By Angelina Banek
After a long summer of repairs, on Tuesday Sep. 3 The MTA announced G train service
would resume between Brooklyn and Queens.
The shutdown started on Jun. 28, 2024. Since then, the only public transportation
alternatives connecting Brooklyn and Queens were bus lines. Or, commuters could take a
Manhattan bound train and later transfer.
During the summer months, this $368 million project successfully replaced dated signal
equipment across the entire G train line and tackled large repair initiatives, such as the
reconstruction of the Court Square interlocking.
In a press release the MTA detailed what led to this extended pause of service.
“Much of the signals on the train date back to the line’s debut in the 1930s and have
been a frequent source of service disruptions and delays,” the MTA said.
According to the MTA, this was also the first modernization project of its kind and it will
provide more dependable service for over 150,000 commuters. Still, some residents of Brooklyn
and Queens argue that there are still not enough public transportation options within these
boroughs.
“It’s super useful when you want direct access between Queens and Brooklyn,” said
Saul Herrera, a Queens resident.
This daily commuter also argued the train line would be a better resource if it extended
further into Queens.
“It would be more useful if it went to Steinway Street or higher up in Astoria or by
Jackson Heights. It just goes two stops into Queens,” Herrera said.
When traveling between boroughs, Brooklyn resident Jaclyn Rodriguez would rather opt
for an Uber.
“There are not enough connections between Brooklyn and Queens,” she said. “Say
you’re going to a Mets game, which is a 40 minute drive typically from Brooklyn, it turns into a
two hour subway trip.”
According to The MTA Press Release, Assembly Member Phara Souffrant, who
represents District 57 in Brooklyn, is pleased with the work made to this essential line.
“The train is a critical transit line for my district and the CBTC signal upgrades will help
commuters across Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Bed-Stuy,” Souffrant said.
While the extended absence of G train service is over, planned suspensions continue
beginning Sep. 16 2024. There will be no G train service Monday Sep. 16th until Friday Sep.
20th overnight. Work on this signal project is expected to continue into 2027.