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Citi Bike reveals new expansion plans that keep Queens, Bronx, Upper Manhattan waiting on wheels

July 16, 2019

Citi Bike reveals new expansion plans that keep Queens, Bronx, Upper Manhattan waiting on wheels

By Michelle Cohen

Citi Bike has revealed details for the much-anticipated rollout of the popular bike share program with plans to double its reach with docks in the Bronx and more of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. But according to maps and information released in a Tuesday morning meeting obtained by Streetsblog, large swaths of the city won't see the blue bikes for four more years. As the NY Post reported, some see the Citi Bike rollout as heavily weighted toward more affluent NYC districts, which prompted a letter from several New York City Council members to the NYC Department of Transportation asking for assurance that expansion plans include low-income neighborhoods.
Where will the next blue bikes be?

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New consulting firm report suggests the MTA cut costs by merging 40 groups into six departments

Image via Flickr.

July 15, 2019

New consulting firm report suggests the MTA cut costs by merging 40 groups into six departments

By Michelle Cohen

AlixPartners, a Manhattan-based consulting firm hired by the MTA this year has released a report with recommendations for ways the organization can save money, AM New York reports. Suggestions include a reorganization plan that would see the MTA, including the Long Island Rail Road, consolidating back-office operations and merging more than 40 groups into six departments. The firm was paid $3.75 million to come up with two reports; additional suggestions for the first reorganization in 50 years include the hiring of new high-level positions to oversee changes, and updating union contracts to attract top talent.
Also: new hires and no more cheating on overtime

Operators of Coney Island’s Luna Park will lead retail transformation of the Stillwell Avenue Terminal Complex

Image via Wiki Commons

July 10, 2019

Operators of Coney Island’s Luna Park will lead retail transformation of the Stillwell Avenue Terminal Complex

By Alexandra Alexa

Since taking over operations of Luna Park in 2010, Central Amuseument International (CAI) has had a big hand in the transformation of the neighborhood, and that will continue to increase. Following a Request for Proposals (RFP) last June, the MTA has just announced that CAI Foods—a subsidiary of CAI—will lead a retail conversion of Coney Island’s iconic Stillwell Avenue Terminal Complex. CAI will take over nine of the 11 retail units in the Complex, turning the largest into “Rcade,” an arcade with a restaurant, bar, and coffee shop that will be open year-round. The remaining units will be subleased on a seasonal basis.
More details

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Cuomo announces new LIRR station as part of Belmont Park redevelopment project

Rendering courtesy of Governor Cuomo’s office

July 9, 2019

Cuomo announces new LIRR station as part of Belmont Park redevelopment project

By Alexandra Alexa

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced plans for a new Long Island Rail Road station to be built as part of the Belmont Park Redevelopment Project, which will provide a home base for the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders. The station will serve the proposed 19,000-seat arena, a 250-room hotel, and a 435,000-square-foot retail complex at the state-owned horseracing venue, as well as local commuters who have long needed more transportation options. Located between the Queens Village and Bellerose stations on the LIRR's Main Line, the station will be the first full-time LIRR station built in 50 years. It's expected to be partially open by 2021—as the Islanders arena opens to the public—and fully operational by 2023.
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10 Brooklyn stations won’t have overnight L train service for nine weekends

July 8, 2019

10 Brooklyn stations won’t have overnight L train service for nine weekends

By Devin Gannon

A large part of the L line in Brooklyn will not be available during overnight hours for nine weekends, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced Saturday. Starting on July 16, there will be no L service from midnight to 5 a.m. between Broadway Junction and Lorimer Street spread out across nine different weekends until January. L train service has been reduced since April when the 15-month reconstruction and partial shutdown of the Canarsie Tunnel began.
Get the L train low-down

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Yearlong event series explores the future of New York City’s transportation infrastructure

Image via Flickr

July 5, 2019

Yearlong event series explores the future of New York City’s transportation infrastructure

By Alexandra Alexa

Two years after Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for New York's subway system, the future of transportation remains one of the city's most critical, ongoing conversations. It's also one of the more fraught topics, impacting more than 20 million residents on a daily basis. To deepen public understanding of the current state of things, as well as what the future might bring, Open House New York is launching a yearlong event series to both inform and "ignite the city's imagination." The Moving City will begin later this month and continue through next Spring, featuring a wide range of tours, presentations, and panel discussions that will bring much-needed context to this pressing issue.
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After a four-year renovation project, N train service in Brooklyn is fully restored

Photo via Wiki Commons

July 2, 2019

After a four-year renovation project, N train service in Brooklyn is fully restored

The average New Yorker's biggest MTA gripe is delays at their station, but imagine having no station at all for two years? That's what residents in the Bensonhurst area of Brooklyn have endured. Beginning in July 2017, seven Coney Island-bound N train stations, starting at Fort Hamilton Parkway in Borough Park and stretching to 86th Street in Gravesend, were closed as part of the Sea Beach Line restoration project. After a sixth-month delay, the final phase is now complete, with four stations in Bensonhurst finally reopening, reports The City.
Get the details

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Your guide to getting around NYC on the Fourth of July

Image via Flickr

July 2, 2019

Your guide to getting around NYC on the Fourth of July

By Alexandra Alexa

If you're one of the estimated three million people who will be watching the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks spectacular, you'll need to factor in how MTA's service changes and planned traffic interruptions might affect your plans. Once you've picked a viewing spot, check out our comprehensive guide to getting around town (or out of town, if you prefer) below.
Know before you go

Governor Cuomo wants to test self-driving subways in NYC

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July 1, 2019

Governor Cuomo wants to test self-driving subways in NYC

By Alexandra Alexa

During a three-day trip to Jerusalem last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo toured the offices of Mobileye–a supplier of autonomous driving software—with the possibility of applying those same technologies to the MTA. "We have seen tremendous growth in software development for navigational systems to make automobiles safer and more reliable, and if this software works well on the road then we owe it to commuters to test its application for train and rail," Cuomo said in a statement.
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Google Maps can predict how crowded your subway or bus will be

Photo © 6sqft

June 28, 2019

Google Maps can predict how crowded your subway or bus will be

By Alexandra Alexa

Google Maps has just released a couple of upgrades that should make New Yorkers' commutes a little bit easier, or at least, slightly more predictable. From now on, the app will be able to tell you how crowded your subway, bus, or train might be, so you can decide if you prefer to squeeze in or wait for a vehicle where you're more likely to snag a seat. The upgrades also expand the app's live traffic delays for buses (which began rolling out in December 2017) to cities that didn't already provide those updates.
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Need to get around NYC during WorldPride weekend? The subways want to help

Image: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit

June 28, 2019

Need to get around NYC during WorldPride weekend? The subways want to help

By Alexandra Alexa

The crowds at this weekend's WorldPride events are expected to break records, with an estimated 4.5 million people attending Sunday's Pride March, including 115,000 marchers. The MTA is showing its Pride this weekend by making it easier for you to join the festivities. We can finally share some good weekend service news: the authority is suspending all L train tunnel rehabilitation work this weekend and will increase service on other lines to accommodate all revelers. If you want to secure a spot on the Parade route, make sure you get there early as they're sure to fill up fast.
Here's what you need to know

Cuomo unveils new looks for next phase of $8B LaGuardia Airport overhaul

June 27, 2019

Cuomo unveils new looks for next phase of $8B LaGuardia Airport overhaul

By Michelle Cohen

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today that the first of four concourses at LaGuardia Airport's new state-of-the-art Delta terminal is on track to open this fall. The concourse is a major milestone in the $8 billion plan to construct an entirely new LaGuardia Airport. The new 105,000-square-foot concourse will feature views of Citi Field and Flushing Bay through floor-to-ceiling windows, gates that can accommodate a wide range of aircraft and dining options from the city's top eateries. New renderings released with the announcement show the concourse and the arrivals/departures facility scheduled to open in 2021.
See more of the new Laguardia

Port Authority proposes extensive fare and toll hikes for bridges, tunnels, and AirTrains

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June 26, 2019

Port Authority proposes extensive fare and toll hikes for bridges, tunnels, and AirTrains

By Alexandra Alexa

The Port Authority is set to propose a series of comprehensive fare hikes across all its bridges, tunnels, and trains at a board meeting this Thursday, as amNY reported. A series of policy changes would be implemented along with the increases, including a new “ground transportation access fee” at major airports, a $4 charge for both pickups and drop-offs in ride-hail services, a $4 pickup fee for taxi trips, and an increase in AirTrain fares from $5 to $7.75. The additional revenue—about $235 million a year—would go toward the agency’s much-needed infrastructure improvements. The agency will also seek approval for a $4.8 billion increase in its 10-year spending plan, aimed toward upgrades at the area’s three major airports.
More info

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Port Authority reveals $1B plan to make PATH trains less crowded, more efficient

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June 21, 2019

Port Authority reveals $1B plan to make PATH trains less crowded, more efficient

By Alexandra Alexa

With daily ridership on the PATH train hitting record highs, the Port Authority has announced a new plan to ease the crowds and provide improved service. Over the next three years, the PATH will get a new signal system, 72 new rail cars, and increase capacity by up to 40 percent on its Newark-World Trade Center Route—that means room for about 18,000 extra riders during rush hour—by running longer, nine-car trains. “We want this plan to be game-changing,” said Executive Director Rick Cotton.
All the details

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New York set to legalize e-scooters and e-bikes

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June 18, 2019

New York set to legalize e-scooters and e-bikes

By Alexandra Alexa

New York lawmakers reached an agreement on a bill to legalize e-scooters and e-bikes across the state and are expected to vote on the matter this Wednesday, the New York Post reports. The bill would legalize e-bikes and scooters but each city will ultimately be able to decide how to regulate the vehicles. Local governments will also have the power to decide whether to launch shared networks of e-bikes and e-scooters and have complete control over their operations. However, the language in the bill specifically bars New York City from launching an e-scooter sharing system in Manhattan.
More this way

MTA will bring food and retail options to three of the city’s most trafficked subway hubs

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June 17, 2019

MTA will bring food and retail options to three of the city’s most trafficked subway hubs

By Alexandra Alexa

As subway newsstands continue to decline, the MTA is reconsidering its retail strategy at three of the cities busiest stations, the Wall Street Journal reports. Riders will soon have more underground dining and shopping options, as the agency seeks to replicate the success of Grand Central Terminal—which teems with a wide range of bars, restaurants, and shops—and the Turnstyle Underground Market leading to Manhattan's 59th St-Columbus Circle Station. The three stations set for a revamp are 42nd Street-Port Authority, 42nd Street-Times Square, and 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center.
More details

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De Blasio and Chuck Schumer call for increased helicopter regulations after last week’s crash

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June 17, 2019

De Blasio and Chuck Schumer call for increased helicopter regulations after last week’s crash

By Alexandra Alexa

Following the deadly crash of a helicopter in midtown last Monday, lawmakers are calling for greater oversight on helicopters flying over the city, the New York Post reported. “I think we need a full ban on any helicopters going over Manhattan itself,” Mayor de Blasio said on WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show last Friday, noting that “exemptions should be made for emergency responders, first responders, uniform services,” and news cameras. On Sunday, Senator Chuck Schumer urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to include data recorders in all helicopters.
More info

10 businesses including Tracks Bar will be shuttered in $600M Penn Station revamp

Photo of Tracks Bar by 6sqft

June 14, 2019

10 businesses including Tracks Bar will be shuttered in $600M Penn Station revamp

By Michelle Cohen

Recently-revealed renderings show the final design for the new main entrance to Penn Station. It's no surprise that, as the Wall Street Journal reports, the overhaul will mean the eviction of 10 businesses including popular commuter watering hole Tracks Bar. Real estate developer Vornado will be making the decision about which, if any, of the businesses–other than Tracks, mostly chain restaurants–can return when renovations are done.
Find out more

How the MTA’s service changes will affect your Father’s Day weekend

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June 14, 2019

How the MTA’s service changes will affect your Father’s Day weekend

By Alexandra Alexa

No matter how you're celebrating this Father's Day weekend, the MTA is probably the most likely candidate to throw a last-minute wrench in your plan to be punctual. The planned service changes are fairly merciful, but far from insignificant. Uptown 1, 4, and 6 trains are skipping a bunch of stops uptown, while the D and F take a break for stretches of Brooklyn.
Know before you go

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MTA rolls out rainbow MetroCards and train decals for Pride month

Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit

June 13, 2019

MTA rolls out rainbow MetroCards and train decals for Pride month

The Federal government may be banning Pride flags at U.S. embassies, but here in New York, our city agencies are prouder than ever to show off the rainbow. The latest initiative comes from the MTA, who has revealed a special set of Pride MetroCards, along with Pride-themed Transit merchandise and a new Pride logo on select subway cars. All of the festive additions mark not only World Pride being hosted in NYC this year but the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.
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De Blasio plans to extend NYC’s limits on Lyft and Uber and make them permanent

June 13, 2019

De Blasio plans to extend NYC’s limits on Lyft and Uber and make them permanent

By Michelle Cohen

As the city's for-hire vehicles (FHVs) rack up nearly 800,000 rides per day, Mayor Bill De Blasio announced on Wednesday the Taxi and Limousine Commission's new plan to extend last year's cap on for-hire vehicle licenses, the New York Post reports. A second cap will be placed on the length of time FHVs can let their cars cruise the city without passengers in the most congested part of Manhattan, below 96th Street. Last August, the city also suspended the issuance of new licenses. The new policies are expected to increase driver salaries by about 20 percent and make traffic in Manhattan below 60th Street six to 10 percent faster.
Find out more

How to get around NYC when the Puerto Rican Day Parade hits the streets this weekend

June 7, 2019

How to get around NYC when the Puerto Rican Day Parade hits the streets this weekend

By Alexandra Alexa

More than two million people are expected to attend this weekend’s National Puerto Rican Day Parade, celebrating its 62nd anniversary this year. The popular event will feature a host of colorful floats and notable marchers, all celebrating the rich culture of Puerto Rico. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. but the festivities are expected to last well into the evening. Read on for more information about the event and everything you need to know about getting around town.
More info

Uber Copter coming to NYC this summer, will offer helicopter trips to JFK for $200

Image: Maxpixel CC public domain.

June 6, 2019

Uber Copter coming to NYC this summer, will offer helicopter trips to JFK for $200

By Michelle Cohen

In 2017, Uber announced plans to begin testing four-passenger flying taxi services for a division called Uber Elevate in Dallas/Fort Worth, with more testing planned for Los Angeles in 2020 ahead of the 2028 Olympics. But the ride-hailing service will be bringing helicopter service to New York City much sooner. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that starting July 9, Uber will be offering Uber Copter, a new service, available via the Uber app, that will shuttle passengers between Lower Manhattan and JFK Airport.
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Judge rules accessibility lawsuit against the MTA can move forward

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June 6, 2019

Judge rules accessibility lawsuit against the MTA can move forward

By Alexandra Alexa

A state Supreme Court judge has denied the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s request to dismiss a lawsuit over inaccessible subway stations, amNY reported Wednesday. A coalition of accessibility advocacy groups, including the Center for Independence of the Disabled and Disability Rights Activists, filed the suit. They argued that the MTA is in violation of the city's Human Rights Law because only 24 percent of the subway system’s 472 stations include elevator access.
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Williamsburg shuttle bus route to shrink as L train slowdown goes mostly unnoticed

Image courtesy of MTA.

June 4, 2019

Williamsburg shuttle bus route to shrink as L train slowdown goes mostly unnoticed

By Michelle Cohen

The MTA's long-dreaded Canarsie Tunnel repairs are finally underway, and we're all still here. And, as AMNew York reports, we've even discovered other subway lines that function similarly enough to the beloved L train to meet our transportation needs. The result of the current transit non-apocalypse is that at least one of the backup solutions–the "Williamsburg Link" shuttle bus service intended to mitigate an anticipated crush of stranded riders–is being nixed and replaced by a shorter route after experiencing "extremely low" ridership.
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