UPDATE: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has just announced significant changes to the R train service aimed at improving travel times for Brooklyn commuters. Starting immediately, trains on the R line will now hold at select stations in Lower Manhattan to ensure a quicker and more efficient journey through Brooklyn.
Officials confirm that this new dispatching strategy is designed to reduce wait times for riders heading to neighborhoods like Bay Ridge and Sunset Park. Bill Amarosa, head of subways at NYC Transit, emphasized the importance of this shift. “If a train is scheduled every six minutes, and customers are waiting ten, that’s not good service,” Amarosa stated.
Data collected by NYC Transit reveals that riders were previously experiencing an average wait time two minutes longer than expected. The MTA’s new approach aims to maintain even service intervals, directly addressing these delays. Amarosa explained, “By looking at the train sequencing in Manhattan, we can keep those trains more even and avoid big gaps in service.”
This strategic adjustment involves holding R trains at the Whitehall Street station for one to two minutes, which allows for better spacing as they enter Brooklyn. Amarosa noted, “At Whitehall St., the R is getting ready to go into the busiest portion of the line. We want those trains to be at the right headways coming into Jay St., DeKalb, and Atlantic Ave.”
With the system’s on-time performance hovering just above 85% in August 2023, the R train lagged behind at just below 80%. The MTA is prioritizing riders’ experiences over raw on-time numbers, considering that many commuters transfer to the R from express trains.
Since implementing the new strategy, Amarosa reports that platform wait times have decreased by approximately 25%. “This strategy is working to reduce wait time and get people to where they’re going much faster,” he added, highlighting the positive impact on service efficiency.
The MTA is also exploring similar dispatching strategies for other lines, including the No. 6 train and the J train. These ongoing improvements signify a broader commitment to enhancing subway service quality across New York City.
For Brooklyn commuters, this change is not just a logistical adjustment; it represents a tangible improvement in their daily travel experience. As the MTA continues to refine its operations, passengers can expect a more streamlined journey on the R train.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the MTA evaluates the effectiveness of these changes and considers additional enhancements to service.
