Metro-North adds trains; LIRR expands capacity
Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road have begun making operating changes in preparation for increased economic activity in the New York area, with the Long Island adding capacity as of Tuesday and Metro-North increasing frequencies today. Metro-North will add 18 trains to its schedule as of today, with additional service on the Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven lines. Detailed information is available here. The Long Island, meanwhile, is increasing capacity by 15%, having added 105 cars to its trains as of Tuesday, to bring the daily total of cars in use to more than 800. It also has protect trains in place at 15 locations to respond to need for further capacity. Metropolitan Transportation Authority operations remain for essential travel only, but ridership increases are anticipated as areas outside New York City begin Phase 1 reopenings.
Stock Exchange bans transit use for staff, visitors
The New York Stock Exchange opened Tuesday for the first time since March 23, but use of mass transit is not part of the exchange’s reopening plan. The website Gothamist reports that the NYSE is prohibiting employees and visitors from taking transit — rideshares and private vehicles are the preferred modes of transport — raising questions whether other businesses or organizations might follow suit as New York reopens after its coronavirus shutdown. Brian Fritsch, manager of advocacy campaigns for the Regional Plan Association, a non-profit planning agency for a 31-county area around New York City, called the decision “really frustrating news,” but added, “I don’t think it’s something that is very practical for most employers and most industries in the city.”
AirTrain better than subway to LaGuardia because it can get done, Cuomo says
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday his proposal to build an AirTrain connection to LaGuardia Airport — the only one of the three major New York-area airports not served by rail transit — reflected the realities of getting a new transit system built. While an extension of the N Train subway would allow a one-seat ride to the airport, rather than requiring a change and an additional ticket, the New York Daily News reports Cuomo said opposition to a subway extension made the AirTrain project preferable.”I don’t want a project that’s going to be in court for 150 years,” Cuomo said. “When I say I’m going to do something, I actually do it.” The proposed $2 billion AirTrain project provide a 6-minute ride to the airport from the No. 7 subway or Long Island Rail Road station at Willets Point.
Being VERY familiar with NYCT, skip the N train airport connection; skip the airtrain from Willets to LaGuardia, extend the Flushing (7) train right into the airport. Viola, one seat ride. BUT, the problem in NY is not that of rationality. There would be a direct conflict between MTA and Port Authority. That’s why an air train to JFK, even though reasonably efficient, a direct egress of the LIRR into JFK would sure have made more sense. A one seat ride to NY-Penn, maybe with one stop at Jamaica.
If only it would’ve only taken 60 years… the line was first planned as far back as 1921!
Really Cuomo? You know there’s ways to avoid any time in court for transit projects don’t you? Or maybe there isn’t in New York?
Spend a few billion and extend it down the Van Wyck to LIRR Jamaica. That kind of extension also connects all of Long Island thru the LIRR. Of course what do I know, I’m just a worn out truck driver.
Shimon – You ask where is Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway? The first mile took sixty years and more money than the world has ever seen. Couldn’t even guess the subsequent miles.
The whole AirTrain project is almost worthless, as it goes to Mets Willets point, which is a longer ride from Manhattan than Astoria. Also, is only served by the 7 train and LIRR, increasing crowding on the 7 line, which is already almost at capacity. I think most people would rather the N train extension as opposed to this foolish vanity project anyway, even if it takes a few more years. And besides, if Mr Coumo is so interested in getting things done, where is phase 2 of the Second Avenue line?
What makes Cuomo Think this AirTrain thing is not going to end up in court? Yeah he gets things done no matter how long it takes or how much it costs or who he has to destroy to get it done. Not to mention who’s contributing to his campaign chest. In the New York of Andrew Cuomo “money talks nobody walks.”