an already sub-par statistic is actually inflated.
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De Blasio administration approves $7M study for proposed BQX streetcar

Rendering via EDC

February 6, 2019

De Blasio administration approves $7M study for proposed BQX streetcar

By Devin Gannon

The plan to build a streetcar between Brooklyn and Queens got a much-needed push forward on Wednesday. The city's Economic Development Corporation awarded consulting firm VHB $7.25 million to complete an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for the proposed Brooklyn Queens Connector (BQX). First announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2016, the streetcar plan has faced many roadblocks, delays, and doubts from public officials. But last year, the mayor announced a revised proposal, which includes a higher price tag, fewer miles on the route, and a delayed start date.
Get the details

February 6, 2019

Cuomo announces $344M revamp of JFK’s Terminal 8

By Devin Gannon

American Airlines and British Airways will invest $344 million over the next three years to revamp its terminal at John F. Kennedy Airport, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday. The project includes expanding and improving the customer experience at Terminal 8, where British Airways will move to from its current location in Terminal 7. The project falls under Cuomo's $13 billion plan to overhaul JFK announced last October. The Port Authority is not contributing funds to the Terminal 8 project; 90 percent of the governor's JFK plan will be privately funded.
More here

Transit

Real-time security checkpoint and taxi wait times now available for NYC airports

Via Flickr

February 5, 2019

Real-time security checkpoint and taxi wait times now available for NYC airports

By Devin Gannon

Travelers who frequent New York City airports will now be able to plan a slightly smoother trip. Real-time tracking of security and taxi wait times have rolled out at Port Authority-operated terminals at John F. Kennedy, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and New York Stuart International airports, the agency announced Monday. Using a real-time measurement tool "BlipTrack," passengers can track the wait times online for TSA checkpoint screening areas and taxi stands at 14 terminals across the four airports.
Details here

Transit

Taxis and Ubers in Manhattan will get more expensive as judge gives congestion fees the green light

Image via Flickr

February 1, 2019

Taxis and Ubers in Manhattan will get more expensive as judge gives congestion fees the green light

By Alexandra Alexa

Congestion surcharges on taxis and other for-hire vehicles in Manhattan will begin soon after a judge lifted a temporary restriction of the fees on Thursday, the New York Times reports. The new fees were supposed to start on January 1st but a coalition of taxi drivers filed a last-minute lawsuit against the “suicide surcharge,” fearing that the new policy will drive away customers and deal another significant blow to the ailing industry. The proposed fee of $2.50 for yellow taxis and $2.75 for other for-hire vehicles will bring the minimum taxi fare up to $5.80 while the minimum cost for an Uber, which already has an $8 base fare in Manhattan, will see an increase to $10.75.
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The 7 is back this weekend, but the L train is not

Image via Flickr

February 1, 2019

The 7 is back this weekend, but the L train is not

By Alexandra Alexa

First, the good news: 7 service has been restored after several weeks, the J and M will be running between Brooklyn and Manhattan (but the J is out of service from Crescent Street to Jamaica Center), and there are no planned disruptions on the 2, 3, 6, and Q lines. The bad news impacts L train riders, who will have to get used to service changes through March. The L won't be running from 8th Avenue in Manhattan to Brooklyn Junction. Read on for more details about the skipped stops and delays that may impact your travel this weekend.
Know before you go

Transit

TransitCenter maps out the next 50 subway stations that should be made accessible in NYC

Photo via Flickr cc

January 31, 2019

TransitCenter maps out the next 50 subway stations that should be made accessible in NYC

By Dana Schulz

Photo via Flickr cc Roughly 75 percent of New York City's 472 subway stations are not accessible--a fact that has long plagued disability advocates but has now taken on a more pressing call to action after 22-year-old Malaysia Goodson died after falling down the stairs carrying her baby in a stroller at one of these stations. To visualize this dire need, TransitCenter has put together a map that proposes the next 50 subway stations that should be made accessible under the MTA’s Fast Forward plan. If implemented, their plan would "more than triple the potential station-to-station trips riders who rely on elevators can make using accessible stations."
How did they choose these 50 stations?

NYC tunnels finally have GPS service

By Ben Kharakh

The days of losing your GPS signal in the tunnel are over. The popular maps application Waze announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to deploy "Waze Beacons" in New York City. As of this morning, users of the Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, Queens-Midtown Tunnel, and Brooklyn Battery tunnel will be able to enjoy this revolutionary technology.
Get the details

Transit

BQE repair plan could block view of NYC skyline from Brooklyn Heights

Rendering courtesy of A Better Way NYC

January 28, 2019

BQE repair plan could block view of NYC skyline from Brooklyn Heights

By Devin Gannon

One of the city's plans to rehabilitate a 1.5 mile stretch of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) includes building an elevated highway next to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. But opponents of the repair plan, which requires the pedestrian promenade to close during construction, say the roadway would block views of the Manhattan skyline. Renderings created for activist group A Better Way NYC shows how an overpass would block sweeping views of the city, as the New York Post reported.
More here

Transit

MTA is paying outside contractors $9.5M to deep clean subway cars and stations

Via MTA on Flickr

January 28, 2019

MTA is paying outside contractors $9.5M to deep clean subway cars and stations

By Devin Gannon

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is paying outside contractors $9.5 million to clean 3,000 subway cars and 100 stations, the Daily News reported last week. While the transit agency currently employs thousands of station cleaners, the MTA is contracting the dirty job out because the cleaning, as an MTA spokesperson told the News, is a "level of work that our maintenance employees do not perform."
Details here

Transit

Overnight and weekend L train closures will last through March

Image via Flickr

January 28, 2019

Overnight and weekend L train closures will last through March

By Alexandra Alexa

Beginning on Monday, the MTA is planning a series of overnight and weekend interruptions of L train service that will give commuters a glimpse at what's to come when Governor Cuomo's new one-track plan to fix the Sandy-damaged Canarsie Tunnel kicks in at the end of April. From January 28 and through March 18, L trains will not run between Broadway Junction and 8 Avenue weeknights from 10:45 p.m. to 5 a.m. In addition to the weeknight closures, there will be no L-train service on seven weekends in February and March: Feb. 1-4, Feb. 8–11, Feb. 15–19, Feb. 22–25, March 1–4, March 8–11, and March 15–18.
Get the details

Transit

Photo courtesy of Blue Point Brewing Company

January 25, 2019

Blue Point wants to help frustrated New Yorkers with ‘What the L?’ beer

By Dana Schulz

The L train shutdown may be canceled, but don't let Cuomo's Superman tactics trick you into thinking you'll get off unscathed. Even without a full 15-month shutdown, there will be a slew of headaches and, like beer company Blue Point Brewing Company says, "who knows what will happen next?!" And when in doubt, an adult beverage can help soften the blow, which is why Blue Point developed its new "What the L?" brew, complete with a very Williamsburg-esque label created by local graphic designer and subway artist Winston Tseng.
Get the scoop

Smooth sailing for G, L, and Q trains this weekend, others not so much

Image via Flickr

January 25, 2019

Smooth sailing for G, L, and Q trains this weekend, others not so much

By Alexandra Alexa

Most of the planned work for this weekend looks a lot like last week's slate: still no B train, no J or M between Brooklyn and Manhattan, no 7 between Queensboro Plaza and 34 Street-Hudson Yards, and longer than usual wait times on some lines. G, L, and Q riders can rejoice for now, you get to enjoy another weekend without planned subway service disruptions.
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Transit

Cuomo’s new L train plan will still bring headaches for commuters, as leaked memo shows

Image via Governor Cuomo’s Flickr

January 24, 2019

Cuomo’s new L train plan will still bring headaches for commuters, as leaked memo shows

By Alexandra Alexa

With Governor Cuomo's plan to avoid a total L train shutdown for 15 months in favor of a "nights and weekends" approach confirmed earlier this month, questions still remain about just what the alternate plan will entail and how riders will be affected. According to an exclusive MTA memo draft obtained by Streetsblog and the New York Post this week, it looks like the new Canarsie Tunnel repair plan will bring its own set of headaches for straphangers, including 20-minute waits between trains on weekends and an exit-only system at First and Third Avenues on weekends.
There's more

First look at Amtrak’s new amenity space in revamped Moynihan Train Hall

Rendering of Metropolitan Lounge via FXCollaborative

January 24, 2019

First look at Amtrak’s new amenity space in revamped Moynihan Train Hall

By Devin Gannon

New renderings, as well as additional details, were released this week of Amtrak's new amenity space in Moynihan Train Hall. ClubAcela is getting rebranded as the Metropolitan Lounge and moving across the street from Penn Station to the new train hall, which is set to open in early 2021. Designed by FXCollaborative, the sleek new space offers more room, private restrooms, free WiFi, and better food and drink options.
See the renderings

MTA board delays vote on proposed fare hike

Via Flickr

January 24, 2019

MTA board delays vote on proposed fare hike

By Devin Gannon

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board voted on Thursday to table making a decision on a proposed fare hike until February. The board was set to vote on two proposals to raise NYC subway and bus, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North fares. But board member Peter Ward said he was worried about increasing fares without looking at alternative revenue options. "I'm concerned we're making a decision today when we need to be a little bit slower, a little more thoughtful, and consider a few more options," Ward, who was appointed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, said during the board meeting.
More here

The Bronx is getting four new Metro-North stations

Aerial view of Co-op City via Wiki Commons

January 22, 2019

The Bronx is getting four new Metro-North stations

By Dana Schulz

According to Governor Cuomo, the MTA, Empire State Development, and Amtrak have reached an agreement to build four new Metro-North Railroad stations along an underutilized rail line in the east Bronx, giving this very much underserved area access to Penn Station. The "transit desert," as the press release calls it, will receive stations at Hunts Point, Parkchester/Van Nest, Morris Park, and Co-op City. And considering the Bronx had the most approved residential units last year, the news couldn't come at a better time. The buried news here is that this will also be the first time Metro-North will come into Penn Station.
What's the timeline?

Transit

Bronx icons radiate light in Rico Gatson’s murals at reopened 167th Street station

Beacons (2018) © Rico Gaston, NYCT 167th Street Station. Commissioned by MTA Arts & Design. Audre Lorde portrait derived from a photo by Jack Mitchell

January 22, 2019

Bronx icons radiate light in Rico Gatson’s murals at reopened 167th Street station

By Devin Gannon

A series of bright mosaic murals created by artist Rico Gatson was revealed last week at the 167th Street B, D station in the Bronx, which recently reopened after months of repair work. The artwork, "Beacons," features eight portraits of figures who have contributed to culture and society and who also have a special connection to the broader New York City community. Figures honored include Gil Scott-Heron, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Reggie Jackson, and Sonia Sotomayor.
See the artwork

L train shutdown is really cancelled this time, MTA says

Via Wikimedia

January 18, 2019

L train shutdown is really cancelled this time, MTA says

By Devin Gannon

"The total shutdown of both tunnels and all service scheduled for April 27 will not be necessary," reads a statement from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority released Thursday. The announcement comes just a few days after the MTA held an "emergency" meeting to present the agency's board with information about the new L train plan ahead of a vote on the project. But it appears the MTA will argue that the new plan, which would not require a total shutdown of subway service, does not need board approval to move forward after all.
More here

Here’s how the subways will be running this MLK Day weekend

Via Flickr

January 18, 2019

Here’s how the subways will be running this MLK Day weekend

By Alexandra Alexa

Riders of the G, L, Q, and R trains are in luck: no scheduled disturbances will get in the way of your long weekend plans. The B train, on the other hand, will not be running this weekend. And like last week, there is no J or M service between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Most lines are expecting significant delays, with 5 trains running only every 20 minutes. And on Monday, MTA services will operate on special schedules in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Subways will be running on a regular weekend schedule, Metro-North will be on an enhanced Saturday schedule, and the LIRR is offering off-peak fares throughout the day to celebrate the holiday.
Know before you go

Transit

Five years ago, transit officials rejected L train plan similar to Cuomo’s over safety concerns

Via Flickr

January 15, 2019

Five years ago, transit officials rejected L train plan similar to Cuomo’s over safety concerns

By Devin Gannon

Earlier this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo shocked New Yorkers when he called off the 15-month shutdown of L-train service, part of the plan to fix the Canarsie Tunnel which had been in the works for years. Instead, the governor, along with an expert panel of engineers, presented a new, never-been-done-before plan that would require less construction in the century-old tunnel. But the New York Times reported on Tuesday that a similar plan was rejected by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority nearly five years ago over safety and feasibility concerns.
More here

Emergency MTA meeting on Cuomo’s L train plan set for Tuesday

Via Gov. Cuomo’s Flickr

January 14, 2019

Emergency MTA meeting on Cuomo’s L train plan set for Tuesday

By Devin Gannon

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Tuesday will hold an emergency public meeting for its board to review Gov. Andrew Cuomo's L train reconstruction proposal. Earlier this month, the governor unexpectedly presented a new plan to fix the Carnasie Tunnel that would not require it to close for 15 months and halt L train service between Manhattan and Brooklyn, but instead be repaired on nights and weekends. The MTA board is expected to question the agency on the feasibility of the new plan, which was announced by Cuomo just three months before the shutdown was set to begin in April.
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