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MTA Replacing Seven Switches on the R Train Line in Brooklyn to Improve Reliability and Reduce Delays

Updated March 28, 2022 5:00 p.m.

No Service Weekday Overnights Between March 28 and June 17; Weekend Train Service Suspended Between Bay Ridge-95 St and 36 St for Eight Weekends April Through June 

 

Robust Bus Shuttles and Line Substitute for R Service During Shutdown Periods 

 

Following customer announcements including online service alerts, text messages, emails and signs in train stations that began March 2, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reminds New Yorkers that switch replacement work on the line begins today, Monday, March 28 at 11:45 p.m. in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Crews will be replacing seven switches on the line between 86 St and Bay Ridge-95 St. The switches are at the end of their useful life and replacing them will reduce delays and improve reliability. 

On weeknights between Monday, March 28 and Friday, June 17, train service will be suspended from 11:45 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. Shuttle buses will replace service between 59 St and 95 St.  trains will provide service to the 45 St, 53 St and 59 St stations. 

For eight weekends between Friday, April 15 and Monday June 6, train service will also be suspended in Brooklyn between 36 St and 95 St. Customers are advised to take trains, or free shuttle buses that will run between Bay Ridge-95 St and 36 St. During affected weekends, shuttle buses will run every two minutes during the day, every four minutes during early evenings and every 10 to 20 minutes during late nights. 

“As riders continue to return to the subway, our crews are constantly performing work that will reduce delays and increase speeds,” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Subways Demetrius Crichlow. “We are pleased to be able to provide frequent shuttle bus service, and I want to thank our customers for their patience while we continue to modernize our system.” 

"I am thrilled that the MTA is running reliable and frequent shuttle bus service during this work,” said Senator Andrew Gounardes. Their commitment to expanding the shuttle weekend from 59 St to 36 St will mean riders won't have to transfer twice. Operating buses every two to four minutes during the day is another commonsense way to ensure our community is adequately served. I look forward to continuing this collaboration so southern Brooklyn and Bay Ridge residents are well served." 

“Love it or hate it, at the end of the day, in Bay Ridge, the train is our train,” said Council Member Justin Brannan. “That’s why I’m grateful the MTA is making the infrastructure improvements necessary to enhance our service, and thankful to them for heeding our call to ensure this work doesn’t completely upend the commute for so many of our essential workers overnight and on weekends. Let’s do our best to keep our neighborhoods connected in the short term, and make sure overnight and weekend train service comes back for us better than ever in the future.” 

"Keeping our system in a state-of-good-repair is essential for riders' safety and the subways' long-term reliability,” said Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC) Lisa Daglian. “Frequent and flexible shuttle and bus service, and keeping the public informed about goals and anticipated gains, is important in these longer-lasting projects. Regular and detailed communication is also key to reducing the inconveniences that always come with these closures. Service changes are always a pain, but the ultimate gain is worth it." 

This service change affects one or more ADA accessible stations, and these travel alternatives may not be fully accessible. Please contact 511 to plan your trip.  

Local elected officials and community boards have been notified about this work. Print and digital signs are posted in stations, and crews are making announcements in stations and on trains. NYC Transit staff will be out monitoring service alternatives and will adjust as necessary. 

Customer service notifications are also available on the MTA website, the MYmta app and the Authority’s many social media channels. Customers can also sign up for text and email alerts at www.myMTAalerts.com