Electeds Share Options as G-Train Shutdown Begins

Electeds: India Street Ferry Finally Back in Service; Check-in on Impacts in Ten Days

BROOKLYN -- The G-train shutdown, which begins tonight at 10:30pm, will leave Greenpointers and northern Brooklynites without a vital transportation lifeline for 5-weeks. These repairs will address Sandy-related damage to the subway tunnels between Nassau Avenue and Long Island City. Fortunately, through the advocacy of Senator Squadron, Councilmember Levin, Assemblymember Lentol, and Congresswoman Maloney, the MTA will provide the following accommodations, in addition to a free shuttle bus between the affected stations:

• Provide riders with a free transfer between the Broadway G and Lorimer J/M stops
• Monitor B32 bus usage during the closure and possibly increase its frequency
• Ensure planned service outages do not occur on the L, J, M or Z lines during the closure

Senator Squadron will be hosting a conference call on August 4th to check-in with the MTA and DOT on the affects of the shutdown.

Additionally, the India Street ferry has finally been restored. Service has been suspended for more than five months since the pier collapsed in February. Senator Squadron and Councilmember Levin have consistently urged EDC and RedSky to restore the pier as soon as safely possible, but especially before the G-train shutdown.

"The G train shutdown is going to be painful, but hopefully more options will mean less inconvenience for Greenpoint. Fortunately, service has been restored just in time – it took too long, but I'm glad the option is back," said State Senator Daniel Squadron. “I look forward to working with EDC as Red Sky provides further details on what happened in February. The ferry is such a transportation lifeline for so many, and I will continue to work with EDC on further improvements to the India Street pier, and service expansion."

"For the next five weeks we will be missing a major component of our transportation system. While the G train suspension is necessary, it is going to create serious transportation difficulties for the community and it is important that people are aware of what options will be available during this time period," said Councilmember Steve Levin. "I am thankful that East River Ferry service at India Street will resume this Saturday and that residents will have another transportation option while G train service is suspended."

“With the impending G train closure, riders need all the alternatives they can get. I am glad the India street pier was repaired in time to cater to Greenpoint residents that take advantage of the East River Ferry service on a regular basis," said Assemblymember Joseph Lentol. "It will  also once again provide an alternate means of transportation for tourists that frequently visit the beautiful neighborhood of Greenpoint. I also would like to thank the MTA for addressing some of the concerns that my colleagues and I voiced with regards to the G train closure. The MTA has guaranteed an open line of communication throughout the closure and have assured me they are open to make changes during the five weeks, if necessary.”

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney met with Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen and EDC President Kyle Kimball regarding the repairs.  She then inspected the site last weekend.  “When I visited the Ferry stop last weekend, I was pleased to see that work was nearly competed.  Ferry service resuming at the India Street Landing is great news for Greenpoint commuters and now that the G Train is going to be out of service, the ferry serves an even more crucial role.”