By Sam Schwartz
Dear Transit Sam,
Beginning the weekend of March 6th, New York City Transit plans to have all A and C trains skip the Fulton St/Broadway-Nassau Station for almost every weekend till August. Why? Can you map out all the ways A and C train straphangers can navigate around this inconvenience?
Bill, John St.
Dear Bill,
I’d be happy to. First, besides the A and C trains, the J, M, Z, 2, 3, 4 and 5 trains all stop at Fulton St. with the 2 and 3 trains running parallel to the A and C trains one avenue over through 96th St (two avenues over up to 135th St.).
The service change is necessary as construction moves forward on the new Fulton Street Transit Center, specifically on the new A and C mezzanine. Leaving the Fulton St. station open would create a safety hazard for customers and slow construction crews. Thus why the weekend closures are necessary. Therefore, on most weekends till August, the northbound A train will operate on the F line between Jay and W. 4th Sts. with southbound A trains bypassing Fulton St. with limited or no C service altogether.
So for readers looking to access the A or C trains going uptown, take the 2 or 3 trains from Fulton St. to Port Authority-42nd St. and transfer to the A or C. For those coming from Upper Manhattan on the A or C trains, you can transfer at Port Authority-42nd St. for a 2 or 3 train or get off at Chambers St. and connect to the 2 or 3 trains at Park Pl. and go one stop to Fulton St.
Transit Sam
Dear Transit Sam,
I hailed a cab from South Street Seaport heading uptown. For most of the ten-minute cab ride, my cabbie was yakking away on his Bluetooth. It really took away from the “passenger experience” I believe I’m entitled to (I also had a throbbing headache). I also thought the driver was a bit erratic, likely caused by the distraction of talking on his Bluetooth. He also dropped me off on the wrong side of the street. Besides venting to you, how can I voice my dismay and file a complaint?
James, City Hall
Dear James,
I’m sorry you had such a dreadful ride uptown. Believe me when I say, I’ve been there and done that. That’s why I’m such a strong supporter of the new Taxi and Limousine Commission rules that ban talking on a cell phone, even with a Bluetooth, in a T.L.C.-licensed vehicle whether you’re on or off duty.
T.L.C. encourages passengers to call 311 or use its Web site www.nyc.gov/taxi to request a hearing, which are scheduled at your convenience, whether in person or by phone. Hopefully, your next cab ride is much smoother (and quieter).
Transit Sam
Dear readers,
Send any and all comments, questions or concerns to TransitSam@downtownexpress.com. We’ll get to the bottom of all your Downtown transit related needs.
Sam Schwartz, a former first deputy commissioner of city transportation, is president and C.E.O. of Sam Schwartz Engineering, a traffic engineering consulting firm to private and public entities including the Port Authority at the World Trade Center site.
