That’s right – much to your disbelief this week I come bearing you some good news (don’t get too excited, I am saving the bad news for last).
Anyways, it looks like the L is feeling a bit compassionate for us and has decided to step up its train game. According to recent reports from the NY Post, the MTA plans to increase service significantly next year:
8 more round-trip L trains on weekdays which will shorten the wait between between L trains on weekday evenings by more than half a minute.
4 more round-trip L trains on weekends which will shorten the wait between L trains on weekend nights by a minute.
This is all due to the L train line experiencing almost a 100 percent increase in L train riders since 1998. One word comes to mind: Sardines.
Okay, this is all wonderful and all but does this mean that the L train will actually be around on weekends? Or how about weeknights? Which brings us to the bad news. This may get a bit confusing…
This upcoming weekend (11/15-11/18) L trains will ONLY be operating between Rockaway Pkwy and Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs in other words: No L train between Manhattan and Brooklyn this weekend…
The M train is also doing some funky things this weekend. (M is for Maddening, in case you were wondering):
This weekend (as usual) the M train will only be running between Middle Village Metropolitan Ave and Myrtle Av. and will be skipping Fresh Pond Rd in both directions. (Is it okay that I’m relieved it is not the Forest Av stop that will be skipped. How else would I get to reunite with Cafe Norma’s muffin selection? I guess I could walk…).
However, there will be special weekend M extended service operating between Metropolitan Av and 57 St F station during the following times:
On Saturday, 11/16:
57 St-bound trains from 6AM-11:59PM
Middle Village-bound trains from 6:45AM-12:50AM (technically through Sunday morning)
On Sunday, 11/17:
57 St-bound trains from 8AM-11PM
Middle Village-bound trains from 8:50AM-11:45AM
Real talk – the above timetable reminds me of some lengthy mathematical word problem I had on the SATs. “If a 57 St-bound M train leaves the station at 6AM at 40mph…”
In order to cope with these service changes the MTA has granted us some shuttle (shudder) buses:
In Brooklyn these shuttle buses will operate along two routes:
Between Lorimer St and Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs, stopping at Graham Av, Grand St, Montrose Av, Morgan Av, Jefferson St and Dekalb Av.
Loop stopping at Lorimer St, Bedford Av, Marcy Av, Hewes St and Broadway (G train).
In Manhattan:
The M14 buses will provide alternate service at stations along 14 St.
Leave it to the Brooklyn trains to make everything difficult this weekend. As always, check mta.info for any last minute service changes and, as always, happy riding!