Your L-Train Woes Are Far From Over

At peak hours on the L line, it's not unusual to have to let a few packed trains pass you by before you can squeeze through the doors. The MTA keeps saying that computerized trains will solve all our problems, but a report released yesterday indicates otherwise: The L will maintain its sardine-can atmosphere until 2010, when those high-tech trains are finally up and running. At that point, the MTA will be able to run as many as 26 trains per hour during peak transit times, or one every 2 minutes 18 seconds (right now it's running about half that). But if young whippersnappers continue their mass migration to Williamsburg and Bushwick over the next three years, we're not sure those extra trains will even make a dent. If you live on the L line, what's your rush-hour commute like?
For Less Crowding on L Train, Think 2010 [NY Times]
Photo by japanski.

Comments

It's not just the L. Try taking the F train! any time of the day, especially during rush hour... skipped stops, express stops, people cramming in the tube instead of waiting for a less crowded one... not to mentione the numerous subway "performers" who feel it;s appropriate to play an instrument at 6pm on a packed train, and push their way through everyone beggin for a quarter. Bitter, yes I am. Not to mention the guy who reeked of fresh poop on my car this morning!

Posted by: TG at May 22, 2007 11:03 AM

I've given up on the L as a way to get into work during rush hour. I live in Greenpoint, just on the border, and it's .75 miles to Bedford. There I would have to wait at least 3 trains before jamming myself into one, take it to the end of the line, climb three staircases and hike to the A/C/E. Two stops to Canal on the express line.

Compare that to taking the G to Hoyt-Schermerhorn, cross-platform transfer to the A or the C, 5 stops to Canal. I get a seat on the G and even sometimes the connecting train.

The G is the superior commute right now.

Posted by: jukeboxgraduate at May 22, 2007 11:29 AM

The JMZ is the future!

Posted by: anonymous at May 22, 2007 12:10 PM

COme to the JMZ... Cypress Hills is a great spot to live. There is so much potential.

Posted by: Mel at May 22, 2007 4:45 PM

I take the B61 to the L to the 4/5 and finally to the 6 to get to my UES job everyday. Things are bearable most days but some days it seems like the L trains decidedly run on a half-schedule. Just 10 minutes btwn trains at 8 AM can take half an hour to recover.

Posted by: Bee at May 22, 2007 4:56 PM

I get on at the Dekalb stop at 8:45 and always get a seat!

Posted by: becca at May 24, 2007 11:15 AM

« Ratner: 'Fort Greene, I've Got You Surrounded' Park Slope House Tour Recap »

May 22, 2007

Your L-Train Woes Are Far From Over

Comments

Post a comment

Latest Restaurant Additions