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In a subject near and dear to our hearts, the NY Times has an article on the G train today and how the MTA is moving the G towards full-time OPTO (One-Person Train Operation) despite increased ridership. Unlike most trains in the subway system, the G is a shorty, operating with four cars at all times and without a conductor on weekends. So while moving to full-time OPTO may not seem like such a change, the article does mention the possible loss of the "G train sprint". The sprint is much more than your typical run for the train. Riders on the G sometimes have to run half the length of the platform to catch the train. Usually when the conductor sees this, they will wait for the sprinting riders, but without a conductor, will the G train sprint become passé? (We hope not because it kind of serves as our daily exercise routine.)
The article also details the horrendous construction schedule that the G has run under this year - 42 weekends of Court Square terminus (as opposed to running to Forrest Hills, several nights and weekends of two segment operation, and the occasional express operation in Queens. Perhaps with the increased ridership on the train and new development along the G, the MTA will reconsider OPTO if only to preserve the G train sprint.
And for those that really want to show their G train pride, there's always the transit store t-shirt.
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Did you know the G is the only subway line (excluding shuttles) that does not go to Manhattan? It just goes between Queens and Brooklyn. Although I once rode an errant G train in Manhattan once on the 6th Avenue IND.
At least they are kind enough to have the train alarms in all of the stations I use for the G. So then at least you know a train is coming, even if it's not yours. Of course now every time I hear a high pitched beep, I begin to run.
I am not sure OPOT is going to make a huge difference on the already crappy G. Perhaps they could just put more benches in so we all have somewhere to sit while we wait.
yep. indeed i did.
I use the G from Ft. Greene/Boerum Hill to go to Williamsburg on the weekends sometimes. With the drastic rise in youth population in those neighborhoods, I would be curious to see what the increase in ridership on weekENDS has been in the last 5 years. I would think it would be nearly as important for that line.
I'm not that familiar with the G line, but why don't people just wait in the middle of the platform for the short trains? Wouldn't that cut down on having to sprint for a train if you're waiting at the wrong end?
It's not about waiting for the train, doofus - it's about coming down the steps when the train is already in the station, half a platform ahead of you. It happens way more often than anyone would like, especially on weekday mornings.
And the G train is worth sprinting for, because if you miss one on a weekday morning, it could easily be 15 minutes before the next one comes.
yeah, what anna said. plus if you just miss it on a weekend, you could grow old by the time the next one comes...while standing on the exposed & blustery smith/9th platform.
Well, weekday mornings are actually the only time the G train is ever worth anything. During rush hour it comes every 5 minutes or so, I think. I've really only ridden it on weekdays between 8:15 and 8:30, though, so maybe after or before that it's no good.
What bothers me most about this development is how unsafe the G train already is (remember the girl who got raped on the platform while MTA personnel watched idly?!) and now they're taking staff off those trains? Great...
Worse subway station in NYC has to be the G 21st/Jackson Ave. I feel like i am going to die of Lead poisoning and rust when I am in there.
Jaymes, you could be right. I don't use that station very much, but as I recall, the stairs are in the middle. I guess you only have to do the "rape sprint" as opposed to the regular sprint in my station (Nassau). In fact, I've often sprinted for the G past one of the MTA public service "don't run" posters.
Of course, Nassau IS a haven for giant rats, non-functioning turnstiles, old drunks, and crotch odor, in addition to entrances on either end, so we may still beat you guys!