MTA
Oct. 3, 2017 By Christian Murray
The MTA is removing seats on the E train as part of a pilot program to make more room for subway riders.
The pilot program was rolled out this morning on a pair of E trains, where each car has room for about 10 extra riders– allowing for about 80 to 100 additional commuters per train.
The MTA has removed a seat at each end of the car to make way for the extra riders, which also allows commuters to get on and off the train with greater ease.
The agency launched two trains, consisting of 10 cars each, on the E line today and plans to introduce as many as 100 cars on the line by the end of the month as part of its pilot. The E-line runs through the heart of Queens into Eighth Ave. in Manhattan.
The revamp is part of the MTA’s Subway Action Plan where it plans to move a greater volume of people in a more reliable manner.
The MTA has revamped its existing R-160 cars to make for the extra room. As part of the change, the MTA says it has enhanced the performance of the R-160 though upgrades to the brakes and other components. The upgraded cars come with better handrails, LCD screens and interior and exterior wrapping so people can easily identify the pilot cars.
“Getting more passengers onto trains, in a more efficient manner, is absolutely essential – which is why we’re piloting the removal of select number of seats,” said MTA Chair Joseph Lhota.
MTA
