Straphangers Board Buses As MTA Works On '7' Line All Weekend
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Staphangers looking to go between Manhattan and Queens had a rough go of it on Saturday.
As CBS 2's Andrea Gymes reported, the "7" subway line is suspended this weekend between Times Square in Manhattan and 74th Street-Broadway in Queens.
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In its place, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is providing free shuttle buses.
Commuters had to board buses instead of trains at the Queensboro Plaza station.
"It's inconvenient because there's not another train in the area," said straphanger Amalie Barrio.
"I'm used to it. I live out here so I deal with this train everyday," said another commuter.
This is just one of several weekends of planned disruptions for the "7" line this summer.
The shutdown is in place so that the MTA can work on several multi-year projects, including the installation of a new signal system and replacing old sections of elevated track.
"Takes a little longer to get to places. You have to make sure you catch the bus rather than have it leave right as you get up," said one straphanger.
MTA employees handed out vouchers for the free shuttles.
Some riders said figuring out which one to get on was a bit confusing. Still, many are taking it all in stride.
"I think they're doing all they can. I mean, I just want the maintenance to be done more quickly," said Barrio.
The MTA apologized for the inconvenience, saying the work is scheduled for the weekend when ridership is lower and workers can have complete access to the line, Grymes reported.
Officials promised once it's all finished that subway service will be safer and more reliable.
This weekend's shut down lasts until 5 a.m. Monday.
There are nine more planned weekend suspensions scheduled through November.
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