BENJAMIN FANG
Listen up riders.
The MTA installed an automated system that tells straphangers when the next train will arrive in five Astoria stations.
The announcement systems were added at the 39th Avenue, 36th Avenue, Broadway, 30th Avenue and Astoria Boulevard stations along the N and Q lines.
“I am pleased the MTA listened to our community and made the daily commute of N and Q train riders easier,” said State Senator Michael Gianaris, who has advocated for a countdown information system in western Queens since 2010. “Countdown clocks were a great idea three years ago and although it took some time, I am pleased to see that western Queens will now be able to enjoy real-time information.”
Acting New York City Transit president Carmen Bianco hopes lettered train lines will develop similar capabilities in the next three to five years. But in the meantime the voice systems are an upgrade.
“Waiting on an elevated platform in the dead of winter or the dog days of summer is no fun,” said Lauren Houston, a member of the Riders Alliance, an advocacy organization fighting for better public transportation. “With the new loudspeaker announcements I’ll know exactly when the next train is coming and how long I need to brave the elements.”
Local commuters said they like the new audio installment, but would prefer the countdown clocks on the screens.
“I wish it was the visual,” said Astoria resident Jose Luaces. “But it’s better than not having them.”
Additional reporting by Zack Kraehling
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