Here Comes A Headache

Improvements to the 7 train are a welcomed thing. The 7 services some of the City’s busiest stops, including the end of the line at Flushing-Main Street. As it carries more than 425,000 people on any given weekend, should any part of the subway line be any less than state-of-the-art? Unfortunately, as the 7 train gets an overhaul, its customers get a headache from the service disruptions.

With weekend service suspended between Times Square and Queensboro Plaza, it makes it difficult for anyone to visit Queens from outside the borough. The burgeoning arts community in Western Queens will suffer from the loss of direct public transportation. Other parts of the borough will also likely feel a pinch as some may avoid coming to Queens rather than figure out the most convenient way to travel without the 7 train.

While there are benefits – Queens residents and their money may choose to stay in the borough rather than deal with the headache of going to Manhattan – the downside seems to be much more grave.

As the disruptions will continue through April 2 – thankfully ending before the Mets begin the first home stand of the season against the Atlanta Braves – the city needs to find more ways to provide transportation into the borough. Once that happens, maybe Queens residents won’t feel so much like afterthoughts when City officials make their plans.