The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is replacing tracks and making other repairs on the 63rd Street Line, which is used by the F and M trains between Manhattan and Queens. This work is necessary to improve the reliability of the line.
The NYC MTA service changes will take place from August 28, 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. During this time, the F train will be rerouted between Manhattan and Queens in both directions, and the M train will be suspended on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Service Changes
The F train will be rerouted between Manhattan and Queens in both directions. It will run on the E line between 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Center and Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av.
On weekdays, the F train will not run between 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Center and Forest Hills-71 Av. It will terminate at 57 St.
A special F shuttle train will run every 20 minutes in each direction between Lexington Av/63 St and 21 St-Queensbridge, stopping at Roosevelt Island. The F shuttle train will not run overnight.
Free Q95 shuttle buses will run between 21 St-Queensbridge and Queens Plaza in both directions.
The M train will be suspended on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. It will not run between 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Center and Forest Hills-71 Av.
There will be no M train service at the following stations:
5 Av/53 St
Lexington Av/53 St
Court Sq-23 St
Queens Plaza
36 St
Steinway St
46 St
Northern Blvd
65 St
Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av
Elmhurst Av
Grand Av-Newtown
Woodhaven Blvd
63 Dr-Rego Park
67 Av
Forest Hills-71 Av
For service to these stations, take the E, F, or R train.
Impact of the Service Changes
The service changes will have a significant impact on riders of the F and M trains. The F train is a major artery for travel between Manhattan and Queens, and the M train is a popular option for riders in the eastern part of Queens.
The rerouting of the F train will add travel time for riders who are traveling to or from Forest Hills-71 Av. The shuttle train will provide some relief, but it will be less frequent than the F train.
The suspension of the M train will also add travel time for riders who are traveling to or from the eastern part of Queens. Riders will need to transfer to the E or F train, which will add an extra stop or two to their journey.
Alternatives to the F and M Trains
There are a few alternatives to the F and M trains during the service changes. Riders can take the E train, the R train, or the Long Island Rail Road.
The E train runs between Queens Plaza and 34 St-Herald Sq, and the R train runs between Forest Hills-71 Av and 34 St-Herald Sq. Both trains run more frequently than the F train, but they do not serve all of the same stations.
The Long Island Rail Road also serves many areas of Queens. Riders can take the Long Island Rail Road to Jamaica Station and transfer to the E, F, or M train.
Tips for Riding the F and M Trains During the Service Changes
Allow extra travel time.
Be prepared to transfer to other trains.
Check the MTA website or app for the latest service updates.
Be patient and courteous to other riders.
The service changes on the F and M trains will be a major inconvenience for riders. However, the MTA is taking this necessary step to improve the reliability of the line. Riders should plan ahead and allow extra travel time during this time.
For more information, you can call the MTA Customer Service Center at 1-800-MTA-INFO (1-800-682-4636).
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