Learn The New L Train Schedule At These Meetings With The MTA

WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN — L train riders confused about how the new plans to fix the subway line will change their commute may get finally some answers the next few months. The MTA has scheduled four open houses where riders can ask questions about the new renovation plans and figure out exactly when and where they might need to find another way to get around the city.

The L train has already started closing each weekend as part of the new construction plan to fix the Canarsie tunnel, which will shut down the subway line on some weeknights and weekends instead of for a full 15 months.

But the new schedule also means additional transportation services planned for the full shutdown have shifted as well. The open houses will let riders learn exactly how to use additional M14A buses, Williamsburg "Link Buses" and G, 7 and M trains to get around when the L isn't running. Each open house will run from 6 to 8 p.m.

Here's when and where they will be held:

• Thursday, March 7: Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Bernard, 328 W14 St (btw 8th and 9th Aves)
• Wednesday, March 13: Williamsburg Northside School, 299 N7th St (at Meeker Ave)
• Tuesday, March 19: Grand Street Campus High School, 850 Grand St (btw Bushwick Ave & Waterbury St)
• Monday, April 8: 14th St Y, 344 E14 St (btw 1st & 2nd Aves)

Riders can also meet with MTA members on subway platforms and in train cars starting in March to ask questions, MTA officials said. They can get info on the updated construction approach, the new service plan and one-on-one trip planning to help navigate the service changes.

The transit officials briefed community leaders and elected officials a few weeks ago about the changes, which have faced pushback from politicians and transit groups looking for more answers about the shift. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the L train shutdown, which had been planned for three years, would no longer need to happen just after the New Year.

MTA officials maintain that the project will still be better than the full 15-month halt to service.

“The revised approach to the L Project would be massively better for our customers, the vast majority of which won’t experience changes in services,” said Veronique Hakim, Managing Director, MTA. “...We have a plan for extra subway and bus service, free transfers, and more so customers can pick the best option for them. We’re looking forward to meeting customers to help them plan ahead with the right tools and information at our upcoming open houses.”