 Feb 22 Subway Change Pamphlets In Subway Sta's
Why have the B as the Brighton Line express?
Simple the B train was a part time train, and the Brighton express was a part
time service. For the riders it is a simple equation - if there's no B train
then there is no Brighton express. By keeping the Q train as the local train
24/7 the riders have a sense of confidence about the system, and their route
home.
In returning a route from Sixth Avenue to the Brighton Line, a useful service
has been restored. Such an operation did not require the same "route letter"
to be used.
When the train routes are local sometimes, express sometimes, both local and
express sometimes, stops at some stations sometimes, but skips other stations
sometimes --- the riders become confused, irritated and angry. Keeping as much
as possible a simple arrangement of routes is preferable. In addition, it is
simpler for the TA in giving out advice, running trains, etc -- when the routes
are simple and consistent.
Why have the D as the West-End express?
Simple the D train has always been a 24/7 service on the lines that it ran on.
The more important reason is that the Asian community in Brooklyn and Downtown
Manhattan demanded, and needed more consistent service on a line where the
ridership has increased. Before the changes on the Manhattan Bridge - the West
End Line had direct Sixth Avenue service, now it does again - except the
service is 24/7 and the letter is D. In addition, the D train is now paired
again with the M train - providing service to a high volume corridor.
Why not switch the B and D in Brooklyn, and extend the B train one stop to
205th Street in the Bronx, and make the D train 24/7 local in the Bronx and
Manhattan, and make the B train the rush hour Bronx express and express in
Manhattan, and ...?
This would simply confuse riders in the Bronx, Manhattan and Brooklyn, whereas
now only riders in Brooklyn has the chance to become confused. Just think of
all of the signs and maps that have to be changed. If the changes are
"localized" to Brooklyn - there's only one set of riders to confuse.
It is only a letter on a train there are more important things to worry about.
The TA has changed the "route scheme" before, the 2/5 and the 3/4 switch in
Brooklyn, the N and R switch in Queens, the B and C switch in Manhattan and the
Bronx, the G and V operations in Queens. Human beings are capable of growth
and change - we are built to handle it. I just wonder why the TA just can not
get the station notation markers on the subway maps correct, some stations get
the "all trains stop here" and the "local and express trains stop here" on the
A train in Washington Heights when there is no difference. This is seen on
several subway map editions, something that is begging to be fixed.
Why have the N train local in Manhattan during the weekends?
This move simply offers the riders a quicker trip home without adding a great
deal of time to the trip. In this case we are talking about 5 stations. A
rider at one of the local stations no longer has to change trains to catch the
N train to Brooklyn. In addition this also speeds up service on the Q train
which has a "free run" in Manhattan.
Why have the N train stop at 49th Street in Manhattan?
This move clears up the express tracks to and from 42nd Street allowing the Q
train which terminates at 57th Street - some "running room" for its relay
operations. In addition the Times Square area is not limited to 42nd Street
but extends up to 50th Street with a high volume of riders.
Doesn't having the N train as a local sometimes, an express sometimes, and a
combination sometimes -- defeat the idea of "simple routes?"
Yep - it does. I guess that this follows an old famous song: "You Can't Always
Get What You Want".
Mike
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