Weekend Service Changes On Line
Residents living along the 7 train line will have a tough time heading to Manhattan on weekends this fall, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will suspend service between Queensboro Plaza and Times Square for five weekends, starting Oct. 5-8.
Service between the two stations will also be shut down from 11:45 p.m. Fridays through 5 a.m. Mondays during the weekends of Oct. 19-22, Oct. 26-29, Nov. 9-12 and Nov. 16- 19, affecting an estimated 280,000 customers each weekend, according to an MTA press release.
Customers are being urged to use the E, F, N or Q train lines to travel between Manhattan and Queens; additonal service will be added to the Q line. In addition, a free shuttle bus will operate between the Vernon Boulevard-Jackson Avenue and Queensboro Plaza stations. In Manhattan, the 42nd Street S shuttle will operate overnight throughout the weekend.
Last year, the MTA instituted a plan of infrastructure maintenance in the Steinway Tunnel to improve 7 line service reliability. In addition, the agency began installation of a new signal system known as CBTC (Communications Based Train Control), an automated system that will allow for more frequent service and the use of “countdown clocks” like those seen on other trains lines.
Fiber optic and computer equipment will be installed on the tracks along the entire line. This work requires service changes in October and November and will continue for several years.
Customers may visit www.mta.info to sign up for free email and text message alerts. On weekends, the website will display “The Weekender” on the front page of the site. where subway riders can more easily visualize exactly how weekend work will affect subway service.
In addition, customers may dial 511, the New York State travel information line, for MTA customer service and travel information. NYC Transit agents are available to provide assistance with travel plans daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
