Gothamist: No OPTO for L: L Train Must Have Conductors!

adam

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 12:03:08 -0500

well last night after visiting a friend all the way up at fordham in the bronx, i had to take a bus to the D train, the D to 59th, and the A to 14th, only to discover that the L train was not running. i saw no signs posted at all during my morning commute to let me know this. graciously the mta offered a shuttle bus that crawled it's way across 14th from 8th to 1st, then down A to delancey. waiting for the J took about 20 minutes, and it too inched it's way across the williamsburg bridge. a walk through the southside (where recently the locals have been lashing out against the newcomers). another pleasant MTA experience.

thfs

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 11:43:37 -0500

I've also noticed a few second delays on the weekends on the doors opening and closing. But add those up delays over a whole line and it leaves trains bunched up. I've noticed that as a result, weekend service is more sporatic. Also when/if they go to OPTO during rush hour- won't that seriously clog up the system?

Joclyn

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 10:23:17 -0500

What L train on weekends? I always see that sign saying that there is only shuttle bus service between Rockaway Parkway and 8th Avenue. And then I am thankful that I do not rely on the L train.

Jim

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 09:38:22 -0500

I think it is hilarious to see Transit worker union or "Straphanger" (wtf?) advocates talk about an add'l train operator as a useful resource in case of some terrorist attack. The fat bastard that works on the R I take in the AM will undoubtedly Costanza his way out of the train before doing anything to help passengers. What, if any, training (and certifications) do those people have to respond to a bomb, gas attack, etc.?

Ben Mason

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 09:04:07 -0500

It really was no different. I do agree that some times it would tkae 1 or 2 seconds after the train stoped to open the doors.

out hud

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 08:41:55 -0500

The L train is a swell train and I don't want to hear you indies complain.

tien

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 08:38:10 -0500

i think the main difference is that it takes a little longer to open/close the doors and to start up as the engineer sometimes has to walk to the other side of his compartment.