By Philip Newman
“Although many refer to the G line as a stepchild of the New York City subway system, I often refer to it as the forgotten child, often abused and neglected,” City Councilwoman Letitia James (D-Brooklyn) said at a public hearing April 8.”Even though the MTA warns us not to run on the subway platform, we are forced to run if we want to catch these four-car trains which often stop far from where passengers wait,” James said.James introduced a City Council resolution asking the MTA to improve service on the G line and make no cuts in present service.The G line is unique in two ways: It is the only route that does not go into Manhattan and it only has four cars.The hearing was called by City Councilman John Liu (D-Flushing), chairman of the Council's Transportation Committee.”During morning rush hours, the G train is overcrowded to the point where riders cannot board the four-car trains,” said Teresa Toro of the “Save the G” campaign.Peter Cafiero of New York City Transit Authority Planning Department said his agency was not trying to give short shrift to the G, but is planning to expand service.Cafiero said that starting either late this year or in 2009, the Transit Authority would extend the G five stops further into Brooklyn, including 4th Avenue-9th Street, 7th Avenue, 15th Street-Prospect Park, Fort Hamilton Parkway and Church Avenue.As for the four-car trains, Cafiero said the Transit Authority had a choice of more frequent service or longer trains.”We chose to provide more service,” said Cafiero. “We did not have the money to provide both a 50 percent increase in service and six-car trains.””My hope is to dispel any notion that the G line is the stepchild of the subway system or that we are secretly trying to get rid of it,” Cafiero said.Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 136.
