Update: Flushing leaders and MTA to discuss weekend 7 train suspensions and the Lunar New Year

Image source: r0sss on Flickr

The Times Ledger reports that all may not be lost when it comes to the concern surrounding scheduled weekend 7 train suspension during the February 2013 Lunar New Year festivities in Flushing, Queens. Originally, the MTA was not going to budge on this issue and carry through with their track work. Now they’ve softened a bit, due to public outcry, and have scheduled a January meeting with Flushing leaders on this very topic.

These community leaders will meet with the MTA to request that 7 train service be reinstated during two weekends in February – Sunday, February 10 and Saturday February 16 –  the two days of celebration in Flushing affected by the MTA. State Senator Toby Stavisky (D-Whitestone) says, “We want a resolution that they will respect the people who participate in the Lunar New Year celebrations by suspending the service interruptions. We shouldn’t have to do this every year.” They also hope to educate MTA Chairman Joe Lhota – who is leaving soon to consider pursuing a Mayoral run – on the deep importance of this holiday in Asian cultures.

The MTA argues that people can find their way to Flushing by taking the N/Q to Queensboro Plaza, then switching to the 7 train there to parts east.

MTA to meet on Lunar cuts for No. 7 line [Times Ledger]
7 train weekend service to be suspended during the Lunar New Year celebration in Flushing [QNYC]