L Train Adding More Service Starting June 10 To Help Overcrowding, Says MTA

Good news for L train straphangers! The MTA is keeping their promise to combat the line's notorious overcrowding.

Starting Sunday, the MTA will add nearly 100 additional trains to the weekly rotation (16 additional round trips each weekday and 11 more on weekends).

MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz said, "Our work to improve signals continues to bear fruit and improve service for our customers. This should ease overcrowding on a line that serves continuously growing populations in Williamsburg, Bushwick and Canarsie."

am New York reports that during weekday rush-hour service, the line has been above capacity almost every year since 1998-- a trend running parallel to the dramatic population boom in North Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Last summer, state Senator Daniel Squadron called the MTA to review L train service in light of increasing complaints concerning crowded and delayed trains. Squadron commended Friday's announcement, "Anyone tired of crushing crowds and overflowing trains will now have an L trip less likely to feel like hell. This is a big step toward a subway system that works for its riders every day of the week."

Borough President Marty Markowitz praised the MTA for the plan, "Residents, artists, merchants and visitors to those areas of Brooklyn have long had to endure packed trains and service disruptions due to construction. I applaud the MTA for stepping up service and hope that it will cut down on the waiting times and overcrowding that riders have had to face every day."

In December, the MTA attempted to quell the claustrophobic cries of Brooklynites by adding just one extra train for a half hour during the morning weekday rush. This beefed up plan seems much better.