Due to the months-long 63rd Street Track Replacement Project, the MTA is running a service pattern from 30 years ago, which has since become obsolete. Regular F trains have been diverted to the E line between Manhattan and Queens. There is an “F” shuttle train that only runs back and forth between Lexington Ave–63rd Street and 21st Street–Queensbridge on the Manhattan-bound track. Thus, only one platform is being used at Roosevelt Island and 21st Street–Queensbridge, and the shuttle train only boards on the upper level at Lexington Ave–63rd Street. This shuttle train does not run overnight.

The only elevator that connects the platform and mezzanine at the Roosevelt Island station is currently out of service, deeming the station inaccessible.

There is already confusion about the shuttle train due to inadequate annunciation onboard trains and in stations (the PA system at Lexington Ave-63rd Street is defective), as well as the shuttle’s misleading “F” designation. The shuttle train should only be called what it is — a shuttle making only three stops. Announcements need to be made frequently at stations and MTA employees should be actively helping riders.

The Roosevelt Island and 21st Street-Queensbridge stations should also be fare-free for the duration of the project.

Furthermore, blow torches are being used for this track replacement project, resulting in smoke, steel and cement dust at the Roosevelt Island and 21st Street–Queensbridge stations. This is hazardous for people to breathe, especially without proper air ventilation in the stations.

The Roosevelt Island Tram is often overcrowded and tourists have been pushing senior citizens, persons with disabilities and baby strollers to get onboard. At times, there is only one car running, doubling the crowding. The Tram should have priority boarding for seniors and those with disabilities.

The MTA’s shuttle buses running between 21st Street–Queensbridge and Queens Plaza (Q95 during the day and Q94 overnight) come from the Queens Village and Jamaica bus depots, depleting regular bus service in Southeast Queens. There are only three buses on the Q94 overnight. The amount of service on the Q94 and Q95 is dependent on the availability of drivers and vehicles. On weekends, there is only one RIOC shuttle bus between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan, and it only runs hourly in each direction between 3 PM (3:30 PM to Roosevelt Island) and 7 PM (7:30 PM to Roosevelt Island). There should be at least four MTA shuttle buses on each route, as well as a route that connects Roosevelt Island with Manhattan. The shuttle train could go out of service at any time, and a redundancy in service is necessary. The weekend shuttle buses to Manhattan should run 24/7, be operated by the MTA, and there needs to be at least five buses on the route.

The Q102 bus is the only MTA bus that serves Roosevelt Island. There has been no service increase on the Q102, which only has about five buses on weekdays and headways of over 20 minutes. Many workers now have to pay two fares because their commutes have become more complex. Furthermore, a citywide school bus strike is possible, which could force many students onto mass transit. With the current situation on Roosevelt Island, this could exacerbate the situation and cause further problems. There need to be more buses on the Q102 to serve already-disadvantaged Roosevelt Island riders. The Q102 should also be fare-free on Roosevelt Island and at Queens Plaza.

Furthermore, M trains have been cut short, meaning they are not serving Queens during this project. The only line on Queens Boulevard running local is the R, and there is not enough service to meet the already-high demand of this essential subway branch. Thus, the G train needs to be extended from Court Square to Forest Hills-71st Avenue to fill in the gap in service along Queens Boulevard.

We understand that these extra services will require additional funding. That being said, Roosevelt Island and Queensbridge residents, especially essential workers and people with disabilities, should not have to suffer the additional 25-30 minutes to their commutes each day. The alternative service should be better than the provided subway service.