MTA Will Swap 2 Subway Lines Between Queens And Manhattan: What To Expect

QUEENS, NY — The MTA announced on Monday that it will swap two train lines between Manhattan and Queens this December.

F and M train service between Manhattan and Queens will be switched to eliminate a merge at Queens Plaza that has caused delays to Queens Boulevard riders.

The switch will go into effect beginning on Dec. 8, the MTA said.

The new service pattern between the Queens Boulevard corridor and Manhattan will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

During these times, F trains will run via the 53 St line and Queens Plaza, alongside the E line.

F trains will make stops at the following stations:

• Queens Plaza
• Court Sq
• Lexington–53 St
• 5 Av–53 St

The M line will run via the 63 St line and Roosevelt Island on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will now make stops at the following stations:

• 21 St Queensbridge
• Roosevelt Island
• Lexington–63 St
• 57 St

There will be no change from current service late evenings, nights, and weekends, the MTA said.

“NYC Transit is implementing smart changes that will enhance reliability and operational resilience, which ultimately results in better service that customers can count on,” NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said. “Running the F via the 53 St line and the M via the 63 St line between Manhattan and Queens will make for faster, less crowded, and more direct trips between the 63 St line and Queens Boulevard local stations.”

By eliminating the merges at Queens Plaza, any delays to local M or R local trains would now be isolated from express service and vice versa. Under the current service plan, approximately 15-20% of rush hour trains are delayed at Queens Plaza.

The swap will also enable the MTA to make much-needed improvements at the 21 St-Queensbridge station, including:

• Installing additional light fixtures and new signage both outside and inside the station
• Painting
• Placing ADA tactile strips on the platform
• Resurfacing and polishing glass surfaces
• Repairing broken floor tiles
• Renewing old and installing new drainage
• Fabricating and installing new canopies over two staircases to protect riders from bad weather

Leading up to the change in December, the eight stations affected will be fitted with new signs explaining the changes, the MTA said.

Click here to see how your commute will change.