An open letter to interim Metropolitan Transportation Authority Executive Director Thomas Prendergast:
We are writing to request that the MTA reinstate No. 7 train service between Queensboro Plaza and Times Square March 16.
While we appreciate the effort being made to improve the No. 7 train, the MTA’s decision to close this lifeline for 13 consecutive weekends while repairs are being made has been a terrible burden on residents and businesses, particularly in Queens.
The lack of service caused tremendous hardship and frustration on Lunar New Year, and we do not want to see that happen again when the city hosts the 251st St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of New York’s oldest and most celebrated cultural events, March 16.
And we are not alone. More than a thousand New Yorkers have signed our online petition calling on the MTA to reverse course on its decision.
Shutting down the No. 7 train on yet another holiday weekend will not only harm business owners in Queens and Manhattan, but create an unnecessary hurdle for Queens residents planning to attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and celebrate their Irish heritage.
Again, we request the MTA reinstate No. 7 train service between Queensboro Plaza and Times Square March 16.
Christine Quinn
City Council Speaker
(D-Manhattan)
James Vacca
Chairman
Council Transportation Committee
(D-Bronx)
Jimmy Van Bramer
Councilman
(D-Sunnyside)
Peter Koo
Councilman
(D-Flushing)
