In late August, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced that the N and R lines would increase their midday service.
The resulting improvements would result in 8-minute service during midday periods from 10:00am-4:00pm, instead of the previous 10 minutes. Since the supposed implementation, New York State Sen. Andrew Gounardes’ office heard from constituents that they were experiencing delays upwards of 12-14 minutes.
After inquiring with the MTA, the office has now updated their press release with the following stipulation in their announcement: “Due to the track replacement work, increased weekday R train service will begin after 11:30 a.m. and continue throughout the duration of this project. Once completed, increased train service will begin at approximately 10:00 a.m.”
In response to the MTA’s announcement, Gounardes released the following statement: “After months of hard work in Albany to fight for a rescue plan for the MTA and service improvements for lines including the R and N, I’m shocked and frustrated that the MTA would misrepresent these service upgrades to the riding public. People need to trust that subways will be reliable and dependable, especially as the MTA is asking for more tax dollars and fare increases to pay for service. I urge the MTA to deliver on these upgrades as quickly as possible, and as a daily R train commuter myself, I promise riders I will hold them accountable until they do.”
