My fellow Greenpointers, to paraphrase President Gerald Ford’s inauguration speech, our long, hyperlocal nightmare is over.
The G train has finally reopened in our neighborhood, marking the end of the second phase of the shutdown. From June 28 until July 5, G trains were suspended from Court Square to Nassau Avenue. From July 5 to August 12, G trains were suspended from Court Square to Bedford-Nostrand. The shutdown is part of the MTA’s plan to install an updated signal system for the beleaguered line.
It’s not completely over with, as work now starts up in the section running from Bedford-Nostrand to Church Avenue. That work will last through Labor Day, September 2. As with the second phase, shuttle bus service will replace the route.Â
I’ll give the MTA some credit—the shuttle buses did arrive frequently. However, it also took about 2-3 times longer to make a basic trip. A dedicated busway on Manhattan Avenue would have helped clear up some of that unnecessary congestion, but the MTA showed no interest in that option. But that’s no longer our problem, so to the residents of Bed-Stuy, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, Carroll Gardens, and Park Slope, I say: godspeed.
I’ll believe it when I see it. ; ) Tomorrow will be the moment of truth (my first time using the G since it shut down in June), will report back!
And. I didnt see issues
So, the G’s back (in Greenpoint). I thought they were going to do a station refresh, other cosmetic improvements, consider longer trains (much needed), etc? Doesn’t look any different than before it closed, still a bit grimy and surfaces questionable in places. I guess it was mostly closed for the signaling issue, but going by other comments here that doesn’t seem much improved, either. So – purpose for closing down the the whole thing during the peak of summer?
TBH it was nice to explore the ferry to M15 bus option during the summer (much more pleasant) but having to then take a cross town bus after that made it unsustainable in the end – commute took 3x longer, although a much better experience overall. Subway method is much faster, that’s the ONLY benefit to going this route.
Having the shuttle bus run on Manhattan Ave was a nightmare. I am glad to see them ginr
Shuttle bus was a slow ride I took B62 instead worked out much better. Took G for the first time and get this was running with delays due to signal issue at Nassau. However, I still made great time in getting to Court but here is a tip do not hold onto the handrail thing without a tissue it is covered in soot. Glad to have G back would be nice to see more cars on it but … whatever
Agree, the B62 was the way to go vs those horrid shuttles, yes, always there but packed like sardines (cuz people couldnt wait another minute or two for the next one … ugh) – saw two major arguments/fights break out on there from Court Square (ie return trips, when people are tired and miserable) when I used it a few times. B62 stop is two blocks from my place – shuttle 8 blocks away on Greenpoint Ave. Also, horrid traffic in the morning to McGuinness/and then ON McGuinness from the shuttle route on Greenpoint Ave. So, no brainer which bus to take while that mess was going on.
Not celebrating just yet for those of us in northern GP who have to take the G nearly it’s whole length for work. Still in the weeds there.
The first day that the service was resumed,the train was running one way with delays. there were workers on the tracks.