MTA's FASTRACK program arrives in Queens in 2013

Image source: MTAPhotos on Flickr – working during FASTRACK last year

We first caught this on Gothamist, then checked in with the MTA themselves to confirm, and yes – FASTRACK is expanding within and out of Manhattan. The MTA likes to implement FASTRACK because it means an increase in productivity which leads to an increase in savings for the agency. When it is put in place, the MTA shuts down the segment of the line for 7 hours between 10pm and 5am. This gives them full access to the tracks and don’t have to worry about moving out of the way of an oncoming train.

So for Queens residents, these are the lines that will be affected:

The Broadway NQR south of Queensboro Plaza to Court Street. Court Street is a Brooklyn R stop, so this is a huge length of the subway line. For Queens residents, it may not be possible to head into the city on the N/Q on some days. Here’s hoping it doesn’t coincide with any days the 7 is also not running into the city.

The Queens Boulevard Line EFMR between 5th Av/53rd Street and Roosevelt Avenue. This will affect these stations in LIC, Astoria, Woodside, and Jackson Heights: Court Square, Queens Plaza, 36th Street, Steinway Street, 46th Street, Northern Blvd, 65th Street, and Roosevelt Avenue. Here’s a map (click to enlarge):

Image source: MTA

The MTA is not specific about the dates of the FASTRACK program, just that it’s new for 2013. We’ll update you when we have more info.

MTA New York City Transit Expands FASTRACK Program for 2013 [MTA]
MTA Expanding Fastrack To Bronx, Queens [Gothamist]
7 train weekend service to be suspended during the Lunar New Year celebration in Flushing [QNYC]