NYC Subway F and M Lines Swap Routes on Weekdays to Reduce Delays

Queens Boulevard Line History and Changes

• 💡 The Queens Boulevard line, built in the 1930s as part of the IND subway system, was designed as a four-track "super highway" to quickly transport Queens commuters to Midtown Manhattan.
• 📌 Historically, F and M trains ran side-by-side in Queens but split into different tunnels for Manhattan access, with the F serving 63rd Street and the M serving 53rd Street.

New Weekday Route Swaps

• 🚀 Starting today, the F and M trains are officially swapping routes on weekdays.
• 🗺️ F trains will now serve stations previously served by the M at Queens Plaza, Court Square, Lexington Avenue/53rd Street, and Fifth Avenue.
• 📍 M trains will now serve stations previously served by the F at Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Avenue/63rd Street, and 57th Street.

Goals and Rider Impact

• 🎯 The primary goal of this permanent switch is to alleviate congestion and bottlenecks at Queens Plaza, which currently cause delays for the E, F, M, and R trains.
• 📊 The MTA estimates that approximately 15-20% of rush hour trains are delayed due to these bottlenecks.
• 👥 This change is expected to impact about 1.2 million riders.

Implementation and Rider Information

• ✅ The change took effect permanently at 6:00 a.m. this morning, with station workers distributing pamphlets and making announcements.
• 📱 Riders can find more information on the MTA app or by looking at the maps and pamphlets provided at stations.
• ⚠️ It's important to note that this route swap only applies to weekdays; overnights and weekends will maintain normal service.
• 💬 Riders expressed a mix of acceptance and the need to get used to the new system, with some noting it simplifies their commute by only needing one train now.