March 19, 2014 By Christian Murray
MTA President Carmen Bianco will be coming to Long Island City later this month to explain to residents why the No. 7 train service is being cut between Times Square and Queensboro Plaza for 22 weekends this year.
Bianco, who will be accompanied by a team of MTA officials, has agreed to be part of a town hall meeting schedule on March 27 at PS/IS 78 at 6:30 pm.
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer said he called on Bianco to come and talk to the community about its plans for the No. 7 train, including the new signal system it is building. Furthermore, he said, he wanted the MTA to answer residents’ questions about the service cuts and the alternative modes of transportation.
“The MTA did a presentation for the elected officials a few weeks ago and I wanted to make sure the public heard the same information from the MTA as well,” Van Bramer said.
Van Bramer is putting on the meeting in conjunction with State Sen. Mike Gianaris, Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan and Community Board 2.
The elected officials have held several meeting protesting the fact that service is being cut for 22 weekends. Furthermore, they have called for a shuttle bus service that goes directly from Long Island City to Grand Central Terminal. The MTA has not been willing to provide such a service.
Date: March 27
Location: PS/IS 78Q (46-08 5th Street)
Time: 6:30 pm