Watch CBS News

Riders Call For Information On Impending Closure Of L Train

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Hundreds of riders clamoring for more information on the impending 15-month closure of L Train service came to an open house Wednesday night in Brooklyn.

As WCBS 880's Mike Sugerman reported, they are trying to figure out what to do when the route closes next year.

When a portion of the L Line closes next year for 15 months of repair to damage caused by Superstorm Sandy back in 2012, a passenger base the size of the entire city of Boise, Idaho will have to find alternatives.

WEB EXTRA: MTA & DOT's Full Breakdown Of Canarsie Repair Plans

"Our commute times will quadruple; quintuple," said Philip Leff.

Leff is one of those 225,000 riders and an activist. He came on Wednesday to the first of four open houses that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is putting on about the project.

The head MTA man himself, Andy Byford, was present.

"These are our customers. We should be listening to them, and that's why I'm here today," Byford said, adding that he welcomes any and all public input. "To fine tune that plan because we're not claiming to have all the answers."

So Leff told Byford there should be new bus lanes on the Williamsburg Bridge all the time, instead of just peak hours as is the plan now.

"A bus that gets stuck in traffic is useless," he said.

It may just well be considered, Sugerman reported.

The closure starts in April 2019. The Department of Transportation said also 14th Street between Third and Ninth Avenues will be closed to cars and be turned into a busway during rush hours during the closure.

New bike lanes will be added to 13th street, along with HOV lanes on the Williamsburg Bridge. There will also be increased service on other subway lines and more ferries available when repairs begin.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.