Subway Plan: Swap F and M Lines to Reduce Delays

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is set to implement a significant change to the F and M subway lines beginning this Monday. The M and F lines will swap routes to enhance service efficiency and reduce delays, particularly benefitting commuters in western Queens and select areas of Manhattan.

Service Improvement Strategy

This strategic move aims to address congestion issues at Queens Plaza, a critical junction where the two lines currently intersect. By changing their weekday paths, the MTA anticipates smoother operations and reduced wait times for approximately 1.2 million daily riders.

Details of the Subway Line Swap

• Change Start Date: Monday
• Effective Hours: Weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Main Impact Areas: Western Queens, Roosevelt Island, and initial Manhattan stops.
• Current Complications: F and M trains currently create delays due to their shared pathways.

M trains will now make stops at the Queensbridge-21st Street station, which was previously served by F trains. This adjustment is expected to alleviate operational conflicts and streamline service.

Line Stop Changes

The following alterations will occur to the stopping patterns of the subway lines:

• M Line New Stops:
  • Queensbridge-21st Street
  • Roosevelt Island
  • 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue
  • 57th Street
• F Line New Stops:
  • Queens Plaza
  • Court Square
  • Lexington Avenue and 53rd Street
  • Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street

The MTA believes that these modifications will not only foster improved reliability for the F and M lines but also provide benefits to riders of the E and R lines, which often share the same rail space.

According to MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, the change aims to eradicate the delays caused by merging lines at Queens Plaza, enhancing commuter experience. New signage has been installed across affected stations, and customer service ambassadors are actively distributing informative flyers to inform riders about the upcoming switch.

While this change primarily affects weekday traffic, overnight and weekend services on both the F and M lines will continue as usual. The MTA encourages riders to adapt to these necessary adjustments, which are designed to benefit the broader commuting population. As they navigate these fresh routes, commuters can expect a more reliable travel experience.