MTA to boost subway service on nights, weekends this summer

The MTA has announced plans to expand subway service on 21 lines this summer, but some riders say that while the move is a step in the right direction, the wait time between trains is still too long.

The G, J, and M lines will improve weekend service beginning in July, allowing trains to arrive every 8 to 9 minutes, reducing wait times by a valuable two minutes. The C, N, and R lines will also follow suit in August with additional weekday and weekend service, resulting in even shorter wait times.

But is it enough? It’s the first major increase in service since the pandemic, and it’s all thanks to a $35M allotment from the new state budget.

The funding will cover additional train crews, electrical power, and maintenance.
While it’s certainly a step in the right direction, some riders wonder if it’s really enough.
According to the MTA, ridership on city subways is just over 4 million on a given weekday, which is a big increase from last year but still below pre-pandemic levels.
The MTA argues that demand is still there, and more subway lines will be up and running quicker later this year and into next summer.
So, if every minute counts when you ride the subway, the schedule boosts are definitely something to look forward to.