Commuters in Southeast Queens and the Rockaways will soon see major service changes as the MTA prepares to reactivate full A train service on Monday, May 19, following months of infrastructure repairs and power restoration work.
Beginning at 11:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, there will be no A train service between Howard Beach–JFK Airport and Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue until 4:45 a.m. on Monday, May 19, as crews complete final work to reconnect power and restore service on the South Channel Bridge.
During this final phase of work, the Rockaway Park Shuttle train will be suspended, and the MTA will operate free shuttle bus service along three temporary routes:
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Q97 – Nonstop service between Howard Beach–JFK Airport and Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue
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Q121 – Local service between Howard Beach–JFK Airport and Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue, stopping at Broad Channel, Beach 90 St, Beach 67 St, Beach 60 St, Beach 44 St, Beach 36 St, and Beach 25 St
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Q98 – Service between Howard Beach–JFK Airport and Rockaway Park–Beach 116 St, stopping at Broad Channel, Beach 98 St, and Beach 105 St
Key changes as service resumes Monday, May 19
Once the A train is back in operation on May 19, riders will notice two major changes to service on the Rockaway Peninsula:
- Shuttle trains will no longer run end-to-end between Far Rockaway and Rockaway Park–Beach 116 St. Riders will again need to transfer at Broad Channel to reach their destination.
- The temporary fare suspension and discounted $2.75 LIRR ticket will end. Riders will once again be required to pay the regular $2.90 subway fare at stations along the peninsula, and LIRR service will resume regular pricing.
The MTA has posted advisory flyers across the system to alert riders to the changes.
The service suspension and restoration come as part of a broader infrastructure improvement initiative to bolster storm resilience and power systems in the Rockaways. Riders are encouraged to plan ahead and use the MTA’s website or mobile apps for real-time updates.
