Service Increasing on Multiple Lines This Month
As Advocates Expected to Rally for Congestion Pricing, MTA Reminds Public That Subways, Commuter Rail, Buses, Are Antidote to Congestion
Room for Millions on the Subway
Subway Service Best in 10 Years
Recent Subway Service Increases Reduce Waiting Times on Many Lines
The New York City Department of Transportation has declared tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 6, as the 13th of 19 Gridlock Alert days this season. In advance of a rally by congestion pricing advocates, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is today reminding the public that the best way to avoid getting stuck in gridlock – and contributing to it – is to ride the largest and best public transportation system in North America
The Authority is drawing attention to ways to beat congestion – during Gridlock Alert days or on any day – by pointing to plenty of room on the subway for those interested in leaving their car behind. While only 72,000 to 110,000 drivers are expected to shift to transit services once central business district tolling is in effect, the subway has capacity for 2 million more people than it carries today.
“Eight out of the next 11 days are Gridlock Alert days,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “When it’s a Gridlock Alert Day 73% of the time, it might be time to consider doing something. Subway service is the best it’s been in 10 years. And for the people who have to drive, congestion pricing is going to save you a lot of time.”
“Congestion pricing will reduce traffic, improve air quality, make streets safer, and make transit better,” said New York City Transit President Rich Davey. “For anyone seeking to avoid gridlock and reach their destination faster, there’s room for you on a train or bus, and we’d love to get you where you need to go.”
Recent Subway Service Increases
Over the several months, New York City Transit (NYCT) has been increasing service, getting customers where they need to go even faster.
On Monday, Aug. 7, trains began running every eight minutes instead of 10 minutes on weekdays.
On Monday, Aug. 28, and trains began arriving every eight minutes instead of every 10 minutes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the and between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the on weekdays.
This month, service will increase in the evenings on the lines, and during middays on the line.
A Speedy Way Through Congestion
Trains on the lines combined run every two and a half to three minutes during rush hours and every four minutes throughout the day and take 15 minutes to travel between 59th Street and Wall Street.
Trains on the line run every two to two and a half minutes during rush hours and every four to five and a half minutes throughout the day and take just nine minutes to travel between Times Square and Long Island City’s Vernon-Jackson Station.
Along 53rd Street, trains on the lines run combined every two and a half to three minutes during rush hour and every three to four and a half minutes throughout the day and take just 18 minutes to travel between Forest Hills and Lexington Avenue. Train customers are reminded service is rerouted along the line between 5 Av/53 St in Manhattan and Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av in Queens to accommodate critical track replacement work.
Trains on the lines combined run every three and a half to four and a half minutes during rush hour and every four minutes throughout the day and take just eight minutes to travel between Herald Square and Canal Street.
For More Information
The MTA offers customers a variety of ways to receive real-time and planned service change information, as well as 24/7 customer support in their native language.
MTA.info – The definitive source for real-time arrival information and service change information for each line or route in the MTA system. Customers can find current statuses on mta.info and upcoming planned service changes using our lookup tool at mta.info/alerts.
MYmta app – Customers who use the comprehensive MYmta smartphone app will see real-time train and bus arrival times and other travel information for all MTA services all in one place. The app is available in the Apple Store and in Google Play Store.
Email & Text Alerts – Customers can sign up for email and SMS alerts tailored to their specific commutes and travel times. They can also sign up for MTA newsletters like The Weekender, a weekly newsletter that covers major weekend planned service changes. Customers can sign up here.
WhatsApp – Riders can chat with NYC Transit via WhatsApp for 24/7 customer assistance. With the help of Google Translate, NYC Transit staff offer real-time customer support in up to 108 languages.
511 – For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511.