Starting today, there will be significant changes in the weekday subway routes for the F and M lines in New York City. This alteration will impact eight stations located between Jackson Heights and Midtown.
Details of the Subway Route Change
The affected stations include:
- 63rd Street and Lexington
- 53rd and 5th Avenue
- Queens Plaza
- Court Square-23rd Street
- Lexington Avenue/53rd Street
- Fifth Avenue/53rd Street
- 21st Street-Queensbridge
- Roosevelt Island
- Lexington Avenue/63rd Street
- 57th Street
With this adjustment, F trains will now make stops at Queens Plaza, Court Sq-23 St, Lexington Av/53 St, and 5 Av/53 St. Conversely, the M trains will serve 21 St-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Av/63 St, and 57 St, which were previously stations for the F line.
Objective of the Changes
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) aims to reduce overcrowding and minimize delays on the Queens Boulevard line. MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber highlighted that the area around Queens Plaza has been a bottleneck for service, causing delays due to merging trains.
William Amarosa, VP of Subways for NYC Transit, commented on the frequent congestion, noting that passengers on the E train often see M trains departing before they can proceed. This new arrangement is designed to enhance traffic flow below ground.
Reactions from Commuters
Some individuals believe this change will lead to improved travel times. Subway rider Naim Bansfield expressed hope for a quicker commute, saying, “Less transportation means fewer minutes on the train.”
However, not all riders are fully informed about the changes. Many commuters anticipate potential confusion on the first day of the new routes. Rider Ken Green emphasized the need to pay attention to audio announcements and posted signs.
Proximity of the Routes
For those who may accidentally board the wrong train, there is a reassuring aspect. No matter the mistake, passengers will find themselves within a few blocks of their intended destination due to the close proximity of the F and M lines.
As the subway community adapts to this change, feedback and observations from passengers will be crucial to assess its effectiveness in easing transit issues.
