Express L Train?
Before you say it, I know an express L train is unlikely to stop at Morgan. And that’s okay — it would just make things move more smoothly in general to have certain trains on the L line stop only every 3-4 stops, and another that stops local…
This is what I wrote a few weeks ago after I read about the petition to get an express F train going. When I went to do more research, though, I realized *smack forehead* the L is only two frickin’ tracks. Since I know how much time it takes and money it costs to dig another subway line, I just abandoned the post — am I really going to sit here and advocate spending $23.4 gazillion on a system that already runs in the red? I decided no.
But Raanan Geberer is not to be deterred by the daunting task of gathering up lots of someone else’s money and blowing it on drilling a whole new parallel subway line under the L — just for express trains! I’m happy to suffer through a generation of construction delays just from the psychic profit I’ll reap knowing that the Bushwickers of 2030 will have such an easy commute into Manhattan. As if.
What needs to happen is that our embarrassingly third world transit authority needs to welcome itself to the 1980s and let us all know when the next train is — OUTSIDE the stations, but at least inside before we pay. It needs to better coordinate the trains with new technology, especially on the L and other overcrowded lines so that they can run closer together. And I know the transit union hates the idea, but they need to automate the trains so they can lay people off and make the system pay for itself. That last item is a fantasy: the absence of any profit motive usually guarantees massive inefficiency and a black hole for cash.
So…can we get Donald Trump to build us a new L line? Weirder things have happened.
July 3rd, 2007 at 1:38 pm
not that it was an express but back in the 60s in the rush hour there was atleast 1 train a morning and evening that started/ended at Myrtle/Wyckoff and went on to 8th ave. There is a siding there where a train or two can be stored.
Train still made all the stops from Myrtle to 8th Ave.
This was before they had lettered trains ( L was 14 st canarsie line) . You knew it was the Myrtle avenue train because thelights on the front were green instead of red.
July 4th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
It takes 39 minutes for the L train to go from Canarsie to 8th Ave. So what’s the big deal? 5 minutes? This is a really stupid post.
July 4th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Crowding, you dingbat.
July 5th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
The crowding problem on the L will be at least partially addressed by the implementation of MTA’s automated system that will allow for shorter headways - and more trains - on this line. Hopefully, this long delayed project will become a reality in the reasonably near future.
In the event that this does not adequately address the congestion problem - as will probably be the case - the best remedy is to expand the size of the existing stations to accommodate 12 car trains. This is a very practical alternative and one that could be implemented in just a couple of years if aggressively promoted. The TA did this quite efficiently to the old IRT and BMT lines in the late 40’s and early 50’s, and the TA’s recent report on crowding referred to this as a possibility. It would make a lot of sense to promote this alternative and recruit the Williamsburg and Bushwick art community to develop implementation strategies that would enhance - and not defile - the aesthetic integrity of the existing stations. As opposed to the fantasy of a “L Train Express”, this can become a reality well within our lifetimes.
By the way, the reason for providing express routes on subway lines has always been decrease of travel time and not congestion relief. Hence my cryptic earlier comment.
Hope we can agree to disagree on the express issue and join forces on the 12 can station campaign!
July 6th, 2007 at 12:00 am
If you actually read my original post, I argue against building express tracks. The Donald Trump thing is just me being silly.
July 6th, 2007 at 8:58 am
JD you are right . If 12 car stations can be built this would help. I do recall when BMT statons were extended. In the 50s the L was crowded with people going to work from Brooklyn etc but although I am no longer living in Bklyn I do visit williamsburg a lot and notice even at 11 pm Bedford Ave station is crowded both with people getting on and off.
With all of the large condos etc going up in Williamsburg this problem will only get worse.
I am not sure Bushwick will ever see the condominium craze of the burg but more people living in the same area will make for more crowded transit.
It sort of reminds me of the 72 st and 96 st station on the 7th Ave IRT . They are narrow island stations which get really packed.
I do think JDs suggestion is best if feasible but as he said please do not ruin the look of the stations .
As an aside being a bit of a transit buff I took the Subway Museum’s L train tour a few years ago.
It was quite well done and really gave a clear history of the line.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:39 am
[…] Of course it has to be said that if slightly more than a modicum of maintenance had been afforded these pitiful stations over the years, they would not need massive redos now. Only OUR government could let a system crumble like this one has, failing to see the propaganda value of a showcase mass transit system. I say let’s Draft the Donald! […]
August 15th, 2008 at 2:33 am
Forget It.
Where are you going to place an express line tracks on the BMT 14th Street Canarsie “L” line? There is no room. The BMT CANARSIE LINE WAS BUILT FOR 2 TRACKS. THERE IS NO WAY AN EXPRESS CAN BE BUILT. I REMEMBER THE DAYS WHEN THE 14th Street Canarsie Line “L” had the Old BMT Standard “AB” three door
cars with the green interior, straw seats or red leather seats, overhead fans, and the all familiar sound when it pulls off. Let’s not forget the familiar “electrical” smell on those old BMT “AB” Standard Cars on the BMT 14th Street Canarsie line, aka The “L” Train.