Saturday marked the first weekend for the 7 train's suspension.
February reminds many New Yorkers what winter in the city can be like. The bitter cold had some running to the shuttle bus and desperate to get out of the single digit temperatures.
The MTA announced last month there will be suspended trains on the 7 line from 34th Street-Hudson Yards to Queensboro Plaza for six weekends.
According to the MTA, transit riders can expect suspensions on the 7 line for during the following weekends:
- Feb. 4 - Feb. 5
- Feb. 11 - Feb. 12
- Feb. 25 - Feb. 26
- Mar. 11 - Mar. 12
- Mar. 25 - Mar. 26
- Apr. 22 - Apr. 23
The MTA is citing work at the Queensboro Plaza station, including the addition of two elevators and additional accessibility enhancements, as the reason for suspended service.
Many transit riders were confused and frustrated as they realized the train they hoped to get on wasn’t running.
“It’s very uncomfortable because I was not expecting this low temperature today. I wasn’t really prepared for it. And on top of that, the trains are not running. The 7 train,” says Laila Silva, who was waiting for a shuttle bus.
Shuttle buses will run from the Vernon Blvd-Jackson Ave Station to Queensboro Plaza, where transit riders are encouraged to transfer to the 7 line for continued travel into Queens or the N and W lines.
The shuttle buses are also making stops at Court Square, which is another recommended transfer location where commuters can catch the E train.
“They should have at least pushed it a day later. You know I think it’s terrible,” says Ray Soto, who waited for a shuttle bus Saturday.
He said he would have liked for the agency to delay the plans because of the brutal winter weather in the city Saturday, with the day starting with temperatures in the single digits.