Frustration is mounting among subway riders following the MTA’s announcement about the replacement of the M and F lines between Manhattan and Queens, a change impacting around 1.2 million daily passengers.
This alteration begins on Monday, running weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will affect eight stations, according to the MTA.
Many commuters fear that their travel times will increase and that trains will be more packed, although MTA Chairman and CEO Jano Lieber insisted that the new arrangement would only bring about positive changes.
“No one here is hurt by this. Everyone is benefiting,” Lieber stated during a visit to St. Queensbridge 21 Station.
He characterized the adjustment as a data-backed solution to alleviate congestion at Queens Plaza.
“This is something we’ve been considering for a while, and leveraging data shows that it not only reduces delays but also serves our customers better,” Lieber explained.
With the shift, F trains will stop at various stations including Queens Plaza and Court Square 23 Street, while M trains will service stops like 21 Street Queensbridge and Roosevelt Island.
The MTA noted that this change would streamline operations by eliminating the need for M trains to cross other lines, which has historically caused delays for multiple train services.
Still, Lieber admitted that passengers switching from F trains to M trains may find service less frequent.
“There are slight differences in terms of frequency,” he noted.
Gabriela Videla, 49, a bank employee commuting from Queens to Manhattan, expressed her thoughts on the matter.
“His line and running are OK,” she told a reporter. “I think they should be worried about other things,” alluding to safety issues in the subway.
Once the changes take effect, Videla will have to opt for the F train, which she finds generally busier. “I’ve never had a problem with M. F is always a little more crowded,” she remarked. “It makes no sense, but let’s see what happens next week.”
Varian Farhan, 19, a student traveling from Queens to Manhattan, said this switch will add 15 minutes to his commute come Monday.
“For commuters, 15 minutes means everything,” he emphasized.
Farhan also expressed worries about increased crowding on the F train. “F is definitely unreliable. It’s already crowded and super, really bad,” he noted, especially since his journey downtown is usually packed.
Nonetheless, the MTA chief aimed for a positive outlook despite the concerns. He mentioned that change is often met with resistance.
“We’re all New Yorkers and we all know we have a set routine. Nobody likes change,” Lieber commented.
