Big Change for F Train Riders in Queens: A Subway Switcheroo.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is set to make a significant tweak to the subway system's routes and schedules starting Monday. The F train will now share its tunnel with the M train between Long Island City and Midtown Manhattan, offering commuters in Queens more opportunities to snag an empty seat during rush hour.
Instead of running underneath Queens Boulevard west of Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue through a 63rd Street tunnel, the F trains will stop at Queens Plaza before making their way to Manhattan via the 53rd Street tube. This change is designed to alleviate congestion at Queens Plaza, where E and M trains frequently cross paths, causing delays.
The switch also aims to boost the frequency of trains on the M line during peak morning hours. By altering its route, the F train will allow for more efficient scheduling across all lines, reducing overcrowding and making the commute smoother.
MTA Chair Janno Lieber said that the changes are expected to provide a welcome relief for commuters like him, who often struggle to find space on crowded trains during the morning rush.
According to Lieber, "the F train coming from Eastern Queens is really crowded in the morning. So you have more chance of getting a seat." By addressing this issue, transit officials hope that riders will be able to enjoy shorter wait times in stations and faster travel times throughout the system.
It's worth noting that the altered routes won't affect the F trains' nighttime and weekend schedules, which still pass through their original tunnels. However, Roosevelt Island residents may experience some disorientation as they adjust to the new tunnel switches.
While there are potential challenges to adapt to, Lieber remains optimistic about the change, stating, "They're real benefits and I know that people will start to recognize them."
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is set to make a significant tweak to the subway system's routes and schedules starting Monday. The F train will now share its tunnel with the M train between Long Island City and Midtown Manhattan, offering commuters in Queens more opportunities to snag an empty seat during rush hour.
Instead of running underneath Queens Boulevard west of Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue through a 63rd Street tunnel, the F trains will stop at Queens Plaza before making their way to Manhattan via the 53rd Street tube. This change is designed to alleviate congestion at Queens Plaza, where E and M trains frequently cross paths, causing delays.
The switch also aims to boost the frequency of trains on the M line during peak morning hours. By altering its route, the F train will allow for more efficient scheduling across all lines, reducing overcrowding and making the commute smoother.
MTA Chair Janno Lieber said that the changes are expected to provide a welcome relief for commuters like him, who often struggle to find space on crowded trains during the morning rush.
According to Lieber, "the F train coming from Eastern Queens is really crowded in the morning. So you have more chance of getting a seat." By addressing this issue, transit officials hope that riders will be able to enjoy shorter wait times in stations and faster travel times throughout the system.
It's worth noting that the altered routes won't affect the F trains' nighttime and weekend schedules, which still pass through their original tunnels. However, Roosevelt Island residents may experience some disorientation as they adjust to the new tunnel switches.
While there are potential challenges to adapt to, Lieber remains optimistic about the change, stating, "They're real benefits and I know that people will start to recognize them."
. theyre saying it'll make morning trains less crowded but what if you take the F train from eastern queens? you'll still have to sit all the way back at queens plaza and wait till midtown. plus, theres always the chance of a delay or construction causing chaos. i mean, have you seen those tunnel entrances during rush hour? it's like a parking lot 
OMG, can u believe it?! 
The F train is gonna have a BFF in Queens - M train! 
It's about time we get more seats during rush hour 
. I've been there, trust me, it's a nightmare trying to squeeze into the train with so many people 
. This switcheroo is gonna be a total game changer for commuters like me 
. Fingers crossed it brings some relief from those crowded trains 
. Let's hope this change does the magic it promises 
!
i'm all about shorter wait times and less crowded trains, that's like, the ultimate win in my book 
Plus, it's about time someone tackled congestion at Queens Plaza - that place is like a hot mess! 
where F and M trains switch places? i think its kinda cool that it'll help reduce congestion at queens plaza and make the commute easier for ppl during rush hour. plus, less crowded means more seats available - who doesnt love that 
? im curious to see how it affects daytime trains tho...i hope theres not too much disruption on weekends 
. and btw, mta chair janno lieber sounds like a super chill dude 
. I mean, who doesn't love having more space to spread out and not have to be squished between strangers all day? 
. Only thing I'm a little worried about is the potential confusion on Roosevelt Island 
, but overall, I think this is gonna be a solid win for commuters