Gothamist: Subway Track Weirdness

hy

Fri, 25 Jun 2004 14:54:37 -0500

The set of "extra tracks" on the F/G line in Brooklyn actually starts underneath Bergen St (there's an abandoned station underneath the current Bergen St. station--see Satan's Laundromat or callalillie for photos). There was a moment in time when the F-train ran express from Bergen St. (stopping on the that lower level) all the way to 7th Avenue (Park Slope), which explains why these tracks seem to be just "extra" ones now. These tracks are still used today every now and then when there's a Service Change along the F-line (i.e. "F-trains run express from Jay St. Borough Hall to 7th Ave")--and sometimes you can even catch a glimpse of the Bergen St. lower level. Joseph Brennan has more on why this station was abandoned and how service on this line ran before it was abandoned.

Patrick

Fri, 25 Jun 2004 13:31:30 -0500

Does any one know what that extra set of tracks on the F line in Brooklyn is for? They appear from below at the Carrol Gdns stop and continue on to at least the 4th and 9th stop (where I get off). They appear to be express or something, and judging by the amount of rust, not generally used.

Jen

Thu, 24 Jun 2004 22:38:06 -0500

Ooh...the middle unused platform is like what the modern airport shuttle is like - one side is where the passengers exit, and then after a few moments, the other side of doors opens for new passengers. I think they should bring that back!

hy

Thu, 24 Jun 2004 13:54:29 -0500

Regarding the unused platform at Hoyt/Schermerhorn (according to NYCSubway.org): "The outer pair are used solely to connect to the NY Transit Museum, but have been used in the past for the "HH" local and shuttle service to Court Street." [link] Whereas, the unused platform at 59th St./Columbus Circle (IND): "The center island was originally used for unloading of passengers and is no longer used due to difficulty in opening doors on both sides of the train. It is occasionally used for fan trips, for instance the Summer 2000 Nostalgia Train trips." [link]

erikka

Thu, 24 Jun 2004 11:48:06 -0500

What about stations that have an extra platform nestled between the funtional ones - such as Hoyt/Schmerhorn?