Gentile makes final push, urging MTA to fix ailing R trains
In light of the “summer of hell” on New York’s commuter railways, city Councilmember Vincent Gentile, in a letter to returning MTA Chairman Joe Lhota, made a second call for an audit of the infamous R train, citing specific improvements that are necessary for commuters, in what could be Gentile’s last push effort to rehabilitate the problematic subway line before he leaves office.
In the letter, dated July 24, Gentile lists a number of actions he would like to see take place, including restoration of the “Chambers Street Special” for a shortened R train to run from 95th Street to Chambers Street — which in the past has provided faster, more frequent service from Bay Ridge to Downtown Brooklyn — and an increase in R-train service frequency, particularly during evening hours.
Gentile went on to list the major problems residents have to deal with on the R line, including excessive lateness, overcrowded trains, unkempt stations, inadequate audio systems and the use of older subway cars.