NEW YORK -- Today, the MTA formally announced plans to improve L train service by mid-2012, following requests by State Senator Daniel Squadron to review and increase service.
"Today's NYC Transit committee meeting makes official the MTA's plans to heed my call and increase L train service beginning in mid-2012," said Senator Squadron. "This L train improvement is an important step toward a subway system that works for its riders every day of the week."
In July, Senator Squadron called on the MTA to review L train service [3] in light of escalating complaints of crowded, infrequent, and delayed trains, especially on the weekends when ridership has dramatically increased.
Last month, the MTA responded with a comprehensive report on L train service. [4] The report noted that new L train timetables would not be developed until mid- to late-2012 (and presumably not implemented until 2013). Senator Squadron asked the MTA to add additional trains sooner, which could be done within current capacity, and the MTA agreed to do so mid-2012.
Currently, the MTA runs 10 to 12 L trains per hour on weekends; yet, even before CBTC implementation is complete, the system has a capacity of 17 trains per hour.
This new weekend service increase will add 11 additional round trips on Saturdays and 7 additional round trips on Sundays. The MTA also announced increased service on weekdays, adding 16 off-peak and peak round trips. These changes will bring train loads within guideline levels.
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Media Contact: Amy Spitalnick / 212.298.5565
