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NYCT Completes Comprehensive Study Of The F Line

Posted by
on October 9th, 2009 at 7:36 pm

Earlier today, MTA New York City Transit announced the completion of a comprehensive study of the F Train. Here are the details of the study courtesy of a press release sent to me by MTA NYC Transit:

With an eye toward improving service along the second longest line in the subway system, MTA New York City has completed an exhaustive three-month study of conditions along the entire length of the 27-mile F Line.

The study acknowledges the line’s below average performance, due in part to its length, the age of its infrastructure, and the complexity of its operation. Recognizing the need for improvement along the line, which connects the Jamaica section of Queens to Coney Island in Brooklyn, NYC Transit has made the line a priority and numerous initiatives are already underway under the leadership of F Line General Manager Dwayne Anglero.

• A dedicated manager responsible for maintenance of the car fleet has been assigned to the line and the new cars are currently being placed into service. So far, these changes have resulted in increased reliability for F Line trains.

• The line schedule is being reviewed for potential modifications.

• Strategies are in place to reduce impact of construction and maintenance.

NYC Transit President Howard H. Roberts, Jr., is chairing a committee of senior managers that will analyze the line’s performance and implement strategies for improvement. A similar committee on the 4, 5 and 6 lines led to service changes and measurably improved performance.

“While we are already in the midst of several capital projects aimed at improving service for F Line riders, there are measures underway that will move our customers closer to the type of service that they pay for and that they deserve,” said Roberts.

Current capital projects include rehabilitation of the Culver Viaduct and the Jay Street station rehabilitation while improvements to the signal system are proposed for the 2010 to 2014 Capital Program. While express service in Brooklyn cannot be implemented until the completion of the viaduct project, NYC Transit is committed to studying the cost and feasibility of this service prior to the completion of the work.

The analysis was prepared at the request of State Senator Daniel Squadron.

I would love to read the study especially in terms of what was done to measure performance or lack thereof in the respective categories. I will try & see if I can get my hands on some more information in the coming days.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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MTA Receives $2 Million Federal Grant

Posted by
on October 9th, 2009 at 6:13 pm

Earlier today, the MTA announced it received a $2 million federal grant for the installation of centrally controlled 3rd rail heaters. Here are the complete details courtesy of a press release sent to me by the MTA:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced today it has received $2 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds to install approximately 350 wireless control points linked to rail heaters system-wide. The project will allow these 3rd rail heaters to be remotely monitored and turned on and off from a central control location depending on weather conditions, thus minimizing electricity use and eliminating wasted energy. The new system is expected to reduce energy consumption by at least 23,000 megawatt hours saving the MTA $1.6 million annually.

This year’s federal stimulus legislation appropriated $100 million for Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER), a new discretionary grant program for public transportation projects that reduce a transit system’s greenhouse gas emissions or result in a decrease in a transit system’s energy use.

MTA Chairman and CEO Jay H. Walder said: “The MTA is one of just a handful of transit agencies to receive TIGGER funding. This project is part of the MTA’s overall commitment to lower energy costs and reduce our carbon footprint while putting more people to work as we continue to modernize our infrastructure.”

Currently, in order to prevent icing of ground level exposed 3rd rail in the subway system, New York City Transit manually activates nearly 1,000 3rd rail heaters in the fall of each year. The heaters are then left on throughout the fall, winter, and early spring, regardless of whether or not icing conditions exist, resulting in substantial energy waste. The wireless control points should all be in place by January 2012.

The MTA submitted its proposal to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in May 2009. Competition for TIGGER funds was fierce. The FTA received over 200 proposals containing approximately 524 projects, with an estimated total value of $1.2 billion.

The TIGGER funds will be used to cover a portion of labor costs. The total budget for the project is $8.32 million.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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ADA Work Begins At Fulton Transit Center

Posted by
on October 9th, 2009 at 5:14 pm

I apologize for the lack of updates recently but I have been & continue to be under the weather. I am starting to feel better so I will try & catch up by the end of the weekend. Lets start with the announcement that ADA work has begun at the Fulton Transit Center. Here are the details courtesy of a press release sent to me by the MTA NYC Transit:

MTA NYC Transit announces that work on the Fulton Street Transit Center has entered the next phase with the start of construction work on the AC mezzanine at Broadway-Nassau and the new ADA accessible station entrance at William and Fulton Streets.

Barricades are being installed along portions of the AC platform and mezzanine levels. Existing artwork in the station will be removed and temporary stairs are being built as preparations are made for the eventual replacement of the AC mezzanine ramps and staircases. (For more information on the reconstruction, log on to www.mta.info and click on Capital Construction>Major Projects>Fulton Street Transit Center.)

Customers may find that they will have to change their usual travel patterns when using the complex, as the additional barricades will affect passenger flow. Entrances at the southwest corner of William and Fulton Streets and at the north side of John Street at Broadway will be closed. The easternmost AC platform staircase will be closed. Access to the northbound JMZ may also be affected. Customers should also expect weekend service changes during this time.

Well this is one station to stay away from as if it was not confusing & crazy as it is. I & many others can’t wait for this all to be done. The new Fulton Transit Center should be a big hit when it is finally up & running.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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Service Diversions 10-09

Posted by
on October 9th, 2009 at 4:57 pm

I updated the service diversions page with the latest information for what will be a chaotic weekend & upcoming week (beyond in some cases). Don’t forget to check in for any changes to the page. I also suggest printing out a copy of the page to use while riding the system. Have a safe & wonderful time as you enjoy the weekend!

xoxo Transit Blogger

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Service Diversions 10-02

Posted by
on October 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 am

I updated the service diversions page with the latest information for the weekend & upcoming week (beyond in some cases). Don’t forget to check in for any changes to the page. I also suggest printing out a copy of the page to use while riding the system. Have a safe & wonderful time as you enjoy the weekend!

xoxo Transit Blogger

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